Easy to follow Tips for Skin Allergy ( The medical term for itching is pruritis)
Allergies occur when the immune system reacts abnormally to
certain stimuli. Reactions may occur in one spot such as a small localized skin
rash , itchy eyes or all over as urticaria. It is an inflammatory reaction to
your skin and the source of that
inflammation is very likely be the foods that you are putting through your mouth into your digestive system. The
most effective and affordable option is to strictly remove the suspected foods
from your diet and observe changes.
Another
more causes of red and itchy skin
:- Eczema, Psoriasis, Allergies,
Insect bites, Excessive sweating, Soaps , Detergent , Shampoos or Cosmetics
that do not suit your skin can also lead to rashes. It may be a symptom of
certain fungal, bacterial or viral infection as well.
Natural Home Remedies are :-
Cold Applications – Because cold and
itch travel along the same nerve fiber. The use of cold things jams the circuit
and deadens the itch.
-cool showers.
-Cool water either by running tap
water over the affected area or pour
water with a bottle from the
refrigerator.
-Ice Packs.
Coconut oil – whether due to dry skin
or an insect bite - whatever the cause of the itch, coconut oil works wonder.
Aloe vera – It soothes
the skin and relieves swelling and irritation . Break off a leaf from the plant
and cut it open lengthwise from top to bottom with a knife. Scoop out the gel
inside and rub it directly on the irritated skin.
Fresh Basil
Leaves
– It contains anti itch compounds called camphor and thymol
. Crush up the leaves and rub directly onto the skin . Rubbing the leaves onto
the skin satisfies the compulsive urge to scratch.
Turmeric - Add a little turmeric powder to some coconut
oil and apply on the itchy area . It helps to heal the rashes naturally. As you know turmeric is packed with anti bacterial and anti
inflammatory properties . So it soothes the rashes and relieves itching.
Petroleum
Jelly –
If your skin is of the sensitive type , the best remedy is petroleum jelly . It is
safe as well as inexpensive . So you do
not have to worry about how often you apply it.
Fruit peels :- Banana/ watermelon peels
are very helpful in rashes. Bananas are loaded with anti oxidant compounds
which when applied to your skin can help reduce the swelling and inflammation
associated with allergies. Potassium in bananas also helps restore a healthy
fluid balance to the affected skin.
Apple cider vinegar – Drink a
glass of water with 1 tbs apple cider vinegar
and 1 tbs of honey. This is a
good natural remedy for skin allergy.
Honey – Even
having simple honey daily helps to
strengthen the immunity.
Green Tea –
It is one of the easiest and effective natural
allergy remedies. What you have to do is
, just soak a tea bag of green tea in a
cup , like you normally would . Then rub the tea bag over the affected area of
the skin. It helps reduce the swelling, redness,
irritation etc. from the skin
allergy.
Diet Plan :-A healthy diet helps to protect
you from allergies. It is important to boost immunity by consuming healthy and
nutritious foods.
Taking diet as rich in
natural foods such as fresh fruits , vegetables and drinking at least 8- 10
glasses of fresh water every day. Drink fruit juices and vegetable juices everyday
to detoxify the body.
Nuts – Rich in vitamin E help to strengthen immunity.
Eat food rich in vitamin
B and C ( tomatoes oranges are rich source of vitamin C)
that is helpful in
the prevention of skin allergies.
An apple a day does not exactly keep the pollen allergy away
but a powerful combo of compounds found in apples are very helpful in allergy. This is my
personal experience when I eat an apple within 5 minutes my blocked sinuses open and I feel relaxed.
Red grapes – powerful
antioxidants are found in the skin of red grapes . It has also anti
inflammatory property.
Quercetin is known
to be one of the best natural remedies for allergies. It is found in onions, parsley,
olive oil , apples and grapes.
Avoid spicy
foods.
Avoid
alcohol consumption.
Note – Itching itself is not associated
with long term problems and most causes of itching are temporary and resolve on their own. If you have a rash that does not
improve or go away with in a few days and the itch is disturbing one’s sleep,
you should consult a doctor.
Avoid
stress
– Meditation do helps in reducing the skin allergies.
Avoid using cosmetic products on the skin that contain
harmful chemicals . If the use of cosmetic products cannot be avoided then it
is better to go in for natural herbal
based cosmetic products that suit your skin texture.
Natural remedies are safer than most conventional treatments
such as lotion, steroids and anti histamines.
Dr. Suman Setia , BAMS, DNHE, PGDHHM