When something is irritating, it usually involves the skin. Whether inside or out, the skin is responsive to the conditions surrounding you. The more the irritation, the more sensitive the skin where a reaction can occur. A constant itch can be among the worst. Let us be honest, the relief that comes after scratching an occasional itch is unbeatable, at least for a short time. If an itch is every now and then, we can deal with it, but worse, what if the constant itching results in a scar? In this article we have listed some home remedies to get rid of itching skin.
What is a skin itch?
An itch is a sensation that arises from the irritation of the skin or nerve cells. The condition could be short term or chronic but having itchy skin can not only be irritating but harmful. Common skin ailments could include things like sunburn, heat rash, eczema or psoriasis among others. Treating it immediately before it turns into a rash and becomes infected. If the itch continues where nothing helps and turns into a rash or appears infected, consult a doctor.
Remedies
- Baking Soda Bath.
Add 1 cup of baking soda to your bathwater. Allow it to dissolve and then soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Pat dry. Do this once daily.
Or
Combine water and baking soda to make a paste. Apply this paste to the heat rash, leave on for 20 minutes then wash off with cool water.
Baking Soda is an anti-inflammatory. It also acts as an acid neutralizer to relieve the itch. - Oatmeal Bath.
Add a package or two of colloidal oatmeal (approximately two cups) to your bathwater. Gently rub into the itchy areas. Stay for up to ten minutes.
Oatmeal is an anti-inflammatory and soothes the skin.
- Oils (as required).
After your bath, pat dry and apply coconut, sweet almond, or olive oil on the affected areas.
These have antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties which help reduce itching. The oils moisturize and reduce dry sky.
- Aloe Vera.
Particularly useful for psoriasis, apply aloe cream or gel to the itch areas. Leave on for 20 minutes then wash off.
For sunburn, add one to two cups of aloe vera juice to a warm bath and soak for fifteen to thirty minutes. Then apply aloe vera gel to the burned area.
Do this once daily. Aloe vera is also a great source of vitamin E and is an anti-inflammatory.
- Peppermint Oil.
Particularly useful for sunburn. Mix 2 drops of peppermint oil to one cup of water or one tablespoon of olive oil. Lightly rub it on the affected areas.
Do this once or twice daily.
- Get cool.
For heat rash, head on into an air-conditioned room or try an ice pack. Lay the ice pack on the itchy area for a few minutes. Repeat as necessary.
- Soak the scalp with olive oil.
Particularly good for psoriasis in the scalp, rub a tablespoon in for the night. Wear a shower cap when you do this and then wash out in the morning. Do this once or twice a week.
- Mint
Put a handful of mint into a cup of water. Bring to boil and then let cool. Soak in a cotton ball and apply it to the affected areas. Do this one to two times daily to itchy areas.
Mint leaves have menthol which is an anti-inflammatory and has anesthetic properties.
There are many other things to help reduce itching which are listed below.
- Wear loose clothing.
- Resist the temptation to scratch.
- Use a humidifier to reduce dry skin.
- Check for allergic reactions and avoid them.
- Use a great moisturized to keep skin moist.
- Change out products such as shampoo’s that may cause a reaction.
Severe itching can be a problem. See a doctor when things do not improve. Remember, this blog does not substitute for a doctor’s opinion. Seek guidance from professionals.