There are numerous reasons why your skin may begin to itch, according to the Mayo Clinic. For many people, it's often a result of dry skin causing this particular sensation. However, allergies, dermatitis, eczema, hives and chickenpox can also play a significant role in prompting you to scratch. Even anemia, kidney failure and liver disease can produce an itch all over the body. Besides treating the actual cause of the itch, which is important for long-term care, there are things you can do to help relieve itchy skin.
Anti-Itch Creams
Regardless of what is causing the skin to itch, an anti-itch cream can provide temporary relief, advises the Mayo Clinic. Anti-itch creams containing hydrocortisone are one of the more common topical remedies, but you can also find relief with a calamine lotion, notes the American Academy of Dermatology. Apply the lotion periodically throughout the day to maintain results.
Baking Soda
The Mayo Clinic also recommends baking soda to help relieve the itch. Add half a cup of baking soda to a tub of cool water before soaking your body. If you don't have any baking soda on hand, try cornstarch, according to MedlinePlus, the online health information resource maintained by the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. The same amount of cornstarch is used to bring about instant relief.
Oatmeal
Both MedlinePlus and the Mayo Clinic agree that oatmeal can relieve itching as well. Much like baking soda or cornstarch, colloidal oatmeal is added to a tub of cool water prior to bathing. Colloidal oatmeal is made by simply grinding uncooked oatmeal into a fine meal.
Moisturizers
Moisturizers are especially helpful when the itch is a result of dry skin. Cleveland Clinic suggests applying moisturizers soon after showering or washing the hands to not only prevent or treat dry skin, but also help to relieve the itchy sensation.
Bathing
It's also important to take note of your bathing habits to help relieve itchy skin. If you tend to take hot showers or baths, you're most likely contributing to the dryness of the skin and thereby exacerbating the itch. The elevated water temperature breaks down lipids while stripping the oil from the skin, which leads to dryness and itching. Stick with lukewarm water and limit bathing time to no more then 10 minutes, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Mild Cleansers
While this may not actually relieve itchy skin, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a gentle cleanser for bathing while dealing with this condition. Gentle cleansers won't further dry out the skin, which inevitably worsens the itchy sensation. But make sure to thoroughly rinse off any soapy residue with cool water after bathing.
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