Oatmeal Uses For Itchy Skin

Whether it's from dryness, an allergic reaction, chicken pox or a sunburn, itchy skin can make you miserable and it demands attention. If you prefer to relieve the itch without applying creams, oatmeal is an inexpensive, natural way to treat both small and large areas of skin. Compounds in this grain help reduce inflammation and soothe your itchy skin.

Types of Oatmeal

Use plain, uncooked oatmeal for itch relief. Or buy colloidal oatmeal, which is ordinary oatmeal ground to a fine powder that, while not edible, dissolves quickly in water. This type of oatmeal is available commercially, but you can make your own by grinding oatmeal to a flour-like consistency in a coffee grinder or blender.

Scientific Evidence

Oatmeal contains compounds known as avenanthramides, which are polyphenols that appear to reduce skin inflammation. Even low concentrations of avenanthramides reduce factors related to inflammation and resulting itch, according to a study published in the November 2008 issue of the Archives of Dermatological Research. Enough research supports oatmeal's effectiveness that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration classifies colloidal oatmeal as a skin protectant.

Oatmeal Baths

An oatmeal bath can help soothe skin irritations that cover a large area of your body. Fill the bathtub with warm water and pour approximately 2 cups of uncooked colloidal oatmeal into the water stream. The oatmeal will form a film on the water as the bathtub fills. An alternative method is to place 1 cup of ordinary uncooked oatmeal in a sock, tie the sock closed and add it to the bath. Enter the bath only when the water is lukewarm and soak for no longer than 20 minutes. After soaking, rinse well and pat or blot your skin dry, rather than rubbing it.

Oatmeal Poultices

An oatmeal poultice is a convenient way to treat a small patch of itchy skin. Place 1 tbsp. regular oatmeal, not instant oatmeal, in a bowl. Add just enough water to moisten the oatmeal and let it rest until it reaches a paste-like consistency. Spread the oatmeal on the itchy area and let the oatmeal sit until it dries and begins to flake, according to Natural Health Columnist Susan Hayes on MoneyWatch.com.

Considerations

If you're sensitive or allergic to oatmeal, avoid all topical use of oatmeal, including soaps, creams and cosmetics containing oatmeal. Oatmeal can make the bathtub slippery, so take care when getting out of an oatmeal bath. Don't bathe in oatmeal or apply an oatmeal poultice if you have broken or severely cracked skin unless your health-care provider has directed you to do so. Consult a health-care provider if your itch worsens or doesn't improve, or if you have broken skin, open sores or pain.