14 Things You Can Do To Get Rid Of Your Rash

Rashes: uncomfortable, itchy, unsightly, annoying. Those are just a few words to describe the nasty effects of this skin anomaly that can sometimes seemingly pop out of nowhere. 

While the term rash is rather general, there are actually specific types of rashes that result from various internal and external factors, all of which can appear differently on the skin (via Mayo Clinic). Atopic dermatitis, otherwise known as eczema, is among the most common skin conditions that trigger rashes. Other examples of rashes include contact dermatitis (which is caused when the skin comes in direct contact with an irritant), rosacea (which can be triggered by cosmetics and spicy food), and heat rash (which is caused by hot and humid weather). These are just a few types of rashes and their respective triggers, but the list of both rashes and triggers is much longer. 

Thankfully, many of the steps to get rid of rashes are the same no matter what the type, and are mostly cost-effective. Some can even be found sitting in your kitchen cabinet. Continue reading to discover 14 ways to get rid of your lingering rash.

If getting in a hot bath with a rash sounds like a strange idea, just add oatmeal to it. Jokes aside, the oatmeal bath is actually a tried and true, doctor-recommended solution for a variety of skin conditions, according to Verywell Family. 

Oats are a moisturizer or emollient, which can soothe irritated skin. Experts explain that oats perform this role most effectively after they've been ground into powder, so that the skin can more easily absorb its benefits. Skin conditions that benefit from an oatmeal bath include poison ivy, eczema, diaper rash, chickenpox, and many more. 

While you can buy a pre-made oatmeal bath mixture at the store, it's relatively simple and cost-effective to make at home. Per Verywell Family, you'll need a way to blend the oats, warm water, and some oats to get the job done. To start, blend the oats until they are finely ground enough that they can absorb water and you get a milky-like substance. Once ground, add them to the warm, running water, breaking up any clumps. Get in the tub (or place your child in the tub), soak for 15 to 20 minutes, then dry off gently with a towel.

You may have seen this oil while browsing the aisles of your local health food store and wondered what it's good for. According to Verywell Health, tea tree oil is an essential oil that is distilled from a tree called Melaleuca alternifolia, which is native to Australia. 

The oil has been integrated into a number of cosmetic products including shampoos, facial cleansers, and soaps, and has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, among others. When combined with other therapies, tea tree oil can be an effective treatment for rashes such as eczema (per Verywell Health). Like all other essential oils, tea tree oil is highly concentrated. Thus, before you apply it to your skin, dilute it with a carrier oil to avoid any irritation. 

The site suggests looking for 100% pure tea tree essential oil, and not just products that list tea tree oil as an ingredient. It will typically come in a small brown bottle, which helps prevent it from oxidizing. Avoid applying it directly to the skin as much as possible, and do not take it internally. If you are unsure of how it will affect your skin, test it on a small patch before applying it to your rash.

The benefits of coconut oil have been endlessly touted, and the miracles this oil seems to perform don't seem to be slowing down any time soon. 

According to Healthline, the oil's properties may contribute to the reduction of inflammation, irritation, and itching, making it a great option for treating diaper rashes in babies and other types of rashes. Healthline also reports that coconut oil is specifically beneficial for eczema in a number of ways. First, the oil helps to rehydrate the dehydrated skin associated with eczema. Secondly, because of its antibacterial properties, it can help prevent infection that could be caused if you scratch your skin too hard. 

The site suggests using organic virgin coconut oil or cold pressed coconut oil, and to avoid any products with chemicals in it that might further irritate your rash. Make sure to heat up the oil by rubbing it between your hands, so it will be more easily absorbed by the skin. Experts say that coconut oil is safe to use. However, if you have allergies to hazelnuts or walnuts, you may also be allergic to coconuts, so check first before using it.

Witch hazel is another cost-effective, simple, and easily accessible remedy to treat a variety of disorders that has been used for centuries (via The Atlantic).

According to WebMD, witch hazel, also known as hamamelis, is a plant whose leaves, bark, and twigs are used both internally and externally for afflictions ranging from diarrhea and colds to skin disorders such as inflammation, insect bites, burns, and more. The most common presentation of witch hazel is hamamelis water, which has been extracted from the dried leaves, twigs, and bark of the plant. Per WebMD, witch hazel contains tannins, which are chemicals that can repair skin, reduce swelling, and act as an antibacterial agent. Furthermore, research shows that Hametum, a witch hazel-based cream, was just as effective in treating skin injury and irritation in children as another over-the-counter medication (per WebMD). 

While it can be applied directly to the inflamed skin, experts at Medical News Today suggest avoiding placing it on "broken or oozing" skin. It may also be best to do a patch test on a small spot of skin before applying it liberally.

Sometimes, the best line of defense when it comes to dealing with a rash is taking oral meds. If your rash is on the more severe end of the spectrum and is causing discomfort beyond what can be healed by a liberal swipe of aloe vera, antihistamines can be an effective treatment.

According to WebMD, antihistamines block what are called histamines (hence the name), which are chemicals in the skin that can provoke allergic reactions. If you are dealing with a rash that results from hives, your doctor might recommend an over-the-counter antihistamine such as Claritin or Allegra, which come in non-drowsy forms. Benadryl is another antihistamine that can be taken at night for more severe forms of hives or allergic reactions, and can make you drowsy. Per Healthline, this type of antihistamine belongs to what's called the "first generation" of antihistamines, which in addition to drowsiness can cause a dry mouth, nose, and throat, as well as headaches. 

Finally, H2 blockers are another type of antihistamine that can actually reduce stomach acid, as well as constrict blood vessels that cause inflammation from rashes (via WebMD).

If you're feeling itchy and essential oils are more your speed, feel free to add lavender to your bag of tricks. According to Healthline, lavender essential oil has antifungal properties and is an effective way to treat conditions such as ringworm, jock itch, and athlete's foot. 

Like tea tree essential oil, lavender is highly concentrated and must be diluted with a carrier oil before application. A study published by The American Journal of Dentistry tested the use of lavender on animals with ulcers, and reported that the essential oil significantly reduced the size of the ulcers, lessened the inflammation, and exhibited antimicrobial effects. According to Medical News Today, these anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial benefits make it a good option for someone managing eczema. 

As with many treatments, it's best to do a patch test on your skin to make sure lavender won't irritate you. Find a high-quality oil that has either been steam-distilled or cold pressed and comes in a brown glass bottle. Make sure that you are buying pure lavender essential oils without any additives, and not just a product with lavender essential oil mixed into it.

So you've tried everything on this list, and your rash is still persisting. Perhaps it's time to come to the light. Light therapy, that is. 

While this may sound like a ... unique treatment to manage a rash, many experts can vouch for its effectiveness. Light therapy is primarily used to treat those who deal with severe cases of eczema, and employs the use of ultraviolet light to calm the skin's immune system response that causes inflammation (via Everyday Health). Experts at the site explain that it does not only help relieve the itching associated with eczema, but can also smooth the skin and decrease "skin thickening." Light therapy is a good fit for those who have already tried other options to cure their eczema, who cannot take medication, or who do not like needles. 

Melissa Piliang, MD, a dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, further explained: "Light therapy works well for people with targeted eczema, like on their hands or feet, because dermatologists can isolate those areas with the light" (per Everyday Health). Treatment is usually undertaken two to three times a week, sometimes even for a couple of months on end.