About Skin Rashes

There are hundreds of different types of skin rashes. To the untrained eye, many skin rashes look very similar to one another. Even dermatologists, trained to distinguish between skin rashes, may need to order tests to confirm a particular diagnosis.

Many skin rashes are short-lived and relatively minor. But some skin rashes are highly contagious. Skin rashes can also be the early signs of a number of serious, even life-threatening, diseases, among them, meningitis, Lyme disease, typhoid fever, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Good skin care can accelerate healing and reduce the discomfort of skin rashes. It can also decrease the risk of secondary infection or scarring. Check with your doctor to ensure that the following skin-care tips are suitable for your particular skin rash:

• Use a mild soap, or just water, to clean the affected area.
• When bathing, use warm, not hot, water. (Very hot water will dry out your skin.)
• Don’t scrub your skin. Ideally, use your hands, not a wash cloth, to apply soap.
• Take showers or quick baths. (Long soaks dehydrate your skin.)
• Dry your skin gently, by patting, not rubbing, which can remove important natural oils.
• Keep your skin well-moisturized throughout the day but avoid moisturizers that clog the pores or are highly perfumed. Best time to apply a moisturizer: immediately after patting dry.
• Wear natural fibers, like cotton, that allow air to circulate over affected areas.
• Apply cool or lukewarm compresses to itchy or sore areas.

Keeping your skin healthy is the first line of defense against skin rashes, and doesn’t have to be complicated: Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, keep your skin clean and well-moisturized, and protect it from the elements (especially sun and wind). Most of all, be gentle with your skin. It’s designed to be with you for a very long time.

Emu oil has been used for thousands of years by Australian aboriginals to treat a variety of skin conditions. It is an excellent component of good skin care, whether prevention, symptom relief or accelerated healing of skin rashes is the goal.

Emu oil contains natural anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving and bacteriostatic agents, which promote faster healing and help prevent scarring. As a moisturizer, it penetrates deep into the skin, without leaving a greasy film, and is non-comedogenic (won’t clog the pores).

The Willow Springs Collection includes several emu oil products that should be part of any good skin-care regimen.

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