Best home cures for your aches and pains

For those minor aches and pains, a trip to the doctor or pharmacy may not be necessary. “On Prevention Today,” we take a look at the top home cures for less serious conditions. Liz Vaccariello, editor-in-chief of Prevention magazine, was invited on the show to talk about doctor-tested medicine essentials you should store in your cabinet. Read Prevention’s article on home cures:

42 quick home cures: Stock up on these doctor-tested medicine cabinet essentials
What does a dermatologist do for her sunburn? How does a physical therapist ease aching muscles after a "casual" volleyball match? What does the pediatrician's kid get for a hacking cough in the middle of the night? Doctors don't always have a pharmacy at their fingertips —sometimes they have to improvise just like the rest of us. The difference? They have all that training backing up their choices. So Prevention asked 14 health professionals what home remedies they use for themselves and their families. Now you can relieve, recover, and restore just like the experts.

"It itches, it burns, I look horrible!"
Skin irritations, blemishes & boo-boos
Itchy rashes can be caused by plant oils, perfumes, or prickly heat, to name just a few triggers, says Andy Spooner, MD, director of general pediatrics at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. "My number one rule: Take an over-the-counter antihistamine." He buys Children's Benadryl Allergy Fastmelts; kids like the way they dissolve on the tongue (no swallowing required), and they're effective in adults, too. Check the label for dosage.

To soothe skin instantly, spritz yourself with European mineral water — San Pellegrino, for example — says Christopher Dannaker, MD, an assistant professor of dermatology at the University of California, San Francisco. Studies show that mineral-rich spring water relieves pain from burns and rashes; it's also used to treat itching and redness following laser skin resurfacing. "Mist it onto irritated skin and its trace minerals will work as anti-inflammatories," he says.

For persistent acne, gently scrub your face with coarse salt (an antiseptic) and a few drops of neem oil (an antifungal oil available at health food stores), says Hema Sundaram, MD, author of “Face Value: The Truth about Beauty — and a Guilt-Free Guide to Finding It.” Rinse, then apply a mask of plain yogurt for 15 to 30 minutes. "The lactic acid in yogurt is a natural exfoliant that gives skin a glow, clears acne, and fades discolorations and fine lines," she explains.

When attacked by mosquitoes, Dannaker reduces swelling and itching with aspirin paste. "Crush a low-dose aspirin, add an ounce of water to dissolve, then apply," he says. It's an anti-inflammatory and should reduce the redness from bites or stings, pimples, and ingrown hairs because it contains salicylic acid, the active ingredient in acne medicines.

"Soothe eczema and psoriasis flare-ups by applying olive oil directly to the irritated area," says Dannaker. "Rub in 1 teaspoon per square inch; it creates a seal so skin won't dry out." Olive oil is the basis of many moisturizers — but used alone, it lacks chemical irritants you may find in store-bought creams. For serious cases, cover oil-slathered skin with plastic wrap overnight. These rashes rarely turn into broken skin, but if they do, skip the home treatment and see a doctor right away.

Minor burns — whether you fell asleep in the sun or grabbed the wrong end of a curling iron — can be treated with a cold compress of black or green tea, says Marie Savard, MD, a lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. "Soak a dish towel in cold tea. The phytonutrients will reduce inflamed blood vessels."

To minimize scarring as a wound heals, keep the skin soft. "Contrary to popular belief, scabbing is not ideal; instead, keep it moist with petroleum jelly and a bandage for 3 to 5 days," says Dannaker. Overnight, put cellophane tape over the jelly; tape keeps water trapped in the skin better than breathable bandages, encouraging healthy collagen growth.

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