What are skin allergies?
Skin allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a perceived threat that would typically be harmless to your body. Common symptoms of a skin allergic reaction may include:- itching
- redness
- swelling
- raised bumps
- skin flaking
- skin cracking (from dry skin)
The most effective way to avoid skin allergies is to limit or avoid contact with the allergen. But if you do come in contact with the allergen, there are home remedies for addressing the symptoms.
How to treat a skin allergy at home
There a number of home remedies that people have used for years to relieve the symptoms caused by allergic skin reactions. Here are some of them:
Oatmeal
Oatmeal has a variety of biologically active properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components. These all can help soothe the itch of allergic skin reactions.Popular ways to use oatmeal to treat a skin allergic reaction include an oatmeal bath or poultice. Both require powdered oatmeal. You can make powdered oatmeal by grinding store-bought oatmeal into a fine powder using a blender, food processor, or coffee grinder.
Oatmeal bath
Add 1 cup of powdered oatmeal to a bathtub of lukewarm water.
Mix the oatmeal thoroughly into the bathwater.
Get into the tub and fully immerse your body.
After 30 minutes, rinse yourself with a cool, gentle shower.
Oatmeal poultice
Add 1/4 cup of powdered oatmeal into a mixing bowl.
Mix distilled water into the powdered oatmeal, 1 tsp. at a time.
Continue mixing and adding water until you have a smooth, spreadable paste.
Apply the paste to the affected area.
Gently bandage the area with a moistened cloth.
After 30 minutes, remove the moist cloth and gently rinse the area with cool water.
Moisturize the area.
Options: You can also add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil, four drops of lavender essential oil, or even both.
Baking soda
Baking soda can address skin pH imbalance and works as an anti-inflammatory to soothe your skin allergy.Baking soda paste
Mix together 4 tbsp. of baking soda and 12 tbsp. of distilled water until it forms a paste.
Apply the paste to the itchy area.
After 10 minutes, gently rinse the area with cool water.
Option: Instead of water, use coconut oil.
Baking soda bath
Mix 1 cup of baking soda into a bathtub of lukewarm water.
Stir until thoroughly mixed.
Soak your fully immersed body for about 15-minutes.
Rinse yourself in a gentle, lukewarm shower.
Read more about a baking soda bath, including who shouldn’t take one.
Plants and herbs
Natural practitioners recommend a variety of plants to treat skin allergies. Some of these recommended plants include:Aloe vera. Topical use of the clear gel of the aloe plant may soothe the itch of atopic dermatitis and other skin issues.
Rumex japonicus Houtt. A 2006 study identified this common perennial herb as a potentially effective alternative therapy for atopic dermatitis.
Persimmon leaf extract. A 2002 study on mice found oral intake of persimmon leaf extract demonstrated both preventive and healing qualities for atopic dermatitis.
Konjac ceramide. A 2006 study indicated that taking konjac ceramide by mouth improved skin conditions and reduced allergic responses in children with atopic dermatitis.
Other plants and herbs often suggested by natural health practitioners as skin allergy home remedies include:
- basil
- chamomile
- coriander
- English marigold
- neem
- stinging nettle
The takeaway
If your skin has an allergic reaction to a plant, animal, food, or other substance, there are a number of of home remedies that can help you find relief.As with any treatment you’re considering, consult with your doctor before following any medication — natural or otherwise.
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