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Castor Oil Packs for Skin Rashes
Skin rashes may appear on any part of your body at any time. According to the Mayo Clinic, certain skin rashes, such as heat rashes and swimmer’s itch, may clear up on their own while others, such as rosacea and drug rashes may need medications 1. Castor oil may be used to treat certain skin ailments, such as rashes and eczema 2. Always consult with your physician or dermatologist before you self-treat any skin condition.
Castor Oil
The castor plant may be found in warm tropical regions throughout the world. Castor oil comes from the seeds of the castor plant and is known to have medicinal benefits 2. Castor oil acts as a stimulant laxative therefore making it a common treatment for constipation 2. Additionally, when used externally as a topical ointment or as a castor oil pack, it may be beneficial in treating skin conditions such as rashes 2.
Causes
Acne vs. Heat Bumps
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The most common name for simple skin rashes is dermatitis 1. This is an inflammation of the skin that may be caused by many factors such as chemicals, dyes and poison ivy or poison oak. Other common causes of rashes may be psoriasis, eczema, certain medications or impetigo. Additionally, if you have certain food allergies, you may develop a skin rash.
- The most common name for simple skin rashes is dermatitis 1.
- Other common causes of rashes may be psoriasis, eczema, certain medications or impetigo.
Symptoms
Skin rash symptoms may vary from one person to the next and different types of rashes may have different symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms may include pain and itching accompanied by redness and dryness at the affected area. More severe skin rashes may develop bumps and swelling.
Treatment
Causes of Red Bumps That Itch
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Castor oil may be used topically to treat an array of skin conditions 2. To use castor oil topically, pour a small amount of the oil on a piece of cotton or gauze twice daily 2. According to ALTMD, a castor oil pack may be made using flannel, wool or cotton folded three layers thick and saturating it with castor oil 2. Place the pack on the affected area with a warm water bottle or heating pad on top of the pack and leave for one hour. Once you remove the pack, clean the area with 1 quart of warm water with two tsp. of baking soda.
- Castor oil may be used topically to treat an array of skin conditions 2.
- Once you remove the pack, clean the area with 1 quart of warm water with two tsp.
Warnings
Castor oil comes with side effects, some which may be serious 2. Side effects may include confusion, muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat or weakness. If you experience any of these side effects, contact your doctor for evaluation. Women that are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid using any home remedy treatments without a physician’s recommendation.
- Castor oil comes with side effects, some which may be serious 2.
Related Articles
References
- Mayo Clinic: Slide show: Common Skin Rashes
- ALTMD: Castor Oil
- Azhari S, Pirdadeh S, Lotfalizadeh M, Shakeri MT. Evaluation of the effect of castor oil on initiating labor in term pregnancy. Saudi Med J. 2006;27(7):1011-4.
- Boel ME, Lee SJ, Rijken MJ, et al. Castor oil for induction of labour: not harmful, not helpful. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 2009;49(5):499-503. doi:10.1111/j.1479-828X.2009.01055.x
- Arslan GG, Eşer I. An examination of the effect of castor oil packs on constipation in the elderly. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2011;17(1):58-62. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2010.04.004
- Mcmullen R, Jachowicz J. Optical properties of hair: effect of treatments on luster as quantified by image analysis. J Cosmet Sci. 2003;54(4):335-51.
- Medhi B, Kishore K, Singh U, Seth SD. Comparative clinical trial of castor oil and diclofenac sodium in patients with osteoarthritis. Phytother Res. 2009;23(10):1469-73. doi:10.1002/ptr.2804
- Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils. Int J Mol Sci. 2017;19(1). doi:10.3390/ijms19010070
- National Institutes of Health. "Castor oil overdose: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia". October 2011.
- Maduri VR, Vedachalam A, Kiruthika S. "Castor oil" - the culprit of acute hair felting. Int J Trichology. 2017;9(3):116-118. doi:10.4103/ijt.ijt_22_17
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Facts about ricin. National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH). April 2018.
- Patel VR, Dumancas GG, Kasi Viswanath LC, Maples R, Subong BJ. Castor oil: properties, uses, and optimization of processing parameters in commercial production. Lipid Insights. 2016;9:1–12. Sep 2016. doi:10.4137/LPI.S40233
- Vieira C, Evangelista S, Cirillo R, Lippi A, Maggi CA, Manzini S. Effect of ricinoleic acid in acute and subchronic experimental models of inflammation. Mediators Inflamm. 2000;9(5):223-8. doi:10.1080/09629350020025737
Writer Bio
Michelle Lawson began her professional writing career in 2010, with her work appearing on various websites. She emphasizes alternative approaches to health-related issues. She is certified as a Sports Nutritionist by the International Fitness Association. Lawson graduated from ATI College of Health with honors, earning her associate degree in medical assisting.