Irritation: What It Feels Like and What to Do First

Redness, itch, burning or a raw feeling — irritation is your body’s alarm. It shows up on skin, in the eyes, or in the throat, and the cause can be simple (soap, sun, a new cream) or something that needs a doctor (allergy, infection, acid reflux).

Start by stopping anything new you applied or ate in the last 48 hours. Clean the area gently with water, avoid scrubbing, and give your body a short break from products. Most mild irritations calm down with a little rest and the right basic care.

Quick fixes for skin, eyes and throat

Skin: For mild rashes, use a cool compress and a plain moisturizer. Over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream helps with itching for short periods, but don’t use it on broken skin or long-term without advice. If you’re using acne products like benzoyl peroxide, start slowly and pair with a gentle moisturizer to prevent flaking and burning.

Eyes: Rinse the eye with clean water or saline for a few minutes. Remove contact lenses until the eye feels normal. Avoid rubbing — that makes irritation worse. If redness or pain lasts more than 24 hours, see an eye doctor.

Throat: Sore or scratchy throats from cough, dry air, or reflux often improve with lozenges, warm drinks, and avoiding acid triggers. If acid reflux is the cause, acid-reducing drugs like esomeprazole (Nexium) can ease irritation — but talk to a clinician before starting a daily medication.

How to prevent irritation and choose products

Pick fragrance-free, pH-balanced cleansers and drop harsh exfoliants if your skin is sensitive. Patch test new creams on the inside of your wrist for 48 hours before using them on a wider area. For acne or rosacea treatments (like benzoyl peroxide or Soolantra), follow the product instructions and introduce them slowly — many people find alternate-night use helps reduce irritation.

Avoid multi-step routines that combine strong actives (for example, retinoids plus strong acids) unless you’re supervised by a dermatologist. When buying medications or creams online, read reviews and check pharmacy legitimacy. We have deeper guides on finding safe online pharmacies and product reviews if you need help choosing.

When in doubt, ask for help. If irritation spreads quickly, causes high fever, severe pain, breathing trouble, or doesn’t improve after a few days of home care, see a healthcare provider. Persistent irritation may mean allergy testing, prescription treatment, or investigation of an underlying issue such as infection or reflux. Small, smart steps usually fix minor irritation; faster treatment is better when symptoms are severe.