Itching is never a good feeling, no matter what the cause. Fortunately, there are some home remedies to relieve skin itchiness and irritation. Read on to learn how to stop itching and find quick relief.
Steps
Method 1 of 14: Use a cold pack
Step 1. Wet a washcloth and hold it against your skin for about 30 minutes
Use cold water to soothe the skin and stop itching. Over time, the water will help soften and eliminate dead skin that can cause irritation.
- You can also press ice packs or frozen legume bags against the itchy area, but wrap them with a towel first. Apply ice for 10-20 minutes, once a day.
- Avoid hot packs and hot water bottles which can further irritate the skin.
Method 2 of 14: Take a cold shower
Step 1. Stay under water for 10-15 minutes
Go to the shower and turn on the water at a cool (but not icy) temperature. Wash until the itchiness goes away.
You can also immerse yourself in a cool water bath, but it would be slightly more unpleasant than a cold shower
Method 3 of 14: Bathe in oatmeal
Step 1. Try soaking for 20-30 minutes to soothe your skin
Fill the tub with cool or warm water, then add 400 g of unprocessed, raw oatmeal. Stay in the tub until you are too cold or when you feel relief.
You can also make a paste with raw oatmeal and water to treat specific areas of the skin. For relief, simply apply it to the itchy area and let it sit for 20-30 minutes
Method 4 of 14: Moisturize your skin every day
Step 1. Apply a moisturizer to damp skin to keep it hydrated
Buy a fragrance-free cream and use it every day, focusing on the areas that itch the most. Try to apply it immediately after showering when your skin is still wet.
- Ingredients like alcohol and added fragrances can cause irritation and make the skin even drier.
- Thick ointments like petroleum jelly work well for severe skin irritations, such as eczema.
- Lotions and creams are best suited to dry skin.
Method 5 of 14: Try a calamine or menthol lotion
Step 1. These topical soothing agents can help relieve itching
Purchase a product that contains calamine or menthol at a drugstore, then smear it on your itchy skin. You can use it every day to relieve irritation and itching.
These creams act very quickly and give a feeling of coolness to the skin
Method 6 of 14: Apply aloe vera to the irritated area
Step 1. Aloe vera has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
In addition, it contains a lot of vitamin E, useful in the treatment of burns, able to reduce inflammation and itching. Grab an aloe vera gel at the drugstore and smear it on irritated skin.
The aloe vera gel you can find at the drugstore will do, but if you can get it fresh it's even better! If you have an aloe plant, take one leaf, cut it, then apply the gel to the itchy skin
Method 7 of 14: Turn on a humidifier in your home
Step 1. Dry air can make itching even more
If you live in an arid climate, install a humidifier in your home to make the air more humid and prevent your skin from drying out. This is especially important during the winter, when home heating can make the air drier.
Try cleaning your humidifier regularly to avoid mold buildup. Check the instruction manual to know exactly how often you should clean it
Method 8 of 14: Limit baths to 2-3 times per week
Step 1. By bathing or showering too often, your skin can start to itch
When you wash, use warm, not hot water, trying not to stay in the shower for more than 10-15 minutes. Once you're done, apply a moisturizer right away to prevent itching.
Hot water can make the skin dry and itchy
Method 9 of 14: Wear loose cotton clothing
Step 1. Tight clothing can cause irritation
Likewise, wool or synthetic fabrics can also itch, especially if you have sensitive skin. Try to choose slightly loose-fitting cotton clothing, so as not to irritate the skin.
Cotton clothes also have the advantage of letting moisture and sweat pass through, thus preventing itching
Method 10 of 14: Tap your skin instead of scratching
Step 1. Unfortunately, scratching usually makes the itching worse
If you really have trouble keeping your hands away from itchy areas, try tapping your skin instead of scratching your fingernails. Keep your nails short so you don't feel tempted to scratch and irritate your skin even more.
Scratching yourself also risks causing an infection if you accidentally break the skin
Method 11 of 14: Use laundry detergent for sensitive skin
Step 1. Normal detergents contain chemicals that can irritate the skin
Try to find cleansers that are fragrance-free or made specifically for sensitive skin. Also, try rinsing all clothes on an extra cycle to remove all detergent residue.
You can also consider using a completely natural or organic product to minimize the presence of chemical additives
Method 12 of 14: Sleep for 7-9 hours every night
Step 1. Fatigue can make skin irritation worse
In general, try to get about 8 hours of sleep every night so that you are rested and wake up refreshed. If you have trouble falling asleep, try turning off all electronic devices 30 minutes before bed and make sure your room is cool, dark and quiet.
If itching keeps you awake, apply a soothing cream about 30 minutes before bedtime
Method 13 of 14: reduce stress
Step 1. Practice yoga, meditation and take care of yourself often
The less stressed you feel, the better your skin will be. Try to indulge in relaxing activities every day to reduce stress and be happy.
The best ways to reduce stress vary from person to person. Don't be afraid to try some different relaxing activities before you find the one you prefer
Method 14 of 14: Avoid topical antihistamine sprays
Step 1. These products can make itching worse
When you are looking for an itch remedy, you can try antihistamine sprays, however, experts warn that drugs of this type can cause irritation and it is difficult to control the dosage with a spray.
