7 Remedies to Help Treat Skin Inflammation

Whether you are dealing with pimples, redness of the skin, or a burning sensation, dealing with skin inflammation is not easy. It can take a toll on your self-confidence and everyday life.

The good news is that you have lots of options and don't always need the antibiotic creams and ointments or other skin inflammation treatments dermatologists often prescribe. There are several home remedies that you can try before you need to seek a different opinion.

1. Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera has been helping people treat a wide range of conditions such as eczema for centuries. It has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, preventing infections that are likely to occur when you have inflamed and cracked skin. Its wound-healing properties promote healing and soothe the skin.

Aloe vera gel is readily available in most drug stores. Alternatively, you can extract the gel directly from the aloe vera plant and apply it to your skin. If purchasing aloe vera gel, look for products with few ingredients and no added fragrances or preservatives.

2. Cold Compress

A cold compress is one of the quickest and most effective ways to reduce skin inflammation and relieve itching. The cold temperature constricts blood vessels and reduces swelling.

To use a cold compress, wrap some ice cubes in a clean cloth or fill a plastic bag with ice. Place it over the skin and hold it until the itching subsides. Repeat 3 to 4 times a day for optimal results. Keep in mind that placing ice directly on your skin could prove more harmful.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

A report published by the National Eczema Association cites that apple cider vinegar can help treat eczema skin disorder. Apple cider vinegar is also an effective home remedy for dozens of medical conditions. There are several reasons why this remedy can prove effective for reducing skin inflammation.

For starters, apple cider vinegar helps balance the skin's acidity levels. Although the skin is naturally acidic, people with certain skin conditions like eczema have less acidic skin. The use of certain detergents, soaps, and cleansers also disrupts the skin's acidity, leaving one vulnerable to eczema flares. Apple cider vinegar helps balance the acidity levels and strengthens your skin's defenses.

4. Epsom Salt

Epsom salt has long been used to soothe skin irritation and reduce inflammation. To use it as a scrub, mix Epsom salt with a carrier oil such as olive oil or coconut oil in a jar. Stir them until you achieve a paste-like consistency, then massage the mixture gently onto damp skin. You can also add a cup of Epsom salt into warm water and soak once or twice a week. Avoid using Epsom salt on open wounds or the face.

5. Oatmeal

Oats have been used for centuries to treat various skin conditions, including burns and eczema. The FDA approved their use as a skin protectant in 2003. Brands like Aveeno use oatmeal in their skincare products.

Oatmeal has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties thanks to oleic acid, linoleic acid, and avenanthramides. These compounds do more than just relieve skin irritation and itchiness. They also reduce the levels of cytokines in the body, which can cause skin inflammation.

To use this remedy, pour a cup of colloidal oatmeal into a bathtub with warm water. Soak in the water for half an hour and rinse your body thoroughly with lukewarm water.

6. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is another great natural option for soothing inflamed skin. It has antimicrobial and moisturizing properties that help restore the skin's natural barrier. It is worth noting that some people are allergic to coconut oil. Test the oil first on the inner arm and consider it safe to use if a reaction does not occur within 24 hours. Discontinue if any irritation occurs.

7. Dietary Changes

Skin inflammation can sometimes be a sign of something deeper, like your diet. If your skin is constantly inflamed or breaking out you may need to make some changes. One of the leading causes of skin inflammation is an allergic reaction. Removing things like gluten, sugar, and dairy from your diet may help. It would also help to avoid eggs, wheat, and soy.

Try adding foods with anti-inflammatory properties to your diet. These include leafy vegetables, fish, turmeric, cinnamon, beans and lentils, and colorful fruits. Probiotic foods like soft cheeses and naturally fermented pickles support a robust immune system, which can help fight skin inflammation.

Understand Your Skin Genetics With Sequencing

Whether it's due to an allergic reaction or genetics, no one wants to deal with skin inflammation. Using the above remedies can alleviate the pain and irritation associated with this condition.

Your genetics can also play a role in your skin health, including predispositions to eczema, psoriasis, and other inflammatory skin conditions. Sequencing's whole genome sequencing reads 100% of your DNA across over 30,000 genes, helping you understand your skin-related genetic predispositions and build a more personalized approach to skincare.

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