Itching, also known as pruritus medically, is a common problem experienced by both humans and animals. Itching can be caused by many factors, including insect bites, dry skin, and eczema-like rashes. There are a variety of treatment options available to reduce and prevent itching. While hives are generally nothing to worry about, if the condition doesn't improve or is accompanied by a rash, fever, and other health problems, you should seek medical attention.
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Method 1 of 3: Trying Home Remedies
Step 1. Avoid scratching
While scratching may seem like the easiest way to relieve itching, it can actually make the problem worse. Scratching the itchy skin will prolong the duration of the irritation.
- Scratching the skin will make you feel a little sore. It is this pain sensation that blocks the sensation of itching so you only feel pain, not itching. However, the brain will release serotonin in response to pain and try to relieve it. This response will eventually activate the itch receptors and make your skin feel more itchy.
- You may be tempted to scratch your skin. So covering the surface of the itchy skin with a bandage or gauze may help. You can also trim your fingernails or wear clothing that covers itchy skin.
Step 2. Use cold water
Cold temperatures will affect the nerves that cause itching and can sometimes slow them down, thereby relieving itching. Rubbing cold water on itchy skin can help reduce its intensity.
- Turn on the cold water tap to wet the itchy skin. You can also apply a cold washcloth to the surface of the skin until the itching subsides.
- A cold shower or bath can also help, especially if the itchy skin area is large.
- Ice packs are also a great option. You can buy commercial ice packs at most department stores and pharmacies. Always cover the ice pack first with a towel or washcloth, and never apply it directly to the skin.
- If you don't have an ice pack, you can put ice cubes in a plastic bag or use frozen vegetables like peas instead.
Step 3. Soak the oatmeal solution
Oatmeal is known to soothe the skin in some people, and soaking in a cold oatmeal solution may help relieve your itching.
- Colloidal oatmeal is more suitable because it is more soluble in water. If this option is not available, you can use a food processor or blender to puree a cup of unflavored oatmeal.
- Fill the tub with lukewarm water and pour the oats into it. Stir to smooth out the oat lumps.
- Soak in the tub for 15-20 minutes and when you're done, pat yourself dry.
Step 4. Wear the right clothes
During the itch, try to reduce irritation to the skin in the area. Often, the type of clothing you're wearing can make itching worse.
- Wear loose, soft clothes.
- Avoid clothing that is tight and hinders your movement. If possible, choose clothing that doesn't cover the itchy skin area.
- Natural fibers such as silk and cotton usually do not irritate the skin. On the other hand, wool is not recommended.
Method 2 of 3: Using Medication
Step 1. Try an over-the-counter anti-itch cream
Many anti-itch creams are available at pharmacies and convenience stores. Creams like this can help relieve itching.
- Look for the following ingredients when choosing a cream as they are quite effective against itching: camphor, menthol, phenol, pramoxine, diphenhydramine, and benzocaine.
- These medications will numb the nerve endings and reduce itching. This medicine can be applied every few minutes until your symptoms subside.
- Try a calamine lotion with a maximum concentration of 4% menthol.
- You should always read the warning labels on any product you buy and check for any allergens in it. Also make sure you know what to do in case of an allergic reaction.
Step 2. Try an oral antihistamine
Antihistamines are often the drug of first choice given to patients with widespread itching.
- Take an antihistamine that does not cause daytime drowsiness which includes anti-allergic drugs such as cetirizine (Zyrtec) and loratadine (Claritin).
- Be sure to consult a doctor to find out if your hives are caused by allergies. If it's caused by other factors, antihistamines won't help with itching.
Step 3. Know when hydrocortisone cream is helpful
Hydrocortisone cream is an over-the-counter ointment to reduce itching. These creams can be useful in some situations, but are not always the right choice for the cause of itching.
- Hydrocortisone cream can only help reduce itching caused by certain rashes such as eczema. Over-the-counter ointments are available in low doses of 1% cortisone. However, this ointment may still be able to relieve eczema or other skin problems such as seborrhoea.
- If your itching is due to an allergic reaction, insect bites, or dry skin, hydrocortisone cream may not help at all.
- As always, only apply over-the-counter creams as needed, and consult your doctor if you have an allergic reaction.
Step 4. Seek medical attention if necessary
Hives are generally harmless, but if you have certain symptoms or your itching is very severe, you should seek medical attention.
- If your itching is severe enough to make it difficult for you to sleep, see your doctor as soon as possible to find out what's causing it.
- If you experience itching for more than 2 weeks and the condition does not improve, consult a doctor.
- If the hives spread all over the body, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- See a doctor if the itching is accompanied by symptoms such as weight loss, fatigue, changes in bowel rhythm, fever, and redness and rash on the skin.
Method 3 of 3: Preventing Itching
Step 1. Use sunscreen when needed
If your itching is caused by sunburn, be sure to apply sunscreen to exposed skin every time you step out of the house.
- If your skin is very sensitive to sunlight, avoid going out in the middle of the day. Midday means the time between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. which is the time when UV radiation is at its peak, but not the peak of sunlight itself. Thus, this time span remains the same throughout the year.
- SPF numbers can be deceiving sometimes. Sunscreen with SPF 50, for example, does not provide 2 times better protection than SPF 25. Choose a sunscreen brand based on its protection, and not just the SPF number. Look for products that claim to specifically provide protection against UVA and UVB rays. Products like these are usually labeled "broad spectrum".
- While SPF isn't the best measure of sunscreen strength, it's important to note that most dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Step 2. Use a moisturizer
Dry skin can easily itch. So, using a high-quality moisturizer can help reduce the chances of itchy skin.
- High-quality moisturizers include Cetaphil, Eucerin, and CeraVe. These moisturizers can be purchased without a prescription at most pharmacies.
- Apply the cream once or twice a day, especially after bathing, shaving, exercising, or doing other activities that cause dry or irritated skin.
Step 3. Avoid skin irritants
Your itching may be caused by exposure to an allergen or skin irritant. If you suspect your hives are a response to an irritant, limit your exposure to that substance.
- Common ingredients that trigger skin allergies include nickel, jewelry, perfume, skin care products that contain fragrance, cleaning products, and some types of cosmetics. If the itching you experience is caused by the use of certain products, stop using them.
- Laundry detergents that contain fragrances are known to cause itching on the skin. Try to buy natural detergents that do not contain fragrance.
- Use mild, unscented soaps, conditioners, and lotions whenever possible.
