Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 4: Resist the immediate temptation
• Method 2 of 4: Using home remedies
• Method 3 of 4: Addressing the cause
• Method 4 of 4: Medically reduce the itching

The treatment of itchy skin (pruritus) often depends on the cause of the itching. In general, it is better not to scratch the itchy area, as it can worsen the underlying cause, irritate the skin more, or cause an infection. There are many ways to treat itchy skin without scratching, and to counteract the immediate temptation to scratch.

To step

Method 1 of 4: Resist the immediate temptation

1. Keep your fingernails clipped short. Short nails make it more difficult to scratch. If you prefer long nails, wear gloves to avoid scratching, especially at night.
2. Scratch or press around the irritated area, but not on it. The gate theory of pain suggests that applying pressure and stimulation to another area can distract you from the itchiness and take some of the pain away.
   • As soon as you feel the urge to scratch, pull on an elastic around your wrist. Some press an X into their skin near an itchy area, such as a mosquito bite. These are both practical examples of the gate theory of pain to avoid scratching.
3. Rub the inside of a banana peel on an itchy surface. Substances in the peel are known to reduce itching.
4. Use an ice cube or a cool wet compress. A melting ice cube in an itchy area can provide cooling relief. A cold, damp washcloth can also soothe the area.
   • Take a clean washcloth and wet it in cold water. Wring out most of the water so that the cloth is damp, but no longer soaking wet. Gently apply the cloth to the itchy area and let it rest for as long as it provides some relief.
   • A slice of cucumber or a cotton ball soaked in apple cider vinegar also has the same cooling effect.
5. Look for distraction. Sometimes you just need a little distraction to stop thinking about the itch. Mothers of children with eczema are well aware of the benefits of toys, video games, TV, exercise, and even tickling as a way to prevent children from scratching.
   • Instead, squeeze a stress ball. If you enjoy doing something with your hands, start knitting or crocheting when you feel the urge to scratch. Keeping your hands busy is a good way to avoid scratching.
6. Gently pull a very soft cloth over the area. Use a soft, clean cloth to gently stroke itchy skin without irritating the area. You can also cover the area with a bandage instead of a soft cloth.

Method 2 of 4: Using home remedies

1. Use clay. Bentonite clay (also called shampoo clay) has been shown to be effective in treating eczema and diaper rash and can be purchased at many natural health stores.
   • Stir green clay with a little water into a peanut butter-like paste and apply to the skin. Let it dry, then peel it off to get rid of any irritants that may have caused the itchiness.
2. Take a lukewarm bath with uncooked or colloidal (powder) oatmeal. Oatmeal contains compounds that reduce inflammation and irritation.
   • Most pharmacists sell oatmeal preparations to add to the bath water.
   • You can also add a little water to a cup of uncooked oatmeal, let it soak for a few minutes, then apply it to the irritated area like a paste.
3. Wear loose, cotton clothing
   • Loose clothing prevents irritation from friction. Cotton is the friendliest and coolest of all fabrics to wear on irritated skin, because it does not chafe and breathes.
4. Coat it with peppermint oil. Many health food stores sell essential oils such as peppermint, which often comes in a roller that allows you to apply it directly to the skin.
   • Peppermint leaves can also be ground and mixed with a small amount of water to make a paste that you can gently apply to the skin.
   • Cool wet tea bags with peppermint can also be applied directly to the skin.
5. Use hypoallergenic soap without dyes and perfumes
   • Hypoallergenic means that the detergent or soap you use has been tested for the presence of chemicals, such as fragrances or dyes, that can irritate the skin.
6. Avoid detergent with a scent. You can also try to give your clothes an extra rinse.
   • Detergent with fragrance often contains chemicals that can worsen the condition of already irritated skin.
7. Apply Aloe Vera. If you have this plant at home, simply break off a tip of the plant and squeeze some of the natural Aloe onto your skin, then rub it in gently
   • Be careful not to use your nails while applying the Aloe, otherwise you can further irritate the skin.
8. Reduce stress and anxiety. Stress increases cortisol in your blood, making your skin hypersensitive to infections and triggering an inflammatory response.
   • Talk to your doctor if you have chronic stress and anxiety. There are many ways to deal with stress naturally.

