How to treat itching of the skin, which is also referred to as pruritus is determined by the cause. In general, itchy skin should not be scratched because it can exacerbate the cause of itching, exacerbate skin irritation, or even cause infection. There are many ways to treat itchy skin without having to scratch and resist the urge to scratch.
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Method 1 of 4: Resisting the urge to scratch
Step 1. Trim your fingernails
Short fingernails will make it difficult for you to scratch. If you like to keep your nails long, wear gloves to prevent scratching, especially at night.
Step 2. Scratch or press the surrounding skin but avoid the irritated area
According to pain control theory, pressure and stimulation of other parts of the body can distract you from the itch and also relieve some of the pain.
Flick the rubber band around your wrist when you feel like scratching. Some people press the surface of the skin around the itch like an X-shaped mosquito bite mark. Both are examples of pain control theory that can prevent you from scratching
Step 3. Rub the inside of the banana peel onto the itchy skin
Compounds in banana peels are known to relieve itching.
Step 4. Use an ice cube or a cold, wet compress
Ice cubes that melt on the surface of the itchy skin can soothe the skin. So are cold, damp washcloths.
- Get a clean washcloth and wet it with cold water. Squeeze most of the water out of the washcloth so it's damp enough but not too wet. Gently apply the washcloth to the itchy spot and leave it on until the itching subsides.
- Sticking cucumber slices or cotton balls that have been moistened with apple cider vinegar can also provide the same calming effect.
Step 5. Divert your attention
Diverting attention from the itching is sometimes necessary. Parents of children with eczema are well aware of the benefits of toys, video games, TV, physical activity, and even tickling to prevent their children from scratching.
Squeeze a stress ball instead. If you like moving your fingers, try knitting or crochet when you feel like scratching. Keeping your hands busy is a great way to prevent yourself from scratching
Step 6. Cover the itchy area with a soft cloth
Use a soft cloth to gently rub the itchy skin without making the irritation worse. You can also cover the itchy area with a non-adhesive plaster instead of a soft cloth.
Method 2 of 4: Using Home Treatments
Step 1. Use clay
Bentonite clay, also known as shampoo clay, has been found to be effective in treating eczema and diaper rash, and is available at many natural supply stores.
Stir the green clay with a little water until the consistency resembles peanut butter. Allow it to dry and then peel it off so that the skin irritating material that causes itching will be lifted
Step 2. Take a lukewarm bath with raw or colloidal oatmeal
Oatmeal contains compounds that can reduce irritation and inflammation.
- Some pharmacies sell oatmeal preparations to add to your bathwater.
- You can also add a little water to a cup of raw oatmeal, let it soak for a few minutes, then apply the resulting paste to the irritated area.
Step 3. Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing
Loose clothing can prevent irritation from friction. Cotton is the most friendly and cool clothing material for itchy skin because it does not cause friction and can circulate air
Step 4. Apply peppermint oil
Many natural grocery stores sell essential oils such as peppermint in rolls that you can rub directly onto the skin.
- Peppermint leaves can also be crushed and mixed with a little water to form a paste to be applied to the surface of the skin.
- Wet, cold peppermint tea bags can also be rubbed directly onto the skin.
Step 5. Use a hypoallergenic soap free of dyes and perfumes
Hypoallergenic means the product you are using has been checked to be free of chemicals such as skin-irritating fragrances or dyes
Step 6. Avoid detergents that contain fragrance
Also, try to rinse your clothes twice.
Detergents with fragrances often contain chemicals that can make skin irritation worse
Step 7. Apply aloe vera
If you're growing it at home, simply break off the tips of an aloe vera leaf and squeeze some of the sap onto the skin and rub gently.
Be sure not to rub aloe vera sap with your fingernails, as this can exacerbate skin irritation
Step 8. Reduce your stress and anxiety
Stress raises cortisol levels in the bloodstream, making your skin more susceptible to infection and triggering an inflammatory response.
Talk to your doctor if you experience chronic stress or anxiety. There are many ways that you can use to relieve stress naturally
Method 3 of 4: Resolving the Cause
Step 1. Treat dry skin
Dry skin often occurs during the dry season, especially when the air conditioner is on and the humidity is low. Moisturize uninjured skin with a thick cream to relieve itching at least twice a day, especially after bathing.
Do not bathe or bathe for too long and avoid using water that is too hot to prevent dry skin
Step 2. Watch for allergic reactions
Soaps and household cleaning agents, certain fabrics, and cosmetics can trigger allergic reactions that cause itching on the skin. If you suspect any of the above is triggering the itching, change or stop using one at a time to find out the real cause of skin irritation.
- Environmental allergens such as grass and pollen, plants such as nettle, and animal dander can cause skin irritation, so you may want to discuss allergy testing with your doctor.
- Food allergies can also cause skin irritation. If you suspect you have a food allergy, start by keeping a record of the foods you eat each day, and make an appointment with your doctor for allergy testing.
Step 3. Check for rashes and skin conditions
Dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, scabies, lice, and chickenpox are skin conditions that often cause itching.
- Scabies is very common in children and often goes undiagnosed. This condition, also known as scabies, is caused by a parasite that gets into the lower layers of the skin and the bite of this parasite resembles an allergic reaction.
- Doctors will recommend treatments to treat all these skin problems. Just be sure to act quickly to defuse and prevent this problem from spreading.
Step 4. Understand that itching is common if you have problems with your internal organs or nervous system
If you have celiac disease, anemia, thyroid disorders, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, shingles, cancer, kidney or liver disease, know that itching can be caused by a disease you have.
The itching due to the above disease is usually felt all over the body
Step 5. Recall your medications
Itching is a side effect of many medications. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are concerned about the medication you are taking.
Antibiotics, antifungals, and narcotics are common causes of itching
Step 6. Know that itching is common during pregnancy
If you are pregnant, you may feel itching in the abdomen, breasts, thighs, and arms as the skin adjusts to the growing fetus.
Step 7. Visit a doctor
Be sure to visit your doctor regularly especially if your itching doesn't go away within 2 weeks and can't be relieved by home remedies or lifestyle changes.
- See your doctor early if your itching is accompanied by skin redness, fever, swelling, sudden weight loss, or extreme tiredness.
- Consult a doctor if you experience itching in the vulva. Yeast infections, psoriasis and vulvar eczema are difficult for you to distinguish on your own. In addition, you need appropriate medical care with prescription creams and oral medications.
- Itching in the groin in men needs to be treated with antifungal drugs. Men can also get yeast infections. So, visit a doctor for a check-up.
- Anal itching can be caused by irritants in food, poor hygiene, or skin conditions such as psoriasis, pinworms (especially in children), or hemorrhoids. Visit a doctor for a diagnosis and get the right treatment.
Method 4 of 4: Medically Relieve Itching
Step 1. Use medication as prescribed
If the cause of your itching is allergies, your doctor may prescribe antihistamines or allergy tablets. If there is another disease that causes it, such as kidney disease, your doctor will prescribe another medicine for you to use.
You may be prescribed a topical corticosteroid cream to apply directly to the irritated area, depending on the location and cause. If your itching is severe, your doctor may prescribe oral steroids or other oral and topical medications
Step 2. Try phototherapy
Your doctor may recommend that you undergo treatment with certain wavelengths of ultraviolet light to reduce itching.
Phototherapy is a treatment commonly used to treat itching that accompanies jaundice due to liver diseases such as cirrhosis
Step 3. Use an over-the-counter cream
Hydrocortisone 1% cream is available over-the-counter at most pharmacies and can be used for short-term treatment as long as the cause of the itching is resolved.
- Do not use topical anesthetics such as benzocaine regularly without consulting your doctor first because side effects can occur. Do not use topical anesthetics in children.
- Calamine lotion is often used to relieve itching from nettle and chickenpox.
Step 4. Find out other medical options
Consult a doctor if you are unable to relieve itching with regular medical or home remedies because hives can also be caused by pinched nerves, psychiatric problems such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, or genetic diseases such as epidermolysis bullosa.
