Rash is a change in the skin that causes inflammation or discoloration. Rash may lead to cracked , itchy, and red appearance of the skin [1].
Rashes are very common in all ages and almost everyone can have some type of rash at one point or the other in their life [1].
Here’s the good news, you can finally get rid of rash and its annoying symptoms using home remedies.
The natural remedies that you’ll find in this post are safe, effective, simple, and inexpensive.
There are many types of rashes. But there are two main categories: infectious and non-infectious rashes.
Infectious rashes:
- Ringworm
- Scabies
- Herpes
- Chickenpox
- Shingles
- Impetigo
Non-infectious rashes:
- Eczema
- Contact dermatitis
- Rosacea
- Hives
- Dry skin
- Psoriasis
- Allergic dermatitis
- Heat rash
- Diaper rash
But, the most common rashes include eczema, athlete’s foot, poison ivy, and hives.
Causes of Rashes
According to Mayo Clinic, there are various factors that can cause rashes. These includes heat, allergens, bacterial, fungal or viral infections. Certain medications, and immune system disorders may also cause rashes.
People who have rashes lasting for more than a few days must consult a doctor.
There are many products available for the treatment of many types of skin rashes. These over the counter medications come with side effects that can affect your skin in many ways. So use the home remedies mentioned below to get safe and effective results.
Read More: 10 Home Remedies for Dry Skin (& How to Use Them)
26 Easy Ways to Treat Rash Naturally
The following remedies are easy to apply and very effective in treating your rashes.
1. Olive Oil
Olive oil has lots of fatty acids monounsaturated fatty acids. You can say its “loaded.” Also, you may not know this, but monounsaturated fatty acids are good for health. And this is why it makes Olive oil one of the best healthiest cooking oils to use for cooking. Your dishes will not only turn out tasty but healthy too!
It’s can also protect the heart against life-threatening diseases.
Only a few people know that they can also apply it to the skin to relieve many skin problems.
It works on various types of rashes, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties [2, 3].

Olive’s oil medicinal property is like the medication called Ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. And the best thing about Olive oil is it has these same features also! [3]
Oleocanthal is the active compound in olive oil that helps to tone down inflammation [3].
A study conducted to treat 12 infants with diaper rash used a mixture of olive oil, honey, and beeswax. In fact, the doctors applied the mixture four times a day for seven days [4].
The trial proved quite successful after its completion. There was a notable improvement in the condition of the babies [4].
The treatment was effective in reducing lesions and inflammation. Moreover it was also well-tolerated and did not cause any harmful side effects [4].
How to use olive oil for rashes:
Combine ½ cup of honey and ½ cup of olive oil. Apply to affected parts of the skin. Repeat remedy four times a day for seven days.
Read More: Olive Oil on Face: 6 Benefits + How to Use It
2. Oatmeal
Foods that are rich in dietary fiber can promote heart health.
A good example would be:
Oatmeal, which can reduce the risk of heart disease, among other serious ailments.
Oatmeal helps alleviating many dermatologic conditions that cause skin rashes [5].
Oatmeal, according to research, has both anti-inflammatory and antihistaminic (anti-allergy) activities [5].
These properties are because of a set of compounds known as avenanthramides. These compounds work in inhibiting histamine and pro-inflammatory cytokines [5].
Clinical and Experimental Dermatology published an interesting study in 2007. According to the study, treatment with colloidal oatmeal reduced drug-induced rashes. So it proved to be an effective way of treatment [6].
11 patients participated in that trial. 6 of them recovered from the rashes without any reports of side effects [6].
Try these methods of using oatmeal for rash:
- Put one cup or bowl of oatmeal in a food processor or blender. Blend until ground. Mix ground oatmeal in bath water. Soak in the bath for half an hour. Follow this technique daily until rashes disappear.
- Mix one-half cup of oatmeal with milk and honey. Apply a thick layer on the rashes and let it sit for 10 minutes. Rinse off with cold water. Do this every other day for up to one week.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a popular name for treating many conditions. It has its roots since the early ages of herbal treatment. For example, it is an integral ingredient in Indian Ayurveda.
Folk healers rely on aloe vera for treating constipation, indigestion, and cold sores.
Aloe vera’s most known property is that it is a natural laxative. Plus, it is also a potent wound healer. Treating wounds with aloe vera is soothing. It can also treat inflammatory skin conditions such as rashes.

Aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory properties are not only known for Ayurvedic treatment. Much of modern scientific research has proved this too. They confirmed aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory properties [7, 8, 9].
Research presented that there are polysaccharides in aloe vera. These polysaccharides form a protective barrier on the skin to prevent infections [10].
Researchers uncovered that mannose-6-phosphate in aloe vera reduced inflammation. It could also promote healing of skin lesions [11].
Learn how to use aloe vera for rashes:
Cut aloe vera leaf into two. Extract gel.Mix 1 tsp of honey with aloe vera gel. Apply on rashes. Leave it on for 20 minutes before washing it off. Do this three times a day for one week.
Read More: 12 Ways to Use Aloe Vera Gel for Acne
4. Cold Compress
A cold compress is the quickest way to ease the pain and itchiness caused by rashes.
All you have to do is to apply cold compress on your skin, and that’s it.
Here’s how it works:
Cold therapy can slow down the flow of blood to the affected site to reduce inflammation and pain. As less blood flows to the area, it becomes more inert.
This remedy is not only applicable for rashes. You can also use a cold compress to treat bumps, bruises, strains, and sprains.
It’s also safe to use as long as you don’t apply it longer than 20 minutes. You must cover first the ice packs with a towel before applying on the skin.
A simple cold compress method to soothe rash:
Put a bowl of ice cubes in a towel. Wrap the towel around the ice cubes. Apply on affected skin for 10 minutes. Remove and let skin rest for 10 minutes before re-applying. Repeat several times a day until you find relief.
5. Neem
Another name famous in Ayurvedic and Herbal medicine is Neem. Neem is commonly cultivated in Southeast Asia. For many years, it has been treating so many health problems. These problems include gastrointestinal problems, skin ulcers, and different types of infections [12].
The Neem tree is like a treasure box. The different parts of this tree apart from its leaves contain medicinal properties. This includes the bark and roots especially.
From Old times, neem leaves have been a common ingredient to treat skin conditions.
These leaves have antiseptic and antibacterial effects. Thus, they have been a favorite remedy for boils, heat rashes and other similar problems [12].
Researchers created an anti-heat rash cotton material using neem leaf extract [13].
The treated fabric reduced rash-causing bacteria by up to 100 percent [13].
This effect can last after 10 washes [13].
Here’s how you may use neem for rash:
Boil a pot of water. Add a cup of neem leaves. Let it simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from the stove. Let it cool. Using a cotton pad, apply the solution on the skin. Let it sit for one hour before rinsing with warm water. Repeat procedure once a day for 12 to 14 days.
6. Chamomile
Chamomile tea is one of the many popular herbal teas drank worldwide. [14]
Chamomile can help ease insomnia, ulcer, rheumatic pain, hay fever, hemorrhoids, etc. [14]
Its flowers may have many active constituents such as flavonoids and terpenoids. They are responsible for most of its health benefits [14].
Iranian researchers evaluated the effects of chamomile and calendula on infants. They were suffering from diaper rash [15].
This trial sounds like the trial using oatmeals. 90 infants received treatment with either chamomile or calendula ointments [15].
The chamomile group showed significant reduction in the severity of diaper rash [15].
Although both treatments were effective, recovery was quicker with chamomile [15].
An added bonus: It also did not cause any side effects and was well-tolerated by infants [15].
Try this method of using chamomile for rashes:
In a pot, boil 2 cups of water. Add 1 cup of dried chamomile flowers. Simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat. Strain the mixture. Let it cool before applying to affected areas of the skin. Wait for one hour before washing it off with cold water. Do this technique twice a day for one week.
Read More: 15 Health Benefits of Chamomile Tea (Backed by Science)
7. Calendula
Also called marigold, calendula is an annual flower that belongs to the Aster plant family [16].
It grows in southern parts of Europe, and in Asia [16].
Europeans have been using this herb to treat skin infections, sunburn, warts, and wounds [16].
The Scientific World Journal published a critical neonatal study. 66 babies with diaper rash received either calendula ointment or aloe vera cream [17].
They received both products three times a day for 10 days [17].
Babies who got calendula ointment had fewer rashes compared to the babies in the other group [17].
It means, calendula is an effective and safe treatment for rashes in infants and children [17].
How to use calendula flowers for rash:
Put 1 cup of calendula flowers in a jar without a lid. Pour 1 cup of olive oil over the flowers. Let it sit for 12 hours. Place calendula flowers and olive oil in a double boiler over low heat. Heat it for four hours. Strain the mixture. Transfer oil in a glass jar with a lid. Add 20 drops of oil to your bath water. Soak in the bath for 30 minutes. Do this daily until rashes disappear.
8. Witch Hazel
It is not only South Asia which has popular herbal remedies. A famous American treatment to treat many different problems is Witch Hazel. Although used in America, it is now used in many parts of the world.
It is a potent anti-inflammatory agent that can soothe swollen skin [18].
According to experts, the presence of tannin may be responsible for this mechanism. [18].
In a 1998 clinical trial, researchers tested the efficacy of witch hazel. They asked 30 volunteers with UVB erythema to use 10 percent witch hazel lotion [19].
Within 48 hours, witch hazel lotion was able to suppress inflammation by 27 percent [19].
In another study, 36 patients diagnosed with eczema participated. They used either witch hazel cream or hydrocortisone cream [20].
Both treatment methods ameliorated itchiness, inflammation and scaling within one week [20].
Try this witch hazel bath to treat your rash:
Add a cup of witch hazel to your bath water. Sit in the bath for half an hour. Do this treatment once a day for up to two weeks.
9. Coriander Oil
Coriander Oil has soothing, antiseptic, as well as, anti-inflammatory properties. It is globally used to reduce rashes and skin itchiness.
It also has a soothing scent that will make you forget about your distressing rashes.
Coriander oil is an integral compound in a formulation for rash treatment. It could treat rashes caused by poison ivy and other poisonous plants [21].
It also works for other inflammatory skin diseases. Because it has antiphlogistic and antimicrobial effects [22].
Here’s how you may use coriander oil for rashes:
Combine 8 drops of coriander oil and 1 tsp of olive oil. Apply oil blend on rashes. Repeat daily until inflammation and itchiness subsides.
10. Turmeric
Many different types of foreign agents cause rashes. As we know, virus and bacteria cause rashes. But then again, some rashes are also caused by fungal infections.
For this particular type of rash, you can use turmeric to ease inflammation, and itching.
Several studies carried out have proved that turmeric has strong antifungal activities. These studies proved that turmeric can solve many skin problems [23, 24].
Turmeric can control infections caused by dermatophytes and other fungal strains [24].
Formulations made with 6 and 10 percent turmeric oil can neutralize dermatophytes. The formulations can also prevent their growth and spread [24].
Learn how you can use turmeric oil to soothe your rash:
Mix 5 drops of turmeric oil and 1 tsp of almond oil in a bowl. Spread a thin layer of oil mixture on your skin. Practice this technique twice a day for up to two weeks.
11. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar or ACV is a ‘cure-all’ home remedy for various illnesses. It is the combination of alcohol and acetic acid. [25]
The vinegar contains strong antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-fungal properties. These components help to reduce rashes caused by allergic reactions and skin infections. [25]

