Whether caused by an allergic reaction, eczema, or coming into contact with an irritant such as poison ivy, rashes often cause skin inflammation and are a source of uncomfortable, persistent itching.
While over-the-counter remedies such as hydrocortisone cream and calamine lotion can be effective, save yourself a trip to the drugstore by trying one of these 5 effective treatments using items you already have around the house.
Oatmeal
For relief from allergic skin rashes, or those caused by eczema and psoriasis, oatmeal is a very effective remedy. Due to its inflammation-reducing compounds, oatmeal can help to normalize the skin’s pH levels, providing relief of itchy, dry skin.
To obtain its benefits, Reader’s Digest recommends taking an oatmeal bath by “add[ing] one to two cups of colloidal oatmeal to slightly warm water and soak for half an hour.” They warm against using hot water, however, as it can worsen the itchiness.
