pepermint leavesA skin allergy is a condition that causes irritation of the skin as a result of coming into contact with the specific allergen. There are different allergens for different people, and as such, the extent of allergic reaction varied from one person to another.

The range of symptoms however, is quite similar and will often include redness of the skin, itchiness and swelling. These symptoms will usually disappear on their own.If you’d like to speed up the healing process however, make sure you use any of the home remedies indicated below. These treatment options, while taking longer before results set in, are preferred because they have minimal side effects.

In case the skin allergy does not seem to get better even with the use of natural home remedies, it becomes important to see a dermatologist for further checkup. Remember, if left unchecked, skin allergies can pose long term problems for the affected.


1. Sandalwood:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: 1/2 Tablespoon of sandalwood powder, 1/2 tablespoon of rose water, cotton wool and warm water to rinse.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Skin allergies are usually worsened by clogged skin pores as these only serve to increase the irritation and inflammation. There is no better way to reduce these symptoms than by using sandalwood paste. Sandalwood not only eliminates any skin scars left behind by the allergies, it is also an excellent natural skin cleanser. Rose water on the other hand, is both gentle on the skin and helps create a base for the paste. Prepare this simple remedy as indicated below to get the best of its healing properties following skin allergic reactions.

Directions:

  1. Mix the sandalwood powder with the rose water well until you have a consistent paste for topical application.
  2. Using cotton wool, apply a generous amount of the paste on the affected skin.
  3. Let the paste dry before rinsing with warm water.
  4. Use this remedy two to three times daily until the symptoms of the skin allergy are eliminated.

 


2. Raw Milk:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: 1 Cup of raw milk, cotton wool and warm water for rinsing.
Difficulty: Easy

 

The immense health benefits of raw milk on the skin have made it a profound home remedy for the natural treatment of skin allergies. With its soothing properties, milk helps alleviate the symptoms associated with skin allergies. This is especially effective when the allergy is compounded by a heat rash or sunburn. Milk also helps cleanse the skin which effectively unblocks the pores and speeds up the healing process.

Directions:

  1. Soak the cotton wool in the raw milk for a few minutes before applying it on the affected skin.
  2. Leave the milk on the skin for some 20 minutes to allow the healing effects set in.
  3. Rinse the skin with warm water.
  4. Repeat this procedure twice daily until the skin allergy clears.

 


3. Neem Powder:

Time Required: 30 Min
What You Need: 1 Teaspoon of neem powder, 1.2 teaspoon of sandalwood powder, raw milk, cotton wool and rose water. Neem leaves and water in a pan(optional).
Difficulty: Easy

 

Neem leaves are an excellent home remedy for the natural treatment of skin allergies. This remedy is recommended for treating acute allergies, thanks to its healing properties. The best thing about using neem is that it combines potent anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that help prevent infections as well as boost the functioning of the immune system. There are two ways you can prepare this remedy: the first is by using neem powder prepared in a paste, while the second involves boiling the leaves in order to release the active ingredients into the solution used to rinse the affected skin. Follow the directions indicated below to make the best of this remedy.

Directions:

Remedy preparation using Neem Powder

  1. Mix the neem and sandalwood powder until the mixture is well distributed.
  2. Add the raw milk drop wise in order to get a paste which you can then scoop using cotton wool.
  3. Apply this paste on the affected skin and massage well.
  4. Wait it out for about 20 minutes and then use rose water to rinse your face.

Remedy preparation using Neem Leaves

  1. Clean a handful of freshly plucked neem leaves and place in a pan.
  2. Add a liter of clean water and boil the leaves for 10-15 minutes.
  3. Strain the mixture and discard the used leaves.
  4. Allow the solution to cool down before applying on the affected skin.
  5. Use this remedy thrice daily until the skin allergy clears completely.

 


 4. Use a Clay Pack:

Time Required: 30 Min – 2 Hr
What You Need: Clay in a Ziploc bag (Bentonite, also known as Montmorillonite) and clean water. Alternatively, prepare a clay pack using wool/muslin and gauze or bandage.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Skin allergies are often accompanied by intense itching. To manage this symptoms, one of the most effective home remedies that you can use is clay. The bentonite/montmorillonite clay is also commonly referred to as green clay. It provides a soothing solution for the allergy, and helps relieve the pain associated with the skin condition. Clay is recommended for allergies that arise from insect stings and bites as it aids in drawing out the venom. Choose either of the methods below to treat your skin allergy using clay.

NOTE: The best type of clay is that which is virgin and untreated for best results.

Directions:

Applying a Clay Mask

  1. Place the clay powder in a ziploc bag and add small amounts of water until you have a paste.
  2. Mix the two together so that you have a paste with the consistency of yogurt.
  3. Once you have done this, apply the paste onto the affected skin and allow it to dry.
  4. When the clay dries, simply peel off the layer from the skin.
  5. Use this remedy twice daily until the skin allergy is completely healed.

