anti itch remedies
anti itch remedies
1. Oatmeal Bath: Not only health benefits but oats have been used in skincare routine since decades, as it works well on all skin types. Oats work wonders for dry, itchy skin and can be used on variety of skin irritations like eczema and rashes.
Oats maintains the moisture levels in skin as starches and beta-glucan present in oats form a protective barrier for the skin against dryness and irritation. Oats also have natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as they contain polyphenols called avenanthramides and it helps calm itchy skin.
How to use it: For an oatmeal bath, grind rolled oats into a thin powder. Mix the powder in your bath water. Soak your body in the water for 15 to 20 minutes and rinse. You can also gently scrub the oatmeal on itchy skin. You can also make semi-solid paste by mixing oats powder and water and apply it on affected areas.
2. Neem: Neem is one of the most essential herbs used in Indian households to treat a lot of skin ailments, and itchy skin is one of them. Neem has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties that helps soothe itchy skin.
Bathing with neem water cures itching and rashes in children who get chicken pox or hand foot mouth (HFM) disease. Neem water bath ideal home remedy for itching in whole body.
How to use it: For neem water bath, soak a handful of neem leaves in hot water for half an hour. Once lukewarm, take bath with the neem water. You can also make a paste by grinding neem leaves with water. Apply the paste on the irritated skin. Wash once dried.
3. Peppermint Essential Oil: Peppermint’s cooling properties can reduce itching caused by bug bites, poison ivy and due to medical conditions like diabetes, liver disease and kidney disease.
Its anti-microbial and anti-septic properties can also reduce pimple or acne that cause redness and itchiness.
How to use it: Dilute the peppermint oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil and apply on the affected areas.
4. Cold Compress: Cold compress is one of the easiest and fastest method to use for itchy skin. Whether it is an ice pack, damp cloth or cool showers, cold water can bring immediate relief and stops swelling and itching or a rash.
Cold limits the blood flow to an inflamed area, hence, when you apply ice or a cold damp cloth, it reduces inflammation and stops itching almost instantly. For rashes all over the body, taking a cold shower may provide relief.
5. Honey: The good old honey is not only a healthier alternative to sugar to add in our diet, but also works wonders when incorporated in our skincare routine. Honey is used as an effective home remedy to soothe itchiness caused by dry skin or infections.
Honey is loaded with humectants, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. Incorporating honey as a home remedy for body itching in winter can reduce dryness and leave our skin moisturised and hydrated.
How to use it: Dip a cotton ball in lukewarm honey. Apply it on the itchy area and leave it for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse it with warm water.
6. Aloe Vera: Fresh aloe vera is widely popular as it has amazing skin and hair benefits. Aloe vera contains vitamin B12, calcium, magnesium, zinc and vitamins A, C, E.
In addition, aloe vera also contains anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-viral and anti-oxidant properties. Aloe can treat rashes or itching caused by acne, dry skin, allergies, insect bites or any sort fungal and bacterial infections.
The clear gel that comes from aloe vera is used to soothe itchy and irritated skin.
How to use it: Take a fresh aloe leaf, cut open the leaf and scrape out the gel and apply directly on the affected skin. To increase the soothing properties, keep the aloe vera gel in the fridge and apply on the rash or itchy skin when it’s cool. Cold gel will reduce any kind of inflammation or swelling from the itching. Using fresh aloe is recommended than a store-bought gel.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple Cider Vinegar’s anti-septic properties can help soothe itchy skin especially for people who suffer from psoriasis. It also works wonders as a spot treatment on bug bites.
Dabbing diluted apple cider vinegar on affected area can help neutralise the itch while balancing the pH levels of skin and speeds up the healing process. You can also add a couple of tablespoons of ACV in your bath and take shower with it to soothe itchy skin.
Anti Itch Home Remedies
1. Moisturiser: Change in the weather is the most common cause of itchy skin. Dry skin worsens with seasonal changes. Using a good moisturiser may help you lock in the moisture in your skin. It keeps the skin from drying out.
There are some specific tips to keep in mind while using moisturiser. After taking a lukewarm shower, you can gently dry the skin and apply moisturiser within 3-5 minutes; this will help trap the moisture in your skin.
Choosing the correct type of moisturiser is also equally important. It would help if you looked for ceramide-containing moisturisers because ceramide aids in the restoration of skin barriers and the prevention of moisture loss.
2. Cold Press: Cold compresses, such as a cold, moist cloth or an ice pack wrapped in a towel and pressed on the affected area, can help relieve itchy skin. The cold sensation breaks the itching cycle and reduces the skin inflammation caused by frequent itching.
3. Mild Soaps and Detergents: Avoid using soaps and detergents that contain skin irritants. Using milder soaps and laundry detergents will help you avoid contact with these skin irritants and ease the itchiness of the skin.
4. Wear Cotton Clothing: Avoid using fabrics like wool and synthetics, as these can make your skin itchy. Opting for cotton clothes and cotton bed sheets will help you reduce the symptoms of itchy skin.
Other remedies
Applying sunscreen for sun protection
Putting on loose cotton clothes rather than tight clothes
Maintaining clean, short, and smooth nails
Avoiding scratching your skin
Spending less time in the bath or shower
Bathing in lukewarm water