ACV can flush out the toxins from your skin. It can also prevent itchiness, irritations, rashes, redness, and blisters.
ACV can balance the pH level of your skin and help in moisturizing a dry skin. [26]
Here’s how you may use apple cider vinegar for rashes:
Have a shower of lukewarm water. Now soak the cotton ball on ACV. Apply the ACV-soaked cotton ball on the rashes. Leave it on for 4-5 minutes. Remove the cotton ball. Repeat the process thrice a day until the rashes and itchiness subsides.
Read More: Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair: 20 Reasons Why & How to Use it
12. Baking Soda
Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate is an inexpensive kitchen ingredient in our homes.
It’s a great rising agent for the dough when you are making delicious cakes. You also must be aware of the fact that baking soda is a home cleaning and deodorizing agent.
Besides, this super ingredient has some incredible health benefits as well.
Baking soda can ease digestive disorders,fungal, urinary infections, colds, flu, and fatigues. It can also improve kidney health. [27]
Baking soda is a natural remedy for allergic rashes, and sunburn. American Academy of Dermatology has confirmed that fact. It can kill the fungi responsible for the skin infections and rashes by drying them off. [28]
A layer of baking soda paste can soothe the discomforts, itchiness, and irritations. [29]
Baking soda as a potent skin exfoliator can remove and clean your body off the dry and dead skin cells. [29]
Try this baking soda recipe for rashes:
Mix baking soda and water to make a thick paste. Apply the paste to the rash inflamed skin. Leave the paste to dry on the skin. Rinse off using clean water. Or, add 1 cup of baking soda to your bathing water.Dip in completely for 15 minutes. Later pat dry your skin. Repeat any of the methods twice daily.
Read More: Baking Soda for Acne: 12 Easy Ways You Can Use
13. Ginger
Ginger or Zingiber officinale is a popular spice in Indian cuisine. In fact, ginger roots come from the same family of turmeric and cardamom.
The medicinal use of ginger roots goes back to some 4700 years B.C. among the Chinese and Indians.
The health benefits of ginger come from its over 115 active components.[30]
Gingerols are the oily resins in ginger root. This active component acts as a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Modern medical science confirms the significant effects of gingerols in curing many illnesses. [30]

