Cuts and rashes can cause redness and irritation. When ailments such as dermatitis or eczema occur, it is normal to have the desire to solve the problem quickly. It is possible to heal the skin in no time by using commercial products such as antibiotic ointments, which can act faster than natural remedies such as honey and tea tree oil. Adopting good skin care habits can speed healing, leaving few scars. If the situation does not improve despite home care or if you are concerned that you have an infection, contact your dermatologist immediately for a prescription.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Treating Cuts and Scratches
Step 1. Wash the affected area with warm water
Remove dirt or other residues from the skin by rinsing it with warm water. Make sure it's not too hot, or you risk damaging your skin even more. Let the water run over the area affected by the cut or scratch.
As you wash the wound, see if it is particularly deep or extensive. If you can see any tissue or fat, or it is more than 8 cm in diameter, seek immediate medical attention. Stitches may be needed for the wound to heal properly
Step 2. Apply antibiotic ointment
Look for an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment at a drugstore or drugstore. Apply it 1 or 3 times a day (or following the instructions on the package) with clean fingers. The ointment helps keep the skin hydrated and prevents bacteria from contaminating the wound, thus promoting healing.
You can use antibiotic ointments based on benzalkonium chloride or bacitracin
Step 3. Cover the scratch or cut with a band-aid
The patch helps keep the wound well hydrated and protected. If it is not very large, use a small patch. If it is wider, apply lint-free gauze to the affected area and secure it with medical tape.
Step 4. Change the patch or bandage once a day and keep the cut or scratch covered
To make sure it heals quickly, be sure to replace the patch or bandage every 24 hours. Remove the old one and apply antibiotic ointment to the wound. Then, put on a new patch or gauze. Keep the affected area covered to keep it hydrated and heal quickly.
- Make sure you cover the cut or scratch before you go out and expose your skin to the sun. The sun's rays can cause pigmentation changes on the area affected by the wound, lengthening the healing time.
- The bandage should only be removed before taking a shower, as the steam promotes wound healing.
Step 5. If the wound does not heal after 1 to 3 weeks, see a doctor
Almost all minor cuts and superficial scratches heal on their own within 1 to 3 weeks without leaving any scars. If the wound shows no signs of improvement, or a scab does not form, see a doctor. He will be able to evaluate the cut or scratch and determine if it is infected.
Method 2 of 3: Treating Skin Rashes and Irritations
Step 1. Use a cold compress to soothe the skin
If the rash shows signs of swelling or irritation, relieve it by applying a clean towel soaked in cold water. Place it on the affected area and leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes at a time.
- Do not rub the towel on your skin, otherwise you risk irritating it even more.
- Change the tablet every 5 to 10 minutes to keep the affected area fresh.
Step 2. Apply hydrocortisone ointment
Hydrocortisone helps reduce redness and swelling. Look for a cream containing this active ingredient at a pharmacy or drugstore. Apply it once or twice a day with a clean finger.
After healing is complete, stop using hydrocortisone ointment, as applying it to healthy skin can cause redness
Step 3. Use aloe vera or calendula for irritated skin
Aloe vera is available in the form of a gel or ointment. You can also extract some fresh juice from a plant and apply it to the skin. To stimulate healing, massage the aloe vera on the skin 1 or 2 times a day creating 2 layers of product.
Calendula is usually available in the form of an ointment. Apply it with clean fingers on the affected area 1 or 2 times a day. You can find it in herbal medicine or on the internet
Step 4. Make a tea tree oil compress to soothe dry skin
Tea tree oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that are effective for treating irritated skin. Dilute it before proceeding with the application, as it can be quite strong. Mix 2 or 4 drops of tea tree oil with 2 (15 or 30 ml) tablespoons of water. Soak a cotton pad or cloth in the mixture and pat it on the affected area. Do this once a day until healing is complete.
- Tea tree oil can be found in herbal shops or on the internet.
- You can also prepare a warm bath by pouring 2 or 4 drops of tea tree oil into the water.
Step 5. Apply petroleum jelly on the rashes
Thick consistency gels such as petroleum jelly are effective for soothing skin suffering from dryness and irritation due to a rash. Apply 1 or 2 layers of petroleum jelly to the affected area using clean fingers. Repeat 1 or 3 times a day to keep it hydrated and relieve any discomfort such as itching or swelling.
