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Itch can be the symptom or a result of more serious conditions which gives a person a strong urge to scratch. It can either be limited to a certain area of the skin or it may occur in several areas at a time or all over the body. Skin itchiness, or pruritus, can be caused by different conditions. Dry skin is the most common cause of itchiness which is normally due to prolonged exposure to the sun or a decrease in the skin's innate inability to self-moisturize. People with severely dry skin are often stricken with itchiness especially during extremely cold or hot weather. The other causes of itchiness are anxiety, stress, polycythemia vera and other diseases of the blood, cholestasis or the interruption in the proper flow of bile, certain drugs, skin cancer, allergies, and disorders of the endocrine system like hyperthyroidism, and kidney disease.
Infestations and infections in the skin can also result to persistent itchiness. The most common types of skin infections are caused by fungi like tinea cruris and yeasts. The affected parts are usually around the crotch area and the genitalia and can be transmitted either sexually or by physical contact with infected objects like towels and clothing. Itch mites and lice can also cause itchiness especially in the pubic area. Although itchiness can be a symptom of more serious illnesses, most people who suffer from persistent itching do not have any serious underlying health conditions.
Seeking the advice of a medical expert is always recommended. This is in order to better understand the cause of the problem and be prescribed with the best cure possible. There are also proven ways to relieve skin itchiness without using drugs or topical treatments.
The following are do-it-yourself itch remedies that you can apply in the comforts of your own home:
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Apply Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera has been traditionally used to treat and cure a variety of skin diseases and itchiness, and promote faster skin healing. The plant contains compounds that helps soothe the skin and eliminates the itchiness caused by dry skin or skin infection. You can apply the gelatinous portion of the Aloe Vera directly on the affected area for a few minutes or until the itchiness starts to subside. In the absence of an actual Aloe Vera plant, you can use Aloe gel instead.
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Apply Cold Compress
It's always good to have an ice bag or a cold compress at home. Cold compress can give immediate relief to itching by numbing the skin and reducing the swelling in the affected area. If a cold compress pack is not available, you can use ice cubes or vegetables straight from the freezer.
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Drink Chamomile Tea
Chamomile has been proven to soothe the senses and relieve skin itchiness. Take the time to enjoy a cup of piping hot chamomile tea and dab the used but still warm tea bag on the affected area. The compounds in chamomile stimulate the senses and can serve as a natural relaxant.
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Increase Vitamin C Intake
Vitamin is a powerful antioxidant that prevents and treats itchiness from the inside especially when you are experiencing a recurring appearance of itchy rashes in certain areas of your skin. Eating more citrus fruits, berries and cruciferous vegetables will help prevent you from having an itchy skin.
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Take a Warm Bath
A warm bath will help soothe itchiness especially when it is experienced all over the body. The warm water will help wash off the materials that may be causing the itch. It is also a good way of dealing with the urge to scratch. Soaking in a bath tub filled with warm water and a cup or so of vinegar is another way of doing it. Or you can also use baking soda or colloidal oatmeal as a replacement for vinegar for a more soothing bath. If colloidal oatmeal is not available, you can fill a few cups of oatmeal in a nylon stocking and let it soak in your bath water. And try not to spend too much time in warm water since this will make your skin dry. Using an all-natural lotion to moisturize your skin after each bath will help prevent drying and make you feel more relaxed and itch-free.
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Use Baking Soda
Mixing baking soda and water in the same proportions will give you a paste which you can use to apply on itchy areas of your skin. The paste will immediately soothe the itchiness and help prevent it from coming back, depending on the cause. You can also try soaking in bath water mixed with a cup of baking soda for 30 minutes to an hour if the itchiness is generalized or experienced all over the body. Simply pat yourself dry without rinsing to let the solution work its magic on your skin.
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Use Epsom Salt
Taking an Epsom salt bath will help in relieving the itchiness caused by fungal skin infections like eczema. Epsom salt is different from other regular salts since it's primarily made up of magnesium sulphate and not sodium chloride which can cause your skin to dry. Magnesium sulphate is an electrolyte that stimulates the function of nerves and muscles. For fungal infections, Epsom salt helps in soothing the skin and in reducing inflammation. The magnesium sulphate in Epsom salt can also assist in washing out the acids from the skin, relieve muscular pains and reduce stress. After a few minutes of soaking in Epsom salt bathwater, just let yourself dry and avoid using soap. Note that using salt bath water may not be recommended for people with certain health conditions like hypertension and cardiovascular problems.
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Use oils such as Lavender Oil, Oil of Oregano and Tea Tree Oil
Essential oils like lavender and oregano oil has a soothing effect when applied directly on the skin. In addition to being a natural relief to itchiness, lavender and oregano oil can also help stimulate the sebaceous gland and prevent itchiness caused by dry skin.
Tea tree oil is also a good home remedy for itchiness caused by dry skin. The essential oil has the ability to simulate the production of oil in the skin to help it moisturize naturally. Tea tree oil also has natural antiviral, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties that help it fight itchiness from the roots.
Sources
medicmagic.net
pioneerthinking.com
livestrong.com
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