Itching can be caused by a wide variety of skin conditions (for example, from an allergy, an insect bite, eczema, or contact with a stinging plant). If you don't do anything to cure it, it can keep you awake at night. The worst problem is not having a sleepless night, but scratching can cause an infection or the appearance of an unsightly scar. This article explains how to relieve night itch.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Managing the Night Itch
Step 1. Use a cream or tablet antihistamine medication
Antihistamines have the job of relieving itching and other symptoms triggered by allergies. They work by inhibiting the cells' release of histamine, a substance that acts as a chemical mediator and causes the symptoms of an allergic reaction, including itching.
- Before going to sleep, apply a diphenhydramine cream to the itchy spot or take an antihistamine by mouth in tablet or drop form. Antihistamines have the power to relieve itching and in addition induce a slight drowsiness useful for being able to sleep well.
- If the itchy skin area is very large, it is advisable to take an antihistamine by mouth rather than using a cream.
- Take diphenhydramine by mouth or apply it directly to the skin, but do not use it either way to avoid exposing the body to a dangerous and excessive dose of the drug.
- Read the package leaflet carefully and follow the directions for use. Never exceed the recommended dosage.
- In addition to diphenhydramine, there are other effective antihistamines, for example cetirizine (active ingredient in Zyrtec) and loratadine (active ingredient in Claritin).
- Consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any oral antihistamine if you have any medical condition, are allergic to certain medicines, or are already taking other medicines.
Step 2. Apply a corticosteroid cream where the skin is irritated
Corticosteroids are effective against inflammation and act by altering the biochemical processes carried out by cells in response to certain stimuli. If the itching is caused by an inflammatory disorder (eczema, for example), you should be able to relieve it by using a corticosteroid cream.
- After applying the cream it may be advisable to cover the area with a damp cotton gauze. This way the skin will absorb the cream more easily.
- You can purchase a cream with a low concentration of corticosteroids without requiring a prescription, while for higher concentrations a prescription is required.
- If the itchy skin area is small, your doctor may decide to prescribe a drug that belongs to the class of calcineurin inhibitors, rather than a corticosteroid cream.
Step 3. Use a moisturizing barrier cream or anti-itch ointment
It may be enough if the itching is not excessive and you prefer to avoid medications. Apply the barrier cream before bed and at least twice throughout the day until symptoms subside.
- You can buy a barrier cream with a protective and moisturizing action at the pharmacy, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice. Available brands include Eucerin and Aveeno (whose products are based on natural oat extracts).
- Calamine and menthol soothing creams can also help relieve itching temporarily.
- You can form a protective barrier on the skin by using a barrier cream that contains zinc oxide, lanolin, or petroleum jelly. For example, petroleum jelly is an inexpensive product that relieves dry, itchy skin.
Step 4. Apply a cold, wet compress where you feel itchy
It's a simple but effective way to reduce irritation, protect your skin, and avoid scratching at night.
- Even if the temptation is strong, try not to scratch yourself. In the long run, the skin may break and become vulnerable to infection. If you just can't resist, use your fingertips (not your fingernails) or wear a pair of soft gloves at night.
- Another option is to wrap the itchy area in plastic wrap to protect it and dissuade you from scratching.
Step 5. Take a warm bath with oats or baking soda before bed
Oats contain powerful polyphenols, called avenanthramides, which fight inflammation, reduce redness and help relieve itching.
- Chop the oats in the blender and then sprinkle them in the tub as it fills with water. Soak in hot water for at least 15 minutes before going to sleep.
- For convenience, you can buy a bathroom shower from the Aveeno line.
- You can use baking soda as an alternative to oats. Pour 200 g of it into the hot tub water and soak the itchy area for 30-60 minutes before going to sleep.
- If the itching is localized, you can prepare a paste with baking soda to apply directly to the skin. Use three parts of baking soda and one part of water, mix and apply the mixture where needed. Use this method only if the skin is not broken.
Step 6. Put on soft cotton or silk pajamas
Both materials help reduce irritation. Avoid fabrics that tend to irritate the skin such as synthetics and wool. Also, don't wear tight-fitting clothing until the itching has subsided.
Step 7. Avoid materials and substances that can irritate the skin and trigger itching at night
For example, some jewelry, perfumes, cleansers and cosmetics can irritate the skin or cause an allergic reaction, so avoid them so you don't have to struggle with itching at night.
