Rash
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Rash - Editor's Choice

| Modified on Apr 05, 2025
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Skin rashes are a common health concern that can arise from allergies, irritants, infections, or chronic skin conditions like eczema. Symptoms often include redness, itching, inflammation, and discomfort. While over-the-counter creams may provide relief, many people prefer natural remedies for rashes to avoid harsh chemicals and side effects. These natural treatments can soothe irritation, support healing, and restore skin health using gentle, plant-based ingredients.

Common Causes of Rashes

  • Contact Dermatitis: Triggered by soaps, detergents, or irritating fabrics.
  • Allergic Reactions: Caused by food, medications, pollen, or insect bites.
  • Heat Rash: Occurs in hot, humid conditions due to blocked sweat glands.
  • Eczema and Psoriasis: Chronic skin conditions characterized by flare-ups.
  • Infections: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections like ringworm or shingles.

Best Natural Remedies for Rashes

Aloe Vera

Why it works: Aloe vera contains anti-inflammatory and cooling compounds that help soothe irritated skin, reduce redness, and promote healing.

How to use: Apply fresh aloe vera gel directly to the rash 2–3 times daily. Choose pure, organic gel without artificial additives for best results.

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

Why it works: ACV has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help cleanse the skin and relieve itching.

How to use: Dilute 1 part raw apple cider vinegar with 2 parts water and dab onto the affected area with a cotton pad. Avoid applying to open wounds or sensitive areas.

Oatmeal Baths

Why it works: Colloidal oatmeal calms inflammation, soothes itching, and restores the skin barrier.

How to use: Add 1 cup of finely ground oatmeal to lukewarm bathwater. Soak for 15–20 minutes daily.

Calendula Cream

Why it works: Calendula (marigold) is known for its healing, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal effects.

How to use: Apply calendula cream or ointment 2–3 times daily to the rash. It is especially useful for diaper rash and eczema.

Chamomile Compress

Why it works: Chamomile is a gentle herb that reduces inflammation and soothes itching.

How to use: Steep 2 chamomile tea bags in hot water, let cool, and apply to the rash for 10–15 minutes. Repeat 2–3 times daily.

Coconut Oil

Why it works: Coconut oil is naturally antimicrobial and deeply moisturizing, ideal for dry, itchy skin.

How to use: Apply virgin coconut oil directly to the rash 2–3 times a day, especially after bathing.

Witch Hazel

Why it works: Witch hazel is a natural astringent that can reduce itching, inflammation, and redness.

How to use: Dab alcohol-free witch hazel onto the affected area using a cotton ball 2–3 times daily.

Baking Soda Paste

Why it works: Baking soda has anti-itch properties and helps neutralize skin acidity.

How to use: Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with a few drops of water to form a paste. Apply to rash, leave on for 10–15 minutes, and rinse off. Use once daily.

Neem Oil

Why it works: Neem oil is antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory, making it excellent for itchy, inflamed skin.

How to use: Dilute neem oil with a carrier oil (such as coconut oil) and apply twice daily. Test on a small area first to check for sensitivity.

Sea Salt Water

Why it works: Sea salt has natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects.

How to use: Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt in a glass of warm water. Either sip slowly over 10 minutes (for internal inflammation support) or soak a clean cloth in the solution and apply it as a compress to the rash.

Natural Remedies for Specific Rash Types

Allergic Rashes (Hives, Contact Dermatitis)

  • Quercetin supplements – natural antihistamine (500 mg twice daily)
  • Vitamin C – supports histamine breakdown (1,000 mg daily)

Heat Rash

  • Witch hazel or aloe vera to cool and soothe the skin
  • Wear loose cotton clothing and avoid excess heat

Fungal Rashes (Ringworm, Jock Itch)

  • Tea tree oil – antifungal (dilute with carrier oil, apply twice daily)
  • Apple cider vinegar – helps restore skin pH (diluted topical application)

Dry, Flaky Rashes (Eczema, Psoriasis)

  • Oatmeal baths and coconut oil for moisture
  • Omega-3 fatty acids (1,000–2,000 mg daily) to reduce inflammation

Prevention Tips

  • Avoid triggers: Identify allergens or irritants and eliminate them.
  • Use natural skincare products: Choose fragrance-free, chemical-free soaps and detergents.
  • Stay hydrated: Drink 8–10 glasses of water daily to support skin health.
  • Boost immunity: Take a daily multivitamin and include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet.

When to See a Doctor

If your rash is accompanied by fever, severe swelling, pus, spreading redness, or does not improve with natural treatments within 5–7 days, consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Conclusion

Whether you're managing eczema, contact dermatitis, or a mysterious rash, these natural remedies for skin rashes offer a gentle and effective path to relief. From soothing aloe to antimicrobial tea tree oil, there are many plant-based options to restore comfort and heal your skin naturally.

Scroll down to read experiences shared by Earth Clinic readers who found relief using natural rash remedies, and don't forget to share your own!

