8 natural solutions to keep rashes at bay

Here’s how you can keep your skin free from that hurtful rash

The joy of the sun is that it provides Vitamin D that’s essential for our bones. But exposure to the sun can cause problems, which is why sunscreens, sunshades and so on are a must.

Treat your skin with fresh and cooling aloe vera gel to get rid of rashes (Getty Images)

During the monsoons, one of the most painful things that’s caused by the combined effect of the sun and the rain is a rash. It is characterised by red and itchy skin, with small bumps or changes in colour or texture.

According to Ayurveda, vata (air) personalities have dry and dehydrated skin, pitta (fire) ones have sensitive skin prone to freckles and moles, and kapha (water) personalities have thick and smooth skin. All three personalities should drink lots of water through the day, but pitta people need to add a bitter substance like karela or neem to their diet as the bitter taste helps pacify fire.

Here are eight natural solutions to treat skin rash...

 Aloe vera: Fresh aloe vera gel contains an anti-inflammatory compound called B-sitosterol and it is also rich in Vitamin E.

 Neem (Azadirachta Indica): It is a natural cleanser and blood purifier, containing an anti-fungal and antibacterial compound called Quercetin. Neem paste pacifies the pitta dosha.

 Sandalwood: A paste of Sandalwood powder, containing alpha santalol and rose water can be applied on skin for five to 10 minutes and washed off with cold water.

 Turmeric: It has anti-allergic and antiseptic properties. Mix a pinch of turmeric with sandalwood powder or Fuller’s earth (Multani mitti), and apply on the skin.

 Calendula flower: The distillate of Calendula can be sprayed on the skin to treat skin irritations and rashes.

 Tea tree oil: It is anti-fungal and can be combined with coconut oil and applied after a shower.

 Watermelon: It can be pureed and then applied to the skin to cool and moisturise it.

From HT Brunch, July 30, 2017

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