Home Remedies for Itchy Skin
Written by Jessica Lal on February 7, 2023
Itchiness refers to an urge to scratch your skin. The itch may be felt in one area or even all over the body. At times, itching is accompanied by hives or a rash.
This sensation can be quite irritating and discomforting. However, various remedies can help relieve an itch quickly.
Home Remedies for Itchy Skin
The following treatments using easily available ingredients can help relieve an itch.
1. Take a warm colloidal oatmeal bath
Colloidal oatmeal is essentially oats ground into an extremely fine powder, which may help alleviate a variety of skin problems, such as erythema, burns, eczema, rashes, and dry and itchy skin.
Oatmeal in colloidal form is known to exhibit anti-irritating, anti-inflammatory, and skin-soothing properties that may provide quick relief from itching. Moreover, a colloidal oatmeal lotion is considerably effective as a skin moisturizer, which may help reduce skin dryness and improve its barrier function.
Summary:Colloidal oatmeal is recognized as an anti-inflammatory ingredient that may help soothe dry, itchy skin and improve its barrier function.
2. Apply coconut oil
The topical application of coconut oil may help relieve eczema in both kids and adults. This natural emollient not only hydrates parched skin but also doubles up as a potent antimicrobial agent with significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Summary:Coconut oil has long been used as a skin moisturizer and for a good reason. The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of this natural emollient have been supported by multiple researches.
3. Use gentle cold therapy
The same nerve fibers are responsible for carrying the sensations of both cold and itching. Applying cool water on the itchy skin may provide instant but temporary relief from the discomfort.
4. Moisturize with shea butter
Shea butter possesses nourishing and moisturizing properties, which may help soothe the itching.
Although the use of shea butter for itchy skin has not been studied in clinical trials, it is a popular anecdotal remedy for the same. You can try applying shea butter on your skin if you are not allergic to it.
5. Soothe skin with aloe vera extract
The viscous gel contained within aloe vera leaves is richly supplied with vitamin E. This vitamin is a potent antioxidant that can help nourish your skin and protect it from free radicals and external irritants.
Aloe vera also works as a hydrating, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal agent.
6. Use baking soda
Baking soda can help reduce inflammation by neutralizing the acids on the skin. However, the use of baking soda is merely anecdotal and its efficacy is very much subjective.
How to use: You can mix baking soda in water and apply this paste to the affected areas. Alternatively, you can rinse the skin with baking soda water (1–2 cups of baking soda mixed in a tub of lukewarm water).
7. Apply apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce itchiness associated with a bacterial infection. However, it must be employed with caution as its use is based purely on anecdotal evidence.
How to use: Mix ACV and water in a 1:2 ratio, and apply it to your skin using a cotton ball. You can also add 1 tablespoon of ACV to your bathwater.