Step 6. Avoid using soaps or creams containing harsh fragrances and ingredients
Artificial chemicals and fragrances can irritate the skin even more. Avoid soaps, lotions, and sprays that contain these ingredients so your skin can heal.
Read the ingredient list on the soaps or lotions you use to make sure they don't contain harsh chemicals or additives
Step 7. Do not scratch or pick on the area affected by the rash
Resist the urge to scratch it, or it will only make it worse. Cover it with a thick cloth or bandage to protect it and avoid touching it.
If the rash begins to peel, do not try to lift the dead skin, as this will lengthen the healing process. Let the skin fall off on its own
Step 8. If you experience a rash accompanied by pain, swelling, or a warm sensation to the touch, see a dermatologist
It could be an infection or a more serious problem. You should also go to the doctor if you have a fever, chest pain, or difficulty breathing.
The dermatologist will examine the skin to determine the cause. He might also take a sample to test to understand the triggering factor of the problem
Step 9. Discuss the various treatments available
If the disorder is due to a rash or allergic reaction, your dermatologist may prescribe an antibiotic ointment. It may also suggest that you avoid foods or substances that are potentially responsible for the disorder.
Method 3 of 3: Treating Dryness and Eczema
Step 1. Use mineral oil or petroleum jelly to treat dry skin problems or eczema
Mineral oil helps keep the skin soft and hydrated. Petroleum jelly is another good option, as it creates a thick barrier on the skin to prevent it from drying out even more. Apply mineral oil or petroleum jelly to affected areas 1 to 3 times a day using clean fingers.
Step 2. For dry skin or eczema, use Manuka honey, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
More potent than other types of honey, it helps treat ailments such as dryness and eczema. Apply it to the skin with clean fingers and let it dry. Repeat the procedure several times a day to speed up healing.
Look for honey that has a high Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) of 10 or higher. This product is available in herbal medicine or on the internet
Step 3. Use a soothing oil-based serum for dry skin
Oil-based serums contain ingredients with therapeutic properties that help soothe the skin and reduce swelling or irritation. Buy one that has calming properties at a herbalist's shop or online. Tap 1 or 2 drops on the skin 1 or 2 times a day, preferably morning and evening.
Make sure the serum does not contain fragrances, harsh chemicals or artificial ingredients, which can irritate the skin
Step 4. Take short showers or baths to keep skin hydrated
When you wash, keep the door closed to prevent steam from escaping. Take 5 to 10 minute showers or baths using warm rather than hot water.
- Taking long, hot showers or baths can dry out your skin and irritate it even more.
- When washing, do not expose open wounds or cuts to hot water, as this will damage the skin even more. Instead, use lukewarm water.
Step 5. Use a mild cleanser
Make sure it doesn't contain any fragrances, preservatives, dyes, or chemicals. Look for a specific product for dry, eczema-affected skin. It should be gentle and have therapeutic properties for the skin.
You can find examples of detergents suitable for eczema sufferers on the following site:
Step 6. Apply a moisturizer as soon as you get out of the shower or bath
Pat your skin dry with a towel and immediately apply a soothing moisturizer. In addition to trapping water on the surface layer of the skin, it prevents it from drying out. Use a product that contains natural ingredients like shea butter, oats, and oils like olive or jojoba.
- Moisturizers that contain mineral oils, lactic acid and lanolin can also give good results.
- Once the cream is spread, apply an oil-based serum or ointment to keep the skin hydrated and help it heal.
Step 7. Resist the urge to scratch or pinch the eczema
Rubbing, pinching, and teasing the skin will only make the situation worse. Try not to scratch the affected areas, otherwise you risk spreading the eczema to other parts of the body. Wear thick clothing and keep your skin covered so as not to succumb to temptation.
When you feel the urge to scratch, try using mineral oil or petroleum jelly to soothe your skin without damaging it
Step 8. Wear clothes made of fabrics that allow your skin to breathe
Opt for cotton and linen clothing. Choose hyper-breathable garments to prevent your skin from irritating over the course of the day.
Avoid clothing made from wool, nylon, and other non-breathable fabrics
Step 9. See a dermatologist if your skin does not improve within 2 to 3 weeks
If treating it at home is not enough, let yourself be guided by a specialist. He or she may prescribe a medicated cream to treat eczema and dryness. He may also suggest that you make changes to your lifestyle and diet to help combat the disorder.
Advice
- While healing, make sure you sleep for at least 8 hours a night. The skin heals first when it rests well.
- Incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet and drink plenty of water during the healing phase.