Ginger oil can relieve nausea, ulcers, pain, fungal and bacterial infections.
A study on ginger in curing fungal skin infections shows fascinating results.
The harmful fungi cannot stand in front of ginger oil. Ginger extracts or ginger oil can kill the fungi. It can also prevent rashes, itchiness, and inflammations.
Follow the process below:
How to use ginger oil to relieve rashes:
Add 4 drops of ginger oil and 2 drops of tea tree oil with 1 tsp of coconut oil. Now apply the oil solution to your rashes using a cotton ball. Repeat the process thrice daily for the best and quickest results.
Read More: How to Use Ginger for Acne: 19 Effective Ways With Directions
14. Banana Peel
The relief from your rashes can be as simple as rubbing a banana peel on the inflamed skin.
Banana peels are rich in antioxidants such as lutein. Along with this active component, the peels also contain esterified fatty acids.[31]

These two key components are beneficial to cure a lot of skin disorders. Rash is one of them. [31]
Rubbing the core of banana peels can give you instant relief from the irritations.
An easy way to use banana peel for rashes:
Rub the inside white part of banana peels on your rashes for some time. Keep on massaging until the inside of the peels turn brown. Leave it to dry on its own. Wash off your skin after 30 minutes. Repeat the simple process several times a day.
15. Geranium Essential Oil
Sweet-scented Geranium oil originates from the stems and leaves of the geranium plants.
It is rich in medicinal components such as linalool, alpha-pinene, menthone, etc. [32]
Geranium oil has potent anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiseptic, and antimicrobial properties.
The aromatic oil can flush out the toxins and heat off your body and provide ease for the rashes and itchiness. Geranium oil is effective against various health problems. It can ease menopausal hot flashes, anxiety, insomnia, menstrual cramps, etc. [32]
Geranium oil is popular in regulating hormones and blood circulation. Thus the oil can help improve both your mental and physical well being.
A massage of geranium oil can detoxify your skin and calm the discomforts of the rashes. (33)
Learn how to use geranium oil for rash:
Add 3 drops of geranium oil to ½ tablespoon of coconut oil. Now apply the solution to the rashes. Do the process thrice daily for a speedy recovery from the rashes.
16. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a proven remedy for many hair and skin problems. [34]
It works great in combination with other essential oils as well.
Coconut oil can come to your help in treating skin rashes.
It will nourish your skin and promote healing of the rashes.

Coconut oil contains Lauric acid. It reduces itchiness, inflammation, and redness of the skin.
Simple way to use coconut oil to get rid of rash:
Apply some virgin coconut oil to your rashes. Repeat the treatment for a week to get rid of rashes.
Read More: Coconut Oil for Herpes: How Effective?
17. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil originates from Melaleuca Alternifolia.
It is very useful in treating severe skin and scalp problems.
The oil is rich in antibacterial and antifungal properties. These components prevent your skin from acute infections. [35]
The antiseptic property of tea tree oil promotes faster healing of rashes.
How to use tea tree oil for rashes:
Dilute a few drops of tea tree oil with some carrier oil and apply on your rashes.
Read More: Tea Tree Oil for Skin Tags: 8 Natural Remedies to Try Now!
18. Basil Leaves and Garlic
Basil leaves and garlic are two essential ingredients of kitchen life. They serve for skin conditions as well.
Both contain anti-inflammatory properties that soothe inflammation from rashes.
The antimicrobial properties of these two protect skins from further infections. [36]
Make a mixture of basil leaves and garlic and treat your rashes with it.

