Whether you're suffering from an itchy chicken pox rash, an inflamed mosquito bite or a case of dry skin, itchy skin is irritating and distracting. Instead of willing yourself to stop scratching, soothe your skin with natural items that you probably already have at home. Consult your doctor before using home remedies to soothe your itchy skin.
Oatmeal
Taking a cool oatmeal bath may help calm itchy, irritated skin, according to MayoClinic.com. Purchase colloidal oatmeal, which is finely ground so it won't clog your tub, at the drugstore or grocery store. Pour a handful of the oatmeal into a tub full of cool water, and then soak for 10 to 15 minutes to soothe your itchy skin.
Baking Soda
Pour 1 cup white vinegar, 1/2 cup baking soda and a few capfuls of moisturizing body oil into a bathtub of cool or lukewarm water, says Marian H. Putnam, M.D., a pediatrician in Boston and clinical instructor of pediatrics at Boston University School of Medicine in the book "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies." Soak in the tub for 20 minutes to relieve symptoms of itchiness.
Cotton
Switch out your itchy polyester and wool clothing for 100 percent cotton. Wash your clothing in unscented laundry detergent so it will not react with your skin or cause further irritation, suggests MayoClinic.com. Clothing that is smooth in texture and does not contain a lot of lace, buttons or other adornments may prevent your skin from itching.
Ice
Ice may help reduce your desire to scratch your skin, says Michael Ramsey, M.D., clinical instructor of dermatology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston in "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies." Place a handful of ice in a plastic bag or paper towel and apply it to the itchy areas of your skin for several minutes to numb away the itchy sensation.
Milk
Pour a small amount of cold milk onto a sterile gauze pad or piece of cotton, and place it on your skin for three minutes, until the milk is room temperature. Wring out the compress and apply more cold milk for about three minutes. Repeat several times, until you have calmed the itchy area. After applying the milk, rinse off your skin to remove the excess milk, which will begin to smell as it dries. Repeat several times a day as necessary to relieve itching.
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