How to Calm Irritated Skin

Skin can get irritated for a variety of reasons. Skincare products, laundry detergents and clothing materials can sometimes have an adverse reaction on skin, causing irritation. Likewise, foods and beverages may react poorly with your body and the irritation can manifest on the skin. Sun exposure, hormonal fluctuations and hair removal methods can also irritate skin. Generally, irritated skin looks pink or red, inflamed and is sensitive to touch. You can calm irritated skin with a few simple methods.

Things You'll Need

• Gentle cleanser
• Cold compress
• Water
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Oatmeal
• Evaporated milk
• Aloe vera gel

Instructions

1. Wash the area with a gentle cleanser. This will ensure that anything that caused the irritation is removed from the skin. Choose a cleanser that is designed for sensitive skin types.

2. Place a cold compress on the irritated area. This will help to reduce swelling and alleviate pain. Irritated skin is usually warm to the touch so the coolness will help to soothe the area.

3. Apply hydrocortisone cream to the area. Hydrocortisone cream will help to calm irritated skin and reduce itchiness in the area.

4. Choose laundry detergents and skincare products that are hypoallergenic. Laundry detergent in particular can be quite irritating to certain skin types. Choose a fragrance-free detergent as it will contain less skin irritants.

5. Soak in a lukewarm bath. Hot water will only irritate the skin further. Instead, fill the tub with tepid water and soak for 20 minutes. Add two cups of oatmeal or one cup of evaporated milk to the tub for additional soothing properties.

6. Put aloe vera gel on the irritated skin. For a more soothing solution, place the aloe vera gel in the refrigerator for half an hour before applying it.

7. Puncture a Vitamin E gel capsule and apply the gel directly to the irritated skin. As Vitamin E is essential to proper skin health, the gel will aid the area.

8. Use a humidifier to keep the air moist. Dry air exacerbates irritated skin. The humidifier will help your skin to recover more quickly. If possible, sleep with the humidifier in your bedroom.

Tips & Warnings

• Drink lots of water as it will moisturize your skin internally.

• If your skin does not improve, see a doctor. A dermatologist may be able to prescribe you a medication to calm your irritated skin.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish