10 home remedies to soothe rashes, eczema and psoriasis

Although they're different conditions with a range of causes, eczema, psoriasis and rashes all share some things in common: They cause painfully dry, itchy and tight skin, and everyone who suffers from them love to be rid of them.
Fortunately, a number of effective home remedies exist that can bring much-needed relief. Some work to combat the itchiness, whereas some alleviate symptoms by moisturizing and making the skin more supple. Here are 10 way to relieve painfully itchy skin at home.
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1. Change your shower habits. WebMD explains that hot showers dry out skin, so you should get into the habit of taking showers lukewarm instead. Use only a mild body cleanser (look for a soap-free product) without fragrance. Afterward, pat yourself dry instead of rubbing roughly with a towel. Apply a natural, fragrance-free body butter or moisturizer to your whole body and allow to absorb fully before getting dressed.
2. Get salty. If you're within range of the beach, go and have a swim. Salt water is known to be effective in treating a number of skin issues, and itchy rashes are no exception. Natural Living Ideas suggests dissolving a teaspoon of sea salt into a cup of water and using a spray bottle to apply it directly to the affected skin.
3. Apply coconut oil. It's moisturizing and antibacterial, according to the National Eczema Foundation, so get a jar of virgin coconut oil and rub it all over your body. It's got a lovely fragrance – one that won't irritate your skin.
4. Try turmeric. This wonder spice is a proven anti-inflammatory and studies have shown it's effective in treating skin conditions such as psoriasis. Reader's Digest explains that turmeric contains curcumin (an antioxidant), which neutralizes free radicals and speeds up healing. Try to get about a teaspoon of turmeric into your diet every day, whether in a turmeric latte or in meals.
5. Banana peels. It may sound unusual, but Livestrong insists that banana peel helps to reduce itchiness, inflammation and dryness. Try making a moisturizing and soothing masque by blending avocado, honey and banana peel and applying the cold paste to affected skin.
6. Honey. It's antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and helps heal broken skin, according to Everyday Roots. Instead of scratching, soothe the itching and pain by applying a thin layer of honey over the inflamed skin. Loosely cover the area with a bandage and relax. After 20 to 30 minutes, remove the bandage and rinse with cool water. Repeat as often as you need the relief.
7. Sunflower seed oil. The National Eczema Foundation explains that sunflower seed oil has some very favorable properties in terms of reducing itching and inflammation and improving the skin barrier function.
8. Olive oil. Olive oil is another natural oil packed with omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation. Reader's Digest recommends rubbing warm olive oil into your skin to soften scaly patches. You can use it on your scalp in the shower, and you can incorporate it into your diet, too.
9. Vitamin D. According to the Eczema Foundation, Vitamin D is becoming more mainstream as studies not only show that taking a vitamin D supplement can help eczema, but also that more severe eczema is correlated with lower levels of vitamin D. It is safe and inexpensive, so why not give it a try?
10. Flaxseed. Flaxseeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, and according to Reader's Digest they block a chemical in your body called arachidonic acid that causes inflammation. It's important to note that flaxseeds need to be broken open to be most beneficial, and because they're small and smooth they're liable to travel right through your body without doing so. Try blending them in a smoothie or sprinkling them atop porridge or salads. Just be sure to chew them well.
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Eczema and psoriasis can be a huge barrier to enjoying life, and it's important to get ashy, irritated skin under control. Steroids are commonly prescribed but some people prefer a natural approach. You can find more home remedies for excema here, including baths in oatmeal and chamomile. – remedies that have stood the test of time.
RemedyDaily.com does not give medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.