How to Cool Skin Rashes

Many different irritants can cause a skin rash. Laundry detergents, indoor heating, food allergies, contact with plant and bacterial or fungus infections are just a few of substances that can cause intense itching, redness, scaling, and swelling of the skin. To treat the rash correctly it is important to try to identify the kind of rash and the cause of the irritation. A dermatologist is a physician that specializes in disorders of the skin and can help you find the best treatment for your skin condition. A number of home remedies are also used to help cool and soothe skin rashes.

Things You'll Need

• cold compress
• aloe vera gel
• menthol lotion
• benzocaine cream
• calamine lotion

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Instructions

• 1

  Apply a cold compress. A cold compress will temporarily reduce the stinging, itching, and swelling of any skin irritation. Wet a washcloth and put it into the freezer for a short time, then apply it to the affected area for 10 to 20 minutes for cooling relief. Gel packs that can be cooled in the refrigerator are also good as compresses.

• 2

  Try aloe vera gel. Aloe vera is plant whose leaves produce a gel-like substance that soothes and cools when applied to the skin. It can be found in gel or lotion form in drug stores, discount stores, and supermarkets and is often used to soothe sunburns. It is safe to use on children.

• 3

  Soak in an oatmeal colloidal bath. Oatmeal in this fine powder form can be dissolved in bath water to give cooling, soothing relief to poison ivy rash, chicken pox, and psoriasis. Soak for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Do not rub your skin when drying off. Pat dry gently and allow the colloidal to continue soothing the rash.

• 4

  Apply calamine lotion. Calamine lotion is a very old remedy, but is still very effective for skin irritations like poison ivy, poison oak, insect bites and eczema. It is a compound made of zinc and iron oxide in a pink lotion and is applied directly onto the skin as needed.

• 5

  Buy a lotion with menthol. Menthol when applied to the skin gives a cooling, soothing sensation. Aveeno has a lotion with menthol that can be found at drug stores and discount stores. Menthol can sting and should not be used on delicate tissues.

• 6

  Find a cream with benzocaine. Benzocaine is a topical anesthetic that will numb irritated skin and relieve itching and stinging. A number of lotions containing benzocaine are on the market and can be found in most major drugstores.