Itchy Red Patches on Face and Skin

Red patches on the skin are typically due to inflammation on the surface or inside the body due to which there is an increased rush of blood to the surface. This can happen due to many reasons:

 Managing Red Patches

 When you get red patches, soothe them immediately with an emollient like virgin cold-pressed coconut oil, clarified butter (ghee), or cold-pressed sesame oil (preferably with some turmeric oil added) as all of these have anti-inflammatory properties and are hypoallergenic. The Parama Naturals range of oils are packed with the goodness of these natural anti-inflammatory ingredients and are the best 100% pure  and readymade option for soothing dry and itchy skin.

• Some red patches occur temporarily and disappear as soon as the conditions are reversed or when soothing creams, oils or gels are applied. These emollients help soothe the inflammation and bring back the skin tone to normal. Try the Parama Night Repair Turmeric Face Oil or Parama Moisturizing Face & Body Oil.
• Some red skin conditions, like those due to psoriasis or eczema, persist for longer periods of time. However, the itchiness can be controlled with soothing coconut oil or kokum butter. Try the Parama Clarifying Butter for soothing itchy skin.
• In case of fungal infection, the redness and itching can be mitigated with pure turmeric oil (Try the Parama Turmeric Essential Oil)

It is always advisable to consult a doctor if the condition persists, or if there are deeper underlying conditions. Be warned that the patches can become permanent if left unaddressed for a long time.

 Prevention

 All said and done, prevention is always better than cure! One can prevent red patches due to allergic reactions and sun exposure by taking some or all of the following measures:

 1.Keep it natural: Use 100% natural products for moisturizing, cleansing or as cosmetics, with no added chemicals like emulsifiers, preservatives, colors or fragrances. Natural products may also sometimes cause allergic reactions, but they are easier to reverse immediately.

 2. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: The importance of keeping the body well hydrated cannot be emphasized enough. Drinking adequate amounts of water and eat cooling and water-rich foods in summer like cucumber, butter-milk, fresh fruits, gourds, etc. Reduce excessively spicy foods which may aggravate body heat.

 3. Rest and relax: Check your sleep cycle. Give your body enough rest to help it repair its systems. Exercise at cooler times of the day. Meditate and do some calming routines, especially if these inflammations are triggered by hormonal changes at puberty or menopause.

 4. Moisturise: Keep the skin well moisturized, When the skin is dry, gaps occur between the cells, which provide an opportunity for allergens to penetrate and cause itchiness and inflammation. A moisturizer forms a protective layer on the skin.

 5. Protect your body from the Sun: Wear cool cotton clothes and apply  natural oils (preferably) which have sun-protection properties.

 6. Keep it clean: Always wear clean socks and undergarments. Keep body parts that have excessive sweating dry, or apply deodorizing butters or oils with anti-fungal properties as often as possible.

 7. Tweak your lifestyle: If the red patches are linked to hormonal changes, it is typically due to increase in the body heat (or pitta, as known in Ayurveda). Pitta-pacifying diet and lifestyle should be followed, as mentioned above.