If you have ever suffered from itchy, patchy skin, then you know the problems it can cause. Lack of sleep, excessive scratching, unsightly patches, and even bleeding are all results of a rash that just won't go away. Hundreds and even thousands of dollars can be spent trying to get rid of the itch to no avail. Is there anything you can do?
The Cost of Doctors and Medication
Traditional Western treatments have you go to the doctor. There, the doctor will likely prescribe a mild cream. It may be Elidel if the doctor doesn't think it is bad or it could be Triamcinolone Acetonide 0.1% for more allergic reactions. Additionally, the doctor will ask you to take over the counter allergy medication like Benadryl, Zrytec, or Claritin.
If that does not work, then you will need to go back to the doctor and try again. This time, the doctor may give you a dose of steroids like MethylPREDNISolone Tablets. This is a steroid to treat the inflammation, which means more doctor co-pays and more prescriptions co-pays. Additionally, you may be bumped up to the Triamcinolone Acetonide cream in the 0.5% range.
If that still does not work, then you will be referred to a dermatologist. There you can expect a steroid shot like Kenalog. After receiving the shot, you will be put on more medication. You can expect a lotion like Clobex, which runs 0 without insurance. In addition to the lotion, you can expect a prescription allergy medication like Xyzal.
Granted, this treatment should work, but is there another way?
Natural Treatment to Itchy Rashes
If you want to try the holistic route, then you will try to treat the cause of the body's overreaction to an allergen. For many people this means changing a few aspects of their life.
Starting with the easiest, going to hardest to change:
· Use local honey - You can find locally made honey at farmer's markets. Since local bees use the pollen in the area, this has been a proven way to rid your body of local pollen allergies.
Add some honey to tea or water each day for maximum effect. Since this takes a long time, it is recommended to continue with other methods while doing the honey.
· Change your soap - Your dish soap or your bath soap could cause a rash. The harsh detergents may be the problem. Change to a dye and scent free soap. Use the new soap for a week to see if it helps. It may be easier to switch to a baby wash like Johnson and Johnson head to toe body wash.
· Change your lotions - Again, you will want to go with dye and scent free lotions. For best results, switch to a baby lotion as they are designed to be hypoallergenic.
· Change your laundry detergent - You will need to wash all your sheets, towels, clothes, blankets and coats. Try a hypoallergenic detergent and give it a week or two to work. Again, a baby detergent is recommended. You can try Dreft or any other baby detergent you can find in your area.
· Eliminate Milk and Milk Products - Milk, cheese, ice cream and all other dairy products are known allergens. While it is not easy to steer clear of all milk products, doing so eliminates a large number of allergies.
You don't have to live with an itchy rash. If you do not want to go through the doctors and prescriptions, then treating it naturally is always an option.
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