Coconut Oil
Coconut oil, made from the coconut’s flesh and milk, has been a staple in tropical cultures’ kitchens and medicine cabinets for millennia. Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory and anti-itching properties that may help soothe irritated skin. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities come from the saturated fats of the oil. Moreover, coconut oil has been shown to hasten the recovery of wounds. It also has the potential to act as a barrier for the skin, shielding it from additional damage as it heals from the irritation.
Studies have shown that the medium-chain fatty acids found in virgin coconut oil have antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and therapeutic effects. Recent research has shown that a monoglyceride derived from lauric acid in coconut oil has antimicrobial properties. In terms of fat, lauric acid accounts for around half of coconut oil’s total fat content. However, coconut oil must first be tested on a small area of the skin to determine one’s incompatibility with coconut oil. After observing for 24 hours, if deemed safe, coconut oil can be used as a home treatment to alleviate the discomfort caused by rashes.