Use a mild, unscented detergent to wash your pajamas and sheets. Also have the washing machine do a second rinse cycle
Part 2 of 3: Natural Itch Remedies
Step 1. Use lemon juice
The aromatic substances contained in lemon boast anesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties. Before going to bed, apply a few drops of lemon juice to your skin - it will reduce itching and help you sleep better.
- You can squeeze lemon juice directly onto the itchy skin. Wait for the skin to dry before going to bed.
- Do not use lemon juice if the skin is very irritated or damaged, otherwise the itch will give way to intense burning.
Step 2. Use juniper berries and cloves
By combining the volatile anti-inflammatory substances contained in juniper berries with the eugenol (which numbs the nerve endings) contained in cloves, you can keep night itching under control.
- First, melt 100g of butter and 2 tablespoons of beeswax in two separate small pots.
- When they are both melted, mix them.
- Add 5 tablespoons of juniper berries and 3 tablespoons of cloves, both reduced to powder. Stir to blend the mixture.
- Let the mixture cool and apply it to irritated skin before going to sleep.
Step 3. Relieve itching with herbs
The substances contained in basil, mint and thyme have anesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve irritated and itchy skin.
Make an infusion using basil, mint, or thyme. Use the dried leaves or a tea bag. Immerse them in boiling water and then cover the saucepan to prevent the aromatic substances from dispersing into the air. Let the tea cool and then strain it. Apply it to your skin before going to sleep using a clean washcloth
Step 4. Use aloe vera gel
It is very useful against burns, but the same substances that treat inflammation and blisters can help reduce itching.
Massage the aloe vera gel into your skin before going to sleep
Step 5. Take fish oil
It is a supplement of essential fatty acids that help keep the skin hydrated. By taking fish oil regularly you will find relief from itching due to dry skin.
Part 3 of 3: Treating Specific Ailments
Step 1. Treat the itch irritation if it was caused by a stinging plant such as poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac
The oils contained in these stinging plants can inflame the skin and cause intense itching.
- Apply calamine or hydrocortisone cream before bed.
- Alternatively, you can combat the itchiness caused by contact with a stinging plant by using an oral antihistamine or cream.
- If the reaction is acute, go to the dermatologist. He may prescribe a steroid cream or prednisone drug to take by mouth.
Step 2. Treat insect bites
Especially during the summer they are a typical cause of itching. In milder cases, it is usually sufficient to cleanse the skin with soap and water and then apply an anti-itch ointment before bed.
- If the insect bite has made the skin swollen or sore, it is best to use an antihistamine, anesthetic, or hydrocortisone cream.
- Keep a cold compress on inflamed skin while you sleep to reduce itching and the urge to scratch.
Step 3. Treat eczema
Eczema (or dermatitis) is a skin inflammation that can cause various symptoms, including itching. Try to reduce nighttime itchiness caused by eczema in the following ways:
- Use a corticosteroid cream or ointment. Some products are also available without a prescription.
- Take an antihistamine by mouth.
- If other methods have not worked well, ask your doctor to prescribe a treatment for dermatitis. Since some creams can cause various side effects, it is best to experiment with other remedies first.
Step 4. Find a solution for swimmer's itch
It is a skin condition caused by an allergic reaction to certain microscopic parasites present in contaminated water. Practice the following remedies to avoid getting itchy at night:
- Apply a warm compress to itchy skin to reduce irritation.
- Take a warm bath with Epsom salts, baking soda, or oats before bed.
- Use a corticosteroid or anti-itch cream on the inflamed area.
Advice
- If the itching has become agony, in addition to using the methods described in the article, you can take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drug that belongs to the class of NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs). One of them is ibuprofen.
- Drink a cup of herbal tea before going to sleep. Use an herb like chamomile or valerian, which has a natural sedative effect.
Warnings
- See your doctor if you are concerned about itching or if the situation does not improve within a couple of days. In addition to prescribing a cure, he or she will be able to determine the cause.
- In some rare cases, itching can be a symptom of a pathology affecting the internal organs, such as a liver or thyroid disorder.
- Read carefully the package leaflet of the drugs and strictly follow the directions for use. Never exceed the recommended dosage.
- Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have any medical condition, are already taking medications or if you do not know which treatment is best for you.
