When you have itchy skin it may seem like the more your scratch, the more it itches. There are hundreds of reasons you may have an irresistible urge to scratch your skin. The Mayo Clinic says common causes of itchy skin include dryness, conditions like eczema and psoriasis, rashes, and allergic reactions. In some cases your skin may look normal and only feel itchy, while other times itchiness can be accompanied by roughness, redness, blisters or bumps. A number of home remedies may relieve itchy skin.
Cool Compresses & Dressings
Applying a cold compress to your skin may help relieve itchiness. Covering the affected area with bandages and dressings can also guard against scratching while protecting the skin.
Bathing & Showering
Bathing or shower in lukewarm water may help to relieve itching. The Mayo Clinic recommends adding a dash of baking soda, uncooked oatmeal or colloidal oatmeal to your bath water. Colloidal oatmeal is a finely ground oatmeal made specifically for the bath.
Make sure to rinse your skin thoroughly to remove all soap residue. Lightly pat your skin dry.
The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics recommends that you wait no longer than three minutes to apply a moisturizing cream or lotion your skin in order to lock in the water before it has a chance to evaporate.
Milk
Applying milk to your skin may have soothing effects and relieve itchiness. The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Women recommends dipping a wash cloth into a bowl of cold milk and holding or wiping it on your skin for several minutes.
Home Environment
A home humidifier may add moisture to dry indoor air, helping relieve dry and itchy skin. It's important to regularly clean your humidifier to guard against fungi and bacteria. If you use a portable humidifier, make sure you bring it into your bedroom while you sleep, advises the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. You may also decrease itchiness by turning down the thermostat.
Clothing Considerations
Clothing made of smooth-textured cotton is less irritating to your skin than fabrics like wool. Wearing loose fitting clothes also are less likely to aggravate itchiness.
Avoid Irritants
Washing your clothes, bedding and towels with unscented laundry soap and running an extra rinse cycle can help keep your skin from itching. Keep in mind that certain cleaning products, perfume, cosmetics and even jewelery can sometimes cause allergic reactions that can lead to itching.
References
- American Academy Dermatology: Pruritus
- Mayo Clinic: Itchy Skin
- National Institutes of Health: Itching
- Mayo Clinic: Dry Skin
- "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Women"; Sharon Faelton; 1997
