Acute Allergic Skin Care
1. Switch all detergents to hypoallergenic. Most name brands carry a hypoallergenic version (ALL, Tide, Kirkland brand, etc.). Look for “Fragrance Free” and/or “Hypoallergenic”.
2. Discontinue using dryer sheets. You can buy lavender bags at Trader Joes in the future, but for now discontinue all dryer sheets for at least 1 month.
3. Discontinue any lotions, perfumes, body sprays, and makeup. You can use Cetaphil lotion, which is recommended by most dermatologists, but only if you must.
4. Replace your current body soap with either the Cetaphil body lotion (especially if you are particularly sensitive) or one of the Camamu (www.camamusoap.com) lines. Particularly good lines- for ACNE: “Gobo Away Acne”, for ECZEMA/PSORIASIS: “Neem Sacred Tree”, for INFECTIONS/MRSA: “See The Forest”, for INFLAMMATION/HIVES/URTICARIA: “Turmeric Tonic”
5. DO NOT DO THIS IS YOU HAVE OPEN WOUNDS OR ARE INFLAMED. If you are itching, you can mix 1/4tsp of Cayenne powder (available at all grocery stores in the spice aisle) into 1/4c Cetaphil lotion and apply to affected areas. This will burn for about 30 seconds, but should not burn to the point of irritation. If this happens, wash off immediately and discontinue. The burning/tingling sensation will help decrease the itch and is much safer in the long run than topical cortisone, which can promote bacterial and fungal infections in/on your skin.
6. For all skin types and reactions, take an oatmeal bath. Grind 1c of normal whole oats (oatmeal) in a coffee grinder or food processor until a flour is formed. Add enough water to form a paste (about 2Tbsp-1/4c). Apply as a mask to affected areas and let sit for 5-10 minutes. Draw a lukewarm to warm bath and sit in it for at least 20 minutes (hot baths can be irritating). Wash the oatmeal mask off into the water and continue to sit.
1. Switch all detergents to hypoallergenic. Most name brands carry a hypoallergenic version (ALL, Tide, Kirkland brand, etc.). Look for “Fragrance Free” and/or “Hypoallergenic”.
2. Discontinue using dryer sheets. You can buy lavender bags at Trader Joes in the future, but for now discontinue all dryer sheets for at least 1 month.
3. Discontinue any lotions, perfumes, body sprays, and makeup. You can use Cetaphil lotion, which is recommended by most dermatologists, but only if you must.
4. Replace your current body soap with either the Cetaphil body lotion (especially if you are particularly sensitive) or one of the Camamu (www.camamusoap.com) lines. Particularly good lines- for ACNE: “Gobo Away Acne”, for ECZEMA/PSORIASIS: “Neem Sacred Tree”, for INFECTIONS/MRSA: “See The Forest”, for INFLAMMATION/HIVES/URTICARIA: “Turmeric Tonic”
5. DO NOT DO THIS IS YOU HAVE OPEN WOUNDS OR ARE INFLAMED. If you are itching, you can mix 1/4tsp of Cayenne powder (available at all grocery stores in the spice aisle) into 1/4c Cetaphil lotion and apply to affected areas. This will burn for about 30 seconds, but should not burn to the point of irritation. If this happens, wash off immediately and discontinue. The burning/tingling sensation will help decrease the itch and is much safer in the long run than topical cortisone, which can promote bacterial and fungal infections in/on your skin.
6. For all skin types and reactions, take an oatmeal bath. Grind 1c of normal whole oats (oatmeal) in a coffee grinder or food processor until a flour is formed. Add enough water to form a paste (about 2Tbsp-1/4c). Apply as a mask to affected areas and let sit for 5-10 minutes. Draw a lukewarm to warm bath and sit in it for at least 20 minutes (hot baths can be irritating). Wash the oatmeal mask off into the water and continue to sit.
