The prevention of rash development rests on what produced your rash. If your rash is caused by:

Poisonous plants – It is important to know and recognize the plants you are allergic to. These can be poison sumac, poison oak or poison ivy to mention a few.  Whenever you go outdoors for various reasons (do yard work or go hiking in the woods) always wear long pants and long sleeved shirts or blouses to protect your body from getting into contact with plants that gives you allergic reactions.

Local irritants – Diaper rash is a common problem for a lot of babies after they have soiled or wet their diaper and were not changed immediately.  Prompt changing of wet or soiled diapers to fresh new ones as well as cleaning well the baby’s bottom and keeping it dry can prevent diaper rash.  Prevent chemical sensitivity especially towards cleaning products by using fabric softeners and laundry soaps that carry no perfumes or dyes. If you have skin reaction to cosmetics, then only apply hypoallergenic cosmetics on your skin that are free of fragrances and skin-irritating preservatives.

Insect sting or bite – If you know that you are allergic to insects bites or stings, you may consult with a doctor/allergist who may perform tests like desensitization therapy. If you allergic to bee stings be sure to have a bee-sting kit which you may want to bring it with you when you go outdoors as it may be your potential life-saver in case of a bee sting. If you are at home always know where the kit is located.

Infections – Keeping yourself and your children clean at all times prevents the rise of infections.  Be sure to bathe twice a day and wash your hands frequently. For the prevention of Lyme disease, suit yourself with light-colored clothing to make it easy to spot the dark tick that carries this disease especially when walking in wooded areas. Apply yourself with anti-tick spray or lotion when walking in the woods. Best of all, try to avoid places where you know Lyme disease is common.

Allergic reactions – Know the foods you are allergic to and avoid eating them. Actually, you need to avoid cosmetics, skin care products and medicine that you are allergic to.

Tammi A. Jones is a licensed acupuncturist in Palm Harbor, FL., practicing acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and Western medical pathology. She is also the founder of Synoma Wellness Centre.