Cool your skin for a fresh beauty

Skin rashes are very common during summers due to heat, but are quite tackleable, says Shahnaz Husain.

Skin rashes are actually very common and can occur due to various reasons. Among these are rashes due to the seasonal conditions. In summer, for instance, heat rashes are common. Even prickly heat, when the humidity is high, manifests itself in a rashy condition.

The coming of spring often brings problems for people with allergies, including skin problems like itchy or rashy skin. Pollutants and pollen in the air may be responsible. The skin is more prone to eruptions during summer, mainly due to oil and sweat deposits on the skin. When the skin is oily and sweaty, pollutants tend to stay on the skin, leading to eruptive conditions like rashes.

Other causes of rash are allergies or skin diseases, like eczema or psoriasis. Therefore, it is important to determine the cause of the rash, so that proper treatment can be taken. Where skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis is concerned, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist and follow the prescribed treatments.

Such conditions require medical solutions. There may be extreme dryness in conditions like eczema and the dermatologist will suggest moisturising lotions to keep the skin soft and prevent itching. They should be applied after bath. In allergic rashes too, the allergen has to be identified and avoided, apart from taking anti-allergic treatment.
An oily skin is actually more prone to rashes.

This is mainly due to skin congestion. Sometimes, dandruff can also lead to rashes on the forehead and cheeks. In such cases, the dandruff has to be treated. Pillow covers should also be washed daily and the hair should be kept away from the face. Another aspect to remember is that scrubs should not be applied on rashy skin. For skin rashes due to oily skin, wash face with medicated soap twice a day, morning and night. Apply astringent lotion with cotton wool. It should be available at a cosmetic store. Or, apply cucumber juice, which also has an astringent effect.

Wash off after 15 minutes. Avoid washing the face several times with soap and water, as it disrupts the normal pH balance of the skin. However, the face may be rinsed with plain water several times, especially in warm, humid weather. Avoid scratching the rashes with the nails, as it can lead to infection. Mix together one part vinegar with three parts water. Dip cotton wool pads in the solution and apply on the face.

 It helps to reduce itching and also restores the normal balance. If the rash is due to an oily skin condition, add a little bicarbonate soda to water to make a solution and rinse the face with it. This also reduces itching and oiliness.

Sandalwood is extremely versatile and suits all skin types. It is a powerful antispetic and increases the skin’s moisture retention ability too. Sandalwood, in fact, is an ideal ingredient for such conditions. Sandalwood paste can easily be applied on the skin to soothe inflammatory conditions. It also helps to relieve itching. However, if there is excessive itching, it is best to consult a doctor.

Some handy tips to tackle rashes

* Add one tablespoon vinegar to a mug of water and pour it on the affected body area.

*  Mix a little rose water with sandalwood paste and apply on the rashy areas. Wash off with plain water after 15 minutes.

*  Take a handful of neem leaves and simmer on very low fire in 4 cups of water for one hour. Leave overnight. Next morning, strain and use the water to wash the face. Then, make a paste of the leaves and apply on the face and leave it until it dries completely and then wash it off. 

*  Add 2 drops of tea-tree oil to two tablespoons of water or rose water. Apply this on rashy and eruptive skin.