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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Borax

Posted by Sunshine31527 (Jekyll Island, Ga) on 12/29/2021
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I've had hives on my face and neck for about a week. Tried everything I could think of to get rid of it. When I started using borax dissolved in a small glass of water and patted it on the affected areas it started going away along with the itching. I can't believe what a difference it has made. Thank you Earth Clinic for all the help you have given to all. God bless you ...........

Arnica Gel +

Posted by Maggie (Idaho) on 03/10/2018 36 posts
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I had a rash on my face that I thought might have come from a gnat bite. It started out as a tiny spot on the front of my neck that itched. I didn't think anything of it, figured it'd go away, but it kept spreading up towards my face. I ended up with the rash on my neck, chin and both sides of my mouth and it kept spreading upwards. I tried many of the remedies listed here on EC but none worked. Some would work one time and the next time I'd put some on again, it would sting. That's how I knew a remedy wasn't working, I'd put it on, wait about 5 minutes and it would start to sting and I'd have to wash it off. The areas with the rash were raised, red, and very dry. If I put any kind of oil on it, it would sting.

My dog injured his leg, came in the house limping, and someone on EC said they had used Traumeel on their dog and it had healed. Looked up Traumeel and found out that it was now called T-Relief. Bought some of the cream and put some on my dog. It healed him right away so while I was putting the cream on my dog, I thought to myself that I should try it on my face. The ingredients listed were wonderful healing herbs so maybe it would work on me even though it wasn't meant to heal a rash. Put some on my rash and it didn't sting so I knew I could use it but didn't know if it would heal the rash. Several hours later I could tell it was working. I put it on again that day and 2 more times the next day just to be sure it healed completely. It's all healed.

Parsley Juice

Posted by Kiki17 (Adelaide, South Australia ) on 09/21/2017
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I unsuccessfully tried various remedies to get rid of a stubborn rash, including apple cider vinegar which has often helped me in the past. I decided to mash up some parsley with a mortar and pestle, drench a cotton pad with the juice, and put it on the rash. I left it on there for about an hour, and I have done this twice so far - the rash is now almost gone. I'm so relieved to have found something that works!

Sun Rash Remedies

Posted by Cararta (Tn) on 08/22/2015
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Regarding a rash after exposure to the sun. My mother in law had this for years and my son inherited it also.

Fortunately I had a good pediatrician and he supplied the remedy. It is a B complex vitamin deficiency causing it...according to the good Dr.

His prescription: eat more protein (he said meat) and because it was a genetic thing, also take a liquid B-12 B complex vitamin under the tongue each morning. The body also needs vitamin C to process the B vitamins properly. We used Emergency C as couldn't find a B-12 combo that included vitamin C.

Results? Son and Mother in Law cured. Living in the sunshine state (Florida) this was a blessing for her.

Something to think about.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Sarah (Seattle, Wa) on 05/16/2012
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I started breaking out in a rash all over my torso a month and a half ago. After two weeks of ineffectual colloidal oatmeal baths, rewashing all my laundry (twice! ) and a few days with groggy head from benadryl, I went to the doctor. She and the other doctor in residence had no idea what my rash was, nor did the resident skin specialist, nor did a dermatologist. Over the last month, I've been scraped and poked, been given prednisone (for 20 days! ), perscription strength steroid creams, and all kinds of anti-histamines. All of this cost me tons of money -- I'm an uninsured college student -- and nothing worked. The swelling would decrease for a few days, then nothing! In the meantime, the rash continued to grow and coalesce and spread to my breasts and legs. I stopped wearing undergarments (too painful! ) and couldn't sleep at night. The steroids gave me a vaginal yeast infection and made me so hungry all the time, I put on 12 pounds! Needless to say, I was absolutely miserable, itchy all the time, depressed and reduced to rubbing ice on my body. Finally, I googled "cure for rash" came here, and TA DAH!!!! In six days of treatment with ACV, I am COMPLETELY CURED.

I started with organic ACV from the grocery store. It was $5.00. I mixed 1/2 cup ACV with 1/2 cup water, grabbed a paper towel and dabbed it all over my body. It stung badly, but my rash was pretty itchy at the time. In literally TWO MINUTES, the swelling of my bumps decreased dramatically, so much so that I started taking pictures to send my mom.

I went to bed, woke up in the middle of the night itchy again, so I dabbed myself liberally again (it still stung), and the itching stopped again after about 2 minutes of hopping around and swearing. Thye next morning I woke up to a very diminished rash! Over the next three days, the big bumps flattened and dried. Then they started peeling and fading to nothing. The second day, I stopped dabbing with paper towels, and started taking 15 minute luke warm baths, morning and night, with about 4-5 cups of the good apple cider vinegar. I also got a spray bottle for any itching emergencies that came up during the day. After the third day, there haven't been any! The transformation has been so rapid and so remarkable that I went back to my doctor. She confessed she has pretty severe eczema, has been on steroid reams for a long time to very little use, and will now try ACV!

Thank you, so much, all the people who contributed their stories! If there hadn't been so many people who told of their success, I'd never have tried it myself. I'm a changed woman! And now, I'm curious -- what other home remedies are there that I never knew about?


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