Body Rash
Most common body rash is also known as dermatitis, which is an inflammation of the skin. A rash causes changes in the texture or color of the skin. The causes of rashes are as varied as the rashes themselves.
Symptoms
Rashes may appear as red patches, dots or welts. Most will change the color of the skin, while others just raise the surface. Some rashes are painful, others are itchy, and still others don't feel like they are there.
Causes
There are as many types as there are causes. The most common are contact rashes, dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, and other prevalent rashes like eczema, psoriasis, impetigo, shingles, and those caused by childhood diseases like measles, scarlet fever and chicken pox. Contact rashes are caused contact with substances like latex, cosmetics and chemicals. They can also be caused by plants like poison ivy. Medications can also cause body rash.
Cautions
Rashes may cover up other medical problems. Be sure and seek medical help if you get your rash while you are ill, have a fever or after you take medication. See a doctor if your rash burns, stings, turns raw or develops blisters. Seek professional advice if you develop a bull's eye rash after being bitten by a tick, even if it occurs months after the bite. If more than one person in your home develops the same condition, get it checked out. If you develop small black or purplish dots on your skin and have a painful headache or feel lethargic see your health professional.
Herbal Treatments
External Applications
- Chamomile – steep 2 tablespoons of dried chamomile in 2 cups of boiling water for 10 minutes. Let the tea cool and dip a cloth in it. Spread the cloth over the body rash caused by poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac.
- Oats – adding oatmeal to your bath will make a soothing soak for your rash. Grind a cup of rolled oats in your blender into a fine powder and add it to a hot bath. Soak for 20 to 30 minutes. When you get out, pat your skin dry rather than rub it. Take an oatmeal bath once or twice a day until the rash disappears.
- Witch hazel – simmer 1 ounce of bark in 1 pint of hot water and let it soak for 10 minutes. Strain out the bark and let it cool. Apply to the rash with a clean cloth and let it sit for half an hour. This herb is particularly good for itchy rashes.
- Aloe vera – the gel from the aloe vera plant is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-fungal. Apply the gel from the leaf directly onto the rash to relieve itch and discomfort.
- Calendula – use the essential oil or an ointment to reduce inflammation on rashes. The herb can be used to make a tea to wash the rash with as well. Simmer the herb for about 10 minutes, then let it cool. Apply to the rash with a clean cloth.
- Jewelweed – this herb is a good remedy for poison oak, poison ivy, bee stings and insect bites. Crush fresh leaves into a ball and rub over the rash as fast as possible.
Aromatherapy
Useful essential oils for the treatment of rashes include:
Use individually or in blends in a bath or compress. Suggested blends include:
Lavender 3 drops, Tea tree 5 drops.
Chamomile 3 drops, Lavender 4 drops and Tea Tree 3 drops.