Method 3 of 4: Addressing the cause

1. Take care of dry skin. Dry skin is common in winter, especially when the heaters are on and the moisture is sucked out of the air.Moisturize cracked skin with a thick itching relief cream at least twice a day, especially right after bathing.
   • Do not shower or bathe for too long or too hot to prevent further drying of the skin.
2. Watch for allergic reactions. Soap and household chemicals, certain clothing fabrics and cosmetics can cause allergic reactions, making the skin itchy. If you suspect any of these are the culprits, change or remove them one at a time to determine which one is irritating to your skin.
   • Environmental allergens such as grass and pollen, plants such as poison ivy, and pet dander can cause skin irritation, and you may want to discuss an allergy test with your doctor.
   • Food allergy can also manifest as skin irritation. If you suspect you have a food allergy, start by keeping a diet diary that records what you are eating and making an appointment to see your doctor about an allergy test.
3. Check for rashes and skin conditions. Dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, scabies, lice and chicken pox are common skin conditions that can cause itching.
   • Scabies mainly occurs in children and is often overlooked in a diagnosis. The parasite that causes the scabies (also called the itch mite) settles under the skin and its bites resemble an allergic reaction.
   • Your doctor can recommend treatment for all of these conditions. Make sure to act quickly for the greatest relief and to keep it from spreading.
4. Know that itching is common if you have an internal or nervous system disorder. If you know you have celiac disease, anemia, thyroid disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, shingles, cancer, or kidney or liver disease, the itchiness may be the result of your disease.
   • Itching due to these diseases usually affects the whole body.
5. Think about your medications. Itching is a common side effect of various medications. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are concerned about the medications you are taking.
   • Antibiotics and antifungals often cause itching.
6. Know that itching is common during pregnancy. When you are pregnant, your stomach, breasts, thighs and arms can be especially itchy as your skin adapts to the new life that grows.
7. See a doctor. Be sure to contact your doctor, especially if the itching persists for more than two weeks and is not relieved by home remedies or a different lifestyle.
   • See a doctor if your itching is accompanied by redness, fever, swelling, sudden weight loss, or extreme tiredness.
   • Talk to your doctor if you have vulvar itching. Fungal infections, vulvar psoriasis, and eczema can be difficult to distinguish on your own, and you need proper medical treatment through prescription creams and oral medications.
   • Men with itchy groin may need anti-fungal medication. Men can also get yeast infections. See your doctor for a check-up.
   • Anal itching can be the result of a food allergy, lack of hygiene, dermatological conditions such as psoriasis, pinworms (mainly occurs in children) or hemorrhoids. Consult your doctor for a diagnosis and adequate treatment.

Method 4 of 4: Medically reduce the itching

1. Take medication as directed. If your problem is caused by allergies, your doctor may prescribe an antihistamine or allergy pills. If you have an underlying disease, such as kidney disease, your doctor will prescribe other medications.
   • You may be prescribed a corticosteroid cream to apply directly to the irritated area, depending on the site and cause. If your itching is severe, your doctor will prescribe oral steroids or other oral or topical medications.
2. Try phototherapy. Your doctor may recommend sessions of ultraviolet light exposure, where certain wavelengths can reduce itching.
   • Phototherapy is a common treatment for jaundice itching caused by liver diseases such as liver cirrhosis.
3. Use an over-the-counter cream. 1% hydrocortisone creams are available without a prescription at most pharmacies and can be helpful in the short term while treating the underlying cause.
   • Do not use a topical anesthetic such as benzocaine on a regular basis without consulting a doctor as this may cause side effects. Do not use local anesthetics on children.
   • Calamine lotion is used to relieve itching caused by poison ivy and chicken pox.
4. Explore other medical options. If you cannot relieve itchiness with conventional medication or home remedies, discuss with your doctor the less common causes of itching related to pinched nerves, mental illness such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, or genetic diseases such as epidermolysis bullosa.
   • Your doctor may even occasionally prescribe an antidepressant to help with the itchiness.