Inflammation of the skin is known as dermatitis. There are various types of dermatitis and also their causes. The most common skin inflammation is contact dermatitis, which occurs when the skin comes into direct contact with irritants. The skin will react and become inflamed, and often swollen and red. Bumps may also form on the skin and cause an itchy rash. You can learn how to treat skin inflammation at home, but it's best to consult your doctor first to get the best treatment.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Seeking Medical Treatment
Step 1. Call the doctor
Dermatitis is the most common type of skin inflammation, and is also known as a rash. A rash is a swelling or irritation of the skin, which may itch, blister, or become lumpy. The rash can often be treated at home, but if the problem persists or lasts longer than 2 days, you should consult a doctor. If your rash is very uncomfortable and bothersome, call your doctor immediately.
- Dermatitis is not contagious.
- Be sure to explain your symptoms in detail to your doctor, especially if they are accompanied by vomiting or fever. Be sure to mention if you have been exposed to a new environment, or tried a new food, or product such as a lotion or soap.
- If your regular doctor can't see you in a day or two, try visiting a 24-hour clinic. There is also a pharmacy that provides a doctor's clinic. Your doctor or nurse can examine your skin and help determine the best treatment.
Step 2. Consult a dermatologist
If your skin inflammation is chronic (frequently recurs or doesn't go away), you may want to see a dermatologist. A dermatologist is a skin care expert who can help determine the cause of skin problems and prescribe the necessary medication.
- Ask your GP to refer you to a trusted dermatologist.
- Make sure the insurance coverage covers the cost of the dermatologist you choose.
Step 3. Consult a pharmacist
There are many over-the-counter medications that can help heal skin inflammation. However, you may find it difficult to choose a product that fits your particular skin problem. Pharmacists can be a useful source of advice because they understand the active ingredients in various products. So, ask your pharmacist for advice to determine which product you should buy.
- Remember that pharmacists are professional medical practitioners. Don't be afraid to go into detail about your rash and symptoms.
- You can also ask your pharmacist for generic options for brand-name products. Thus, you can get the same benefits while saving money.
Method 2 of 3: Trying Home Treatments
Step 1. Make use of food
If you have sunburn, an allergic reaction, or simply itchiness and dryness, there are many ways you can treat it yourself at home. The kitchen is a source of various healing and soothing ingredients for the skin. For example, you can apply cucumber slices to the surface of the red and irritated skin to relieve it quickly.
- Honey is also a powerful home remedy because it has natural anti-inflammatory properties. Simply rinse the skin with warm water, then apply a thin layer of honey to the surface of the skin. Rinse your skin again after 30 minutes. The redness and irritation should lessen.
- If the cause of your skin irritation is inflammation, you can make a paste of aloe vera plant gel. Mix a small amount of aloe vera gel with apple cider vinegar and white vinegar in equal proportions, then rub it over the irritated skin.
- Avocado is another option. If your skin is irritated from being too dry, gently rub an avocado. Rinse the skin with warm water after about 10 minutes. Your skin will feel refreshed.
Step 2. Try using essential oils
Essential oils are inexpensive, but effective for healing skin at home. You can buy most of these oils at health food stores. Some pharmacies and department stores also sell them. Essential oils should generally be mixed with a carrier oil (such as almond oil or coconut oil), and should not be applied directly to the surface of the skin as this can exacerbate irritation. So, follow the recommended essential oil usage guidelines. Health food store workers can provide information about essential oil combinations for topical use.
- Frankincense oil is one of the most widely used essential oils in skin care. This oil has natural anti-inflammatory properties so it is effective in reducing redness and irritation of the skin. Apply a small amount of this oil to each problem area of the skin.
- Geranium oil can improve blood circulation so that it speeds up healing. Apply this oil to help relieve eczema, dermatitis, and ringworm.
- Myrrh oil (sap gum) is an oil that is also efficacious as a natural anti-inflammatory. This oil is effective for treating rashes and dry skin.
Step 3. Buy the right product
You can help your skin heal by making sure you choose products that suit your skin type. This applies to moisturizers, cleansers, and cosmetics. Pay attention to the ingredients in medicated creams, as well as all your skin care products.
- Dermatologists report that one common cause of skin irritation is the use of too many products. Doctors recommend a simple treatment consisting of a gentle cleanser, chemical-free sunscreen, and an unscented moisturizer.
- Look for products labeled gentle or "for sensitive skin". The content of irritants in such products is usually less.
- Ask a dermatologist for advice in choosing the right product according to your skin condition.
Method 3 of 3: Understanding the Causes of Skin Inflammation
Step 1. Know the most common skin inflammations
Before trying to cure inflammation of the skin, understand the different types of problems first. This way, you can better identify the problem and determine the safest and most effective treatment.
- Eczema is a medical term used to classify several types of skin problems characterized by irritation and redness.
- Psoriasis is another common skin problem. A common symptom of psoriasis is thick, red, scaly patches on the skin.
- Rosacea is a skin problem that usually causes irritation and redness on the face. Be sure to consult a doctor if you suspect you have any of the above skin problems.
Step 2. Study the impact of environmental factors
Inflammation on the skin that you experience may also be caused by external factors. Sunburn is the most common cause, but there are other causes as well, such as allergies to food and plants. If you touch or eat something that triggers an allergy, you may develop inflammation of the skin.
- Many people develop dermatitis if they wear jewelry that contains even small amounts of nickel. If you have sensitive skin, be sure to find out the ingredients in your jewelry.
- Plants are also common irritants. Some plants that commonly cause dermatitis are poison ivy and poison oak. Not only will your skin become inflamed if you come into direct contact, but also if you touch a person or animal that has been in contact with the plant.
- Food allergies can also cause skin inflammation, and often hives. If you experience it often, visit an allergist to determine the cause.
Step 3. Consider genetics
Some skin problems are passed from generation to generation through DNA, and there is no way to prevent them. One of the skin problems that are genetic in nature is ichthyosis vulgaris with symptoms of skin that is so dry and scaly.
- Another genetic skin problem is xeroderma pigmentosa which causes extreme sensitivity to light. This problem causes the skin to often blister due to sunburn.
- If you have chronic skin problems, be sure to consult a doctor. Ask if you have a treatable genetic problem.
Step 4. Try to prevent it
In addition to curing skin inflammation, you can also take steps to prevent it. One of them is to avoid foods that trigger redness and inflammation of the skin. Spicy food is one of the common triggers of skin problems. So instead of adding black pepper or chili powder, try a milder spice like ginger or turmeric.
- Limit alcohol intake. Consuming a lot of alcoholic beverages in the long term can cause chronic redness of the skin.
- Wear clothes according to weather conditions. The skin is at its most sensitive in cold weather. So, protect yourself in cold weather, including your face. Also, make sure to protect your skin when exposed to the sun.
Tips
- Antihistamines and hydrocortisone can also help relieve itching that accompanies skin inflammation.
- Use a wet washcloth to compress the surface of the skin and cool it.
Warning
- Avoid using topical products that aren't meant to heal the skin inflammation until you've recovered.
- If you touch poison ivy or poison oak, wash all clothing that has come in contact with the plants to prevent cross-contamination.
- Some anti-inflammatory drugs can cause severe headaches in certain people. If you experience this and need a replacement medication, try acupuncture or a simple pain reliever.
