Effective Ayurvedic Tips To Treat Skin Rashes

The skin plays a vital role in our body’s health and well-being. Our skin unites our whole body "under one roof". In addition, it senses pain, temperature, and pressure. Despite its resilience, the skin is susceptible to external and internal injuries. Whenever there is something wrong inside the body, it manifests as a disease on the skin. This can be due to an imbalance or decreased immunity.

According to Ayurveda, skin diseases are caused by doshic (body humor) imbalances. Therefore, ayurvedic treatment for skin rashes and itching emphasizes bringing harmony and balance to the individual doshas. Various chronic skin conditions are treated with Ayurvedic medicine, including dermatitis, eczema, rashes, and vitiligo. 

#DoYouKnow?

Based on the census of 2020, 5.4 percent of the Indian population suffers from skin rashes.

What are Skin Rashes?

A rash is a condition that indicates damage to our epidermal skin caused by an internal or external factor(s). Skin acts as a barrier to prevent infectious agents from entering our bodies. If our skin's immune system detects any invasion or injury, it responds with a rash or inflammation. Rashes typically appear as red bumps, blisters, red patches, or itchy, scaly skin that oozes fluid.

In medical terminology, a skin rash is referred to as dermatitis. It usually happens when our skin comes into contact with an allergen or suffers from any infectious illness or infection internally.  

Types of Skin Rashes in Ayurveda

As per Ayurveda, a majority of skin disorders are Pitta-based and are characterized by an imbalance of Pitta dosha. Generally, any remedy applied to the skin counteracts the dominant characteristics of the dosha involved.

1. Vatta:
A Vata imbalance manifests as dry, scaly, and itchy skin. Choose a soothing oil-herb blend of sesame/avocado oil with Ashwagandha/Brahmi to soothe it.

2. Pitta:
The symptoms of Pitta skin conditions include redness, swelling, and infection on the affected area. Apply cooling remedies such as coconut oil or aloe vera gel.

3. Kapha:
A Kapha skin condition shows oozing, weeping rashes, or fluid-filled blisters. Avoid using oily ointments. Instead, wash with decoctions of neem leaves churna or Haridra (Haldi) churna. 

Ayurvedic Treatment for Skin Rashes and Itching

According to Ayurveda, skin health is maintained when the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), rakta dhatu (blood tissue), and rasa dhatu (plasma) are in balance. The impairment of all these body humor occurs due to incorrect diet, environmental factors, or a turbulent lifestyle, which results in an imbalance of the doshas. This results in the accumulation of ama (toxins), which leads to skin disease. We have listed below a few home remedies and ayurvedic medicines that effectively treat skin rashes.

Home Remedies for Skin Rashes and Itching 

Ayurveda recommends administering antibacterial, skin-soothing, anti-inflammatory herbs, medicines, and treatments. Besides treating your symptoms, these effective ayurvedic treatments also cure the rash's underlying cause. 

Here are some key ayurvedic treatments that are effective in treating skin infections:

1. Pineapple and Honey Pack

Pineapple contains the natural enzyme bromelain, which helps in breaking down histamine. Moreover, pineapple is rich in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant with many skin-healing properties. Honey moisturizes the affected area and prevents itchiness and dryness. The Pineapple-Honey pack will prevent further aggravation of the condition and will eventually heal your red rashes.

How to use:

• Take a ripe pineapple and mash it (take pineapple according to the affected area).
• Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey and apply it to the rashes.
• Wash off after 30 minutes.

2. Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera is one of the best natural products for treating skin allergies. The anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera can treat red patches of skin caused by rashes. Aloe vera Gel is antimicrobial and highly moisturizing, making it a good remedy for eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions that cause rashes on the skin.

How to use:

Aloe vera can be extracted directly from the plant and applied directly to the skin. There is no need to wash off the aloe vera gel as the body quickly absorbs it. If you experience skin irritation after application, rinse with normal water.

3. Lavender Oil

Lavender oil has some exceptional medicinal properties due to the presence of linalool and linalyl acetate, the main constituents of Lavender oil, which are highly anti-inflammatory. Therefore, it can be used to treat various skin conditions, including eczema, skin allergies, red skin rashes, and fungal & bacterial infections.

How to use:

Add 3 to 4 drops of lavender essential oil to coconut oil and apply to affected areas. Then, rinse with regular water after 1-2 hours. 

4. Turmeric, Ginger And Calendula (Yellow Daisy or Gulbahar) Flower Pack

Turmeric is rich in curcumin and ginger in terpenes and phenolic compounds, which are powerful histamine inhibitors. The powder or oil made from calendula works as an effective treatment for skin allergies.

How to use:

• Take 1 tablespoon turmeric powder and 1/2 tablespoon of ginger powder (or fresh ginger juice), and mix them well to make a paste.
• Mix in 1 tablespoon of Calendula flower powder or oil to turmeric and ginger paste.
• Apply to the affected areas and wash off after 30 minutes.
• Repeat this pack regularly to improve conditions.

Ayurvedic Medicines for Skin Rashes and Itching

1. Gandhak Rasayana

Gandhak Rasayana is used to treat a variety of skin disorders. It is beneficial for treating burning sensation (daha), itching (kandu), and wound healing. Various blood purifying, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral herbs in Gandhak Rasayana, such as Gandhak, Ela, Triphala, Cinnamon, Black Pepper, Pippali, Guduchi, Ginger, Bhringaraja, and others,  make it highly effective in treating skin rashes. Gandhak Rasayana can be easily purchased online on HealthyBazar.

Dosage - Take one tablet twice a day with lukewarm water.

2. Khadirarishta

Khadirarishta is a rich source of powerful antioxidants that destroy free radicals and flush out toxin waste from the body. It is commonly used to treat some allergic reactions of the skin, which are caused by exposure to dust and similar allergens. Anti-inflammatory (Shothahara) and detoxifying (Shodhan) properties in Khadirarishta aid in purifying the blood and reducing various skin problems. Additionally, it can also reduce scars, blemishes, and dark spots.

Dosage - Take 2-3 tablespoons twice a day with lukewarm water.

What are the best ways to prevent skin rashes?

1. Do not take hot showers. Instead, take a bath with lukewarm water. You can add colloidal oatmeal, neem, or tulsi to the bathwater.
2. Consider using herbal skincare products free of sulfates, parabens, artificial fragrances, and dyes to prevent rashes. Such products can aggravate a rash.
3. Moisturize your skin regularly with coconut oil, almond oil, or sesame oil.
4. Wear sunscreen when going outside. Excessive sun exposure can cause heat-related rashes, eczema, and dermatitis.
5. Wear loose-fitting clothing to minimize friction. Clothing made of cotton is the safest choice.
6. Avoid using makeup on your rash. Makeup products block airflow to the rash, delaying healing and making it itchy.
7. Regular exercise and yoga can help you keep your stress levels low. Stress hormones such as cortisol can irritate your rash.

Conclusion

As per Ayurveda, our skin reflects our health. Skin rashes usually indicate an imbalance in our internal functions or an inadequacy in our lifestyle. It is vital to determine the exact cause to treat a rash effectively, as misdiagnosis can exacerbate this condition. Therefore, to get the proper treatment at the right time, the best course is to consult an Ayurvedic doctor at HealthyBazar. Maintain a healthy diet and effective skincare regimen. Use herbal products and medications to prevent recurrences of your skin problems.