Prepare a Clay Pack

  1. Spread your wool or muslin and place the clay paste on it.
  2. Transfer the clay-covered muslin on the affected skin, with the wet side coming into direct contact with the skin.
  3. Wrap the wet muslin using a bandage or gauze to keep it steady and avoid staining your clothes.
  4. Leave the clay pack on for a couple of hours or until the clay is dry and hardened.
  5. Rinse the skin using warm water.
  6. Repeat this procedure at least twice daily.

 


5. Fresh Aloe Vera Gel:

Time Required: 30 Min
What You Need: Freshly cut aloe vera leaf, sharp sterile blade, warm water and an airtight jar.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Aloe vera is loved globally, thanks to its efficiency in alleviating the symptoms of just about any skin disorder. Best known for its ability to soothe sunburns (which may contribute to skin allergies), aloe is a versatile home remedy whose ability to soothe the skin and ease inflammation makes it highly desirable for skin allergies. If you find that you are predisposed to skin allergies, it is advisable to grow aloe vera if you can. Nothing beats a steady supply of one of the most effective skin remedies across the world.

Directions:

  1. Snap the leaf to break it off from the aloe vera plant.
  2. Slice the leaf lengthwise top to bottom to reveal the fleshy side.
  3. Scoop out the gel inside and apply it on the affected skin.
  4. Let the gel dry before rinsing with warm water.
  5. If you have collected excess of the gel, store the remainder by refrigerating it in an airtight jar for later use.

 


6. Peppermint Leaves:

Time Required: 30 Min
What You Need: Fresh peppermint leaves and clean water (optional).
Difficulty: Easy

 

Peppermint leaves are perfect for skin allergies that result from bug bites. Peppermint, as expected, introduces a cooling sensation on the irritated skin. This provides welcome relief from the symptoms of skin allergy. You may opt to use the fresh leaves or opt to prepare ice cubes using the leaves.

Directions:

  1. Simply rub the fresh leaves on the affected skin to get relief.
  2. Alternatively, chop the leaves into small pieces and add to the water before refrigerating the mixture.
  3. You will then use the ice cubes to massage the affected skin for double the relief as the ice helps numb the skin and reduce the inflammation.

 


7. Cold Compress:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: A clean towel, a handful of ice cubes and an appropriate skin moisturizer.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Sometimes all you need to calm a fiery skin allergy is a cold compress. The low temperature not only provide relief from the inflammation, it also eliminates the itchiness. You may use a cold bath in place of the cold compress.

NOTE: No matter how tempting it is, do not use ice directly on the skin as this often damages the already irritated skin and leads to forstbites.

Directions:

  1. Place the ice cubes on the clean towel and wrap.
  2. Rub this pack on the affected skin in intervals until the ice starts to melt. Use daily for quick relief.
  3. Alternatively, take a cold bath or shower.

 


8. Oatmeal:

Time Required: 45 Min
What You Need: Oatmeal (preferably colloidal oatmeal), warm water and a clean cloth.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Oatmeal is best known for its skin soothing properties which help provide relief from the itchiness. This anti-irritation properties make oatmeal a great remedy altogether. Colloidal oatmeal is preferred because it is ground to a fine powder that provides a greater surface area for the remedy. If this oatmeal is not available, you can always use whole oats and grind them in a food processer/blender.

Directions:

  1. Add some warm water to the oatmeal to create a paste for topical application. Use the amount of water that yields a paste-like consistency.
  2. Apply the oat mixture on the skin and wrap a cloth around the skin to hold the remedy in place.
  3. Leave the remedy on for 30 minutes.
  4. Use this remedy twice daily.

 


9. Aloe Vera + Cod Liver Oil + Chamomile:

Time Required: 45 Min
What You Need: 1 Tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel, 2 tablespoons of cod liver oil, 1/2 tablespoon of chamomile essential oil and cotton wool.
Difficulty: Easy

 

One of the simplest ways to help eliminate itchiness and redness linked to skin allergies is to prepare a combination of aloe vera gel, chamomile oil and cod liver oil. The benefits of aloe vera gel have been outlined above. Cod liver oil nourishes the skin while chamomile is gentle and soothes skin. Prepare the remedy as indicated below; if there is any unused mixture, simply refrigerate and use within 72 hours.

Directions:

  1. Mix the three ingredients in a small bowl.
  2. Scoop some of the remedy and apply a generous amount on the affected skin.
  3. Rinse the paste off using cool water after about half an hour. Soap is optional.
  4. Repeat this remedy severally until your skin gets better.

 


Other remedies that you can use to manage skin allergies include apple cider vinegar and lemon juice for their acidic properties as well as baking soda that relieves the itchiness. It also helps to avoid tight clothing as this causes further irritation and impedes natural healing. Avoid spending time outdoors in direct sunlight as exposing the skin allergy to the harsh UV rays makes the symptoms worse. This may sound obvious, but steer clear of whatever triggers your allergies. If you have a skin allergy that does not go away even with the use of these natural remedies, it is best to have it checked by a dermatologist to prevent further complications or the possibility of a serious underlying medical disease.