If, like me, you are counting the days down until August which by my estimation has friendlier weather then you are not alone.
I had an email last week from Roger Kampu who says that he gets rash and that he would like some help on how to combat it using home remedies.
“I don’t know what causes these rashes but I am quite tired of them now and I want some home remedies which I can use to curb the rash as it can be quite uncomfortable.”
Well Robert today I will dedicate an entire coloumn to you because I know just how annoying and uncomfortable rash is.
Skin rashes are caused by a wide range of factors which I have listed below.
A common cause of rash, which is usually not considered, is harsh soaps and detergents, these can be very irritating to the skin, especially if you are sensitive.
Some skin creams and lotions contain harsh chemicals and colours which are added to give a pleasant smell and also to preserve the cosmetics.
Sometimes its not what you apply which causes skin irritation as stress and anxiety can also turn up the heat causing a chemical process in the body which reacts and triggers the skins sensitive condition.
Now I am not saying that you start checking all our relatives but know that genes have a powerful role to play in what affects us and doesn’t.
Therefore, things like eczema can be passed down from generations.
Seasonal allergies, food allergies even allergies to plants can trigger skin reactions such as hives, rashes which appear like bumps on the skin.
All purpose household chemicals contain harsh chemicals—like ammonia—designed to combat grease and remove stains. However, if you don’t wear gloves your skin might become irritated or even scarred with exposure.
Sunscreens can sometimes cause reactions through a chemical called para-aminobenzoic acid, or PABA.
When absorbed by the skin, it could cause an annoying allergic reaction or skin rash.
Insect bites also cause rash and hives; mosquitoes, ticks and black flies, bite in order to feed on your blood.
Stinging insects like bees will cause painful marks at the site of attack, whereas biters, like ants and spiders, will secrete irritating venom that can irritate the skin.
Babies are not the only ones who get a nasty rash from the heat as adults can also get it because of excessive sweating and friction (usually from skin or clothing) as sweat ducts are blocked and sweat gets trapped under the skin. The rash usually clears once you cool down.
Personally I am allergic to a lot of things including fabric; www.activebeat.com says ‘Everything from your bath towel to your new sweater can cause skin irritation, typically due to abrasive fabric, clothing dyes, chemical additives, or chaffing from clothing that’s too small or too tight against the skin.’
The site also says that:  Lotions, deodorants, perfumes, and make-up often contain added colour, fragrance, and preservative that can cause allergic skin reactions. For instance, many deodorants can cause an irritating rash under your armpits if they contain alpha-hydroxyl acid. If you do have a reaction, discontinue and use immediately and seek fragrance-free products.
Gentlemen will attest to the fact that shaving usually leaves irritation but this is usually because of inadequate lubrication before hair removal and after.
Am I the only one who gets itchy and sensitive skin in rainy season? Especially at the beginning, a lot of people get irritated skin when weather changes but this is something that is hard to explain.
Next week we will look at home made and natural remedies and solutions to Rash and Hives and all that annoying skin irritation.
You know what to do , email me at divadiarys@gmail.com and follow me on twitter @Arushapot as well liking my Official Facebook Page Nancy Handabile.
My blog divadiarys.blogspot.com is basically where I archive all my stories so head there and don’t forget to get the paper next week for continuation of my series on rash.
Meanwhile, stay healthy and stay beautiful this week.