Tap to Read ➤

Remedies for an Itchy Skin

Madhura Pandit
Itchiness of the skin can be reduced with some simple home remedies. Here are some tips and preventive measures that will help in relieving you of the discomfort.
Dry skin is the most prominent cause of itchiness. Dryness can be usually caused due to dehydration which is more commonly seen in older people.
Itchy skin can be caused due to several reasons, like insect bites, exposure to chemicals or irritants, wearing uncomfortable clothes, allergic reaction to food or medications, etc. On the other hand, it can also be a symptom of certain skin diseases like ringworm, athlete's foot, psoriasis, scabies, etc.

Home Remedies for Itching
Note that these remedies should not be substituted for proper medical treatment. If in doubt about the cause and severity of the condition, consult the doctor.
➡ Anti-itch lotions and ointments are the most effective remedies. Sometimes, certain over-the-counter antihistamines are also helpful in treating allergies and itchy skin.
➡ As we have seen that dryness is the most common cause of itchiness, first thing one should do is to overcome the dryness. You can use moisturizers to keep the skin moist and soft. Secondly, you can use a humidifier in winter to keep the room humid and prevent excess dryness.
➡ A cool compress is another effective method. Keeping the wet and cold compress over the affected area can give relief from the discomfort caused due to constant itchiness.
➡ Honey and cold pressed olive oil are also beneficial home remedies. Honey is an effective anti-bacterial product. Olive oil can also be applied to the scalp in case one experiences itchiness in the scalp.
➡ You can also have a bath with a natural or moisturizing soap, as it prevents dryness of skin and consequently, the itchiness. Applying oatmeal or cold milk to the skin while having a bath can also be effective.
➡ The anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities of aloe vera help in treating all kinds of wounds, allergies, and skin rashes. You can get a ready-to-use gel in the market; but the best way is to slice off a leaf of aloe and use its fresh extract directly.
➡ Certain herbs like witch hazel, St. John's wort, lavender flower, elderflower, marshmallow root, etc., are also believed to aid in treating dry skin.

Preventive Measures
● Dehydration and dryness of skin can be prevented by drinking adequate water and using moisturizers.
● You should not forget to use sunscreen lotions to prevent dryness due to sunlight.
● You should avoid wearing extremely tight-fitting clothes, specially pants and jeans. It is also not advisable to wear synthetic clothes for a long time.
● You should check out if you are allergic to certain substances like foodstuffs, cosmetics, jewelry, creams, and perfumes. If yes, keep away from these products to avoid reactions.
One of the basic things to keep in mind if suffering from itchy skin, is to not scratch the skin as it can make the condition worse. Lastly, it is recommended to use the remedies only after consulting a doctor.
Disclaimer: This content is for informative purposes only and does not, in any way, intend to replace the advice of a medical professional.