Try basil leaves and garlic paste for your rashes:
Make a paste of six basil leaves and a few cloves of garlic. Apply the paste to your affected skin. Leave for sometimes and rinse off with plain water.
19. Lavender Tea
Lavender is rich in beneficial agents for your sensitive skin.
Its natural antiseptic properties work on your affected skin and heal it.
Is also has anti-inflammatory properties. These properties reduce inflammation of the skin and promote relief. [37]

Simple recipe of lavender tea to soothe your rashes:
Make tea with water mixed with lavender flowers. Soak the affected region in it for ten to fifteen minutes.
Read More: Lavender Oil for Hair Problems: 5 Ways to Use It
20. Cucumber
Cucumber is a cooling element. It relieves stressed and irritated skin.
It is an excellent source of minerals and vitamins essential for your skin’s health. [38]
Juice of the cucumber can reduce redness and soothe the skin.
Here’s how you may use cucumber for rash:
Remove the seeds from cucumber and blend it. Apply the juice to your affected skin.
21. Castor Oil
Everyone knows the usefulness of castor oil.
It is an effective remedy for hair and scalp issues. [39]
But castor oil has its skin benefits as well.
The oil is capable of reducing skin problems and the blemishes of the skin.
It can serve both babies and adults to ease rashes and other skin irritations.
An easy way to soothe your rashes using castor oil:
Apply some castor oil on your problematic skin.
Read More: 8 Benefits of Castor Oil For Your Hair + How to Use It
22. Peppermint Leaves
Rashes can make your skin stingy and irritated.
The cooling agents of peppermint reduce the stinging and irritation of your skin.
Peppermint has many medicinal benefits that work on problematic skin and provide relief. [40]
How to use peppermint leaves for rash:
Crush some peppermint leaves and apply on your affected skin.
23. Comfrey Leaves
Comfrey leaves can promote instant relief from the irritation of skin rashes. [41]
It is a garden plant with large leaves native to Europe.
Comfrey roots and leaves both are useful in treating the affected skin.
Comfrey works well with many severe skin conditions.
How you may take a comfrey leaves bath for rashes:
Prepare a bath with water and comfrey leaves. Soak in this bath for around twenty minutes. Or you can dip a washcloth in some water mixed with comfrey leaves and apply over your affected skin.
24. Cinnamon Powder
Cinnamon is a common ingredient of a kitchen shelf. It is rich in excellent medicinal properties.
The antiseptic properties of cinnamon remove irritation of the skin.
It also has soothing agents that provide relief to your stressed and irritated skin.
Try this cinnamon powder recipe to soothe your rashes:
Combine a teaspoon of cinnamon powder with some lemon juice and apply on the skin. Wait for fifteen minutes and wash off with lukewarm water.
Read More: Honey and Cinnamon for Weight Loss: 10 Reasons to Try!
25. Poppy Seeds
Poppy seeds can promote speedy healing process of severe skin conditions. [42]
It showed a significant effect on healing measles and rashes.
It removes itchiness of the skin and provides relief to it.

Learn how to use poppy seeds for rash:
Grind some poppy seeds and make a paste by mixing them with water and lemon juice. Apply this mixture to your rashes.
26. Tomato Puree
Tomatoes contain lycopene, a non-pro vitamin A carotenoid. It shows promising results to fight against cancer and even cardiovascular disease [43].
Besides, tomatoes are also a great home remedy for treating rashes.
Tomato skin has a polyphenol names Naringenin-chalcone. It provides an anti-allergic effect to reduce inflammation. It is also known to help heal the skin faster.

It is also known to remove tan, provide relief from itchiness of the skin and helps to soothe the skin.
Here’s how you may use tomato puree for rash:
Take two tomatoes and blend them in a mixture. Add 1 tsp of lemon juice and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the paste. Apply it on the affected area. Leave it on the skin for half an hour or put it on the skin until dry. Wash with lukewarm water
Tips and Precautions
- If you have sensitive skin, avoid any of the above methods that irritate your skin.
- Be gentle while working with your rashes.
- Do a patch test on a little area of your skin first.
- Bring a change in your diet and eat healthy.
- Drink lots of water.
- Maintain good hygiene.
- If your skin condition becomes severe, consult a doctor.
When to See a Doctor
Rashes usually goes away with natural remedies. But if you see the following symptoms, you should consult a doctor:
- You have rashes all over your body.
- Rapid spread of the rashes.
- They turn into blisters.
- Fever with rashes.
- You have infected and painful rashes.
Bottom Line
Rashes can cause significant discomfort and affect your daily life.
There’s no reason to panic when you have rashes. All you have to do is to rely on these tried and tested natural remedies. You’ll get the immediate comfort that you’re looking for.
Home remedies are not only effective but also safe even for long-term use.
If this article came to your help, please share this with your friends and family who may find it useful.
Also, if you have any questions or confusions about the article, feel free to ask us in the comments.
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