Having itchy, irritated skin can make it difficult to concentrate on anything else. Itching skin may be the result of a rash, such as poison ivy; an illness, such as chickenpox; dry skin; a sunburn; or insect bites. If it's OK with your doctor, you can use home remedies to help soothe your itchy skin and reduce irritation.
Oatmeal
Taking a bath with oatmeal may help reduce itchiness and curb your desire to scratch your skin, according to the Mayo Clinic. Pour a handful of colloidal oatmeal, which is oatmeal ground into a fine powder, into the bathtub. Colloidal oatmeal, which is available at drugstores and grocery stores, prevents the oatmeal from getting stuck in the bathtub drain. If you don't have colloidal oatmeal, place store-bought, uncooked oatmeal into a clean coffee grinder for several seconds, then place the oatmeal in the bathtub. Soak your itchy skin for 10 to 20 minutes.
Cold Compress
Apply cold, wet compresses to your itchy skin, recommends the Mayo Clinic. Wet a washcloth, towel or piece of cotton gauze with cold water, then place the compress on the skin. When the compress gets warm, wring out the towel, rinse with cold water and reapply. Repeat as necessary throughout the day to help reduce itchiness. Apply compresses to the skin at night before bedtime to stop yourself from scratching in your sleep.
Moisturizer
Moisturize your skin every time you get out of the shower or bath, says Hillard Pearlstein, M.D., assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Pat yourself partially dry with a towel, then apply the moisturizer while your skin is still damp. Moisturizing damp skin will help lock in moisture, keeping skin hydrated.
Humidifier
Run a humidifier at night to help add moisture to the skin to prevent itching due to dry skin. Skin that is depleted of moisture may feel itchy and uncomfortable. A humidifier spreads water vapor into the air, replenishing your skin's moisture. A humidifier may spread bacteria and mold if it is not cleaned properly. Clean your humidifier thoroughly at least three times a week to prevent buildup of dangerous mold and bacteria.
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