Summertime is a time for being outdoors- which means you are exposing yourselves to a number of outside factors which might land you in many skin problems. Whether your passion lies in gardening, cooking out, hiking and camping, or simply going for long walks in the park, almost all of these activities come with their fair share of little accidents some of which can be quite painful.
Here are some of the natural remedies for bumps and other summer skin problems:
HEAT RASH
Prevent these annoying patches of prickly bumps by wearing loose-fitting cotton clothing. Also, avoid applying oily moisturizers and lotions if you know that you are going to be spending time outdoors or in other hot environments. Again, staying hydrated will help to ward off heat rash. Once it strikes, heat rash usually resolves within a day or two. Treat affected areas with a soothing moisturizers such as Aloe Vera gel, apply a cool damp cloth soaked in witch hazel, or try soaking in an oatmeal bath to reduce the inflammation and ease discomfort.
POISON IVY
Treat skin affected with poison ivy by applying organic witch hazel, Aloe Vera gel, or organic apple cider vinegar. You can also try soaking in an oatmeal bath or add a half cup of baking soda to lukewarm bath water to relieve pain and itching.
CUTS AND SCRAPES
Disinfect minor cuts and scrapes with a few drops of tea tree oil diluted in about a tablespoon of coconut oil or sweet almond oil. The nutrients in these two carrier oils will also help to strengthen skin and promote faster healing.
ITCHY INSECT BITE
Apply a drop or two of peppermint oil. It has a cooling effect, and also increases circulation to the bite, speeding the healing process.
STAINED NAILS
If you spend a lot of time with your hands in the dirt (for all you gardeners out there!) remove the stains left behind on your fingernails by soaking them in a solution of 1 part lemon juice and 3 parts olive oil. As an added benefit, this natural remedy will also help to nourish and strengthen nails to prevent breakage.
BLISTER
Witch hazel contains astringent tannins that will help to dry out your blister, keeping it clean and helping it heal. Use a clean cotton ball with each application.
HEAT EXHAUSTION
To avoid the discomfort of heat exhaustion, be sure you are drinking enough water. Also, wear loose fitting clothing whenever possible to allow air to circulate around your body and cool you down. A cold compress placed over pulse points in the neck, ankles and wrists, as well as the inside of your elbows and knees can drop your core temperature quickly for instant relief.
SUNBURN
Soak a few sheets of paper towels in cold milk, and apply them to the burned areas. Leave them on until the towels are dry. Repeat as needed. Don’t miss these other sunburn home remedies.
FOOT ODOR
A sugarless antiseptic mouthwash may be all you need to treat foot odor. Use a cotton ball soaked in mouthwash to apply to the affected area several times a day.
These natural remedies will soothe your skin and help with dealing with the summer skin problems.