Home Remedies for Itchy Skin

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.

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.

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.

8. Take an Epsom salt bath

The magnesium content of Epsom salts can help improve skin barrier function and reduce inflammation.

How to use: Add 2 cups of Epsom salt to your warm bathwater. Soak for 15 minutes and rinse off in the shower. Follow by applying a moisturizer.

9. Use neem leaves

Neem leaves have been used as a skin healer in the form of paste and oil for long. It contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial compounds that help relieve skin irritation.

How to use: Boil a few neem leaves in water for 15 minutes, and mix this water into your bathwater. You can also apply neem oil to your skin overnight.

10. Apply honey

The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of honey make it suitable for relieving skin itching and dryness.

How to use: Warm up some oil and add honey to it. Apply this mixture to your skin for 10 minutes and wash it with water.