Content

• Steps
• Advice

During menopause, you may suddenly notice a feeling of constant itching on your skin. As estrogen levels begin to decline, the body's ability to produce oil slows, making skin dry and itchy. Fortunately, there are many ways to help relieve itchy skin, including taking medications, making lifestyle changes, and trying different natural remedies.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Reduce itching with lifestyle changes

1. 

   Take a quick shower with warm water. To relieve itchy skin, take a shower or bath for less than 20 minutes and use warm water instead of hot water. This habit stimulates the natural moisture in the skin and helps relieve itching.
   • Avoid hot showers as this will dry out your skin and make the itch worse.
   • Also, avoid using soaps, shower gels and scented deodorants to avoid irritating the skin. Choose soaps that contain moisturizers to soften and hydrate the skin.
   • Pat your skin dry instead of wiping it hard to reduce further irritation.

2. 

   
   
   Apply moisturizer. If the itchy skin is caused by dryness, it is essential to moisturize immediately after bathing at least twice daily. Moisturizing helps to retain the skin's natural moisture and promotes elastic, healthy skin.
   • Use fragrance-free, non-irritating lotions (like Eucerin and Cetaphil) or an oatmeal moisturizer like Aveeno. You can also use Vaseline wax for moisturizer.
   • Avoid moisturizers that contain perfumes, alcohol, or other irritating chemicals as this can make the itch worse.

3. 

   
   
   Wear non-irritating clothing. Do not wear hard, coarse fabrics (such as wool), as this will further irritate the skin. Wear loose clothing made of material that doesn't irritate skin, such as cotton or silk.
   • Wash your clothes with fragrance-free or non-irritating detergents, and avoid using fabric softeners. Some detergent products can leave residue on clothes, making the itch worse.
   • You should also use cotton sheets to help relieve nighttime itching.

4. 

   
   
   Include healthy fats in your diet. Omega 3 are essential fatty acids that help the skin produce oil and retain moisture. Without these fatty acids in the diet, the skin becomes dry itchy.
   • Good sources of omega 3 include salmon, walnuts, eggs, sardines, soybeans, safflower oil and flaxseed.
   • You can also take fish oil or Omega 3 oil capsules to ensure a sufficient supply of these fatty acids.

5. 

   Provide enough water. The body needs water to survive. Lack of water leads to dehydration, which in turn causes dry and itchy skin.
   • The American Institute of Medicine recommends, on average, women drink at least 9 glasses of water a day.
   • If you exercise or live in a hot climate, you'll need to drink more water.

6. 

   Reduce stress. Stress negatively affects the body, including causing skin problems. Besides itching, stress can also worsen other skin problems such as eczema and dermatitis.
   • Reduce stress by taking time to engage in everyday relaxing activities like meditation, yoga, walking or reading.
   • Alternatively, you can try controlled breathing exercises to reduce stress.

7. 

   Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Both of these substances act as diuretics, causing you to urinate more often and causing dehydration. They also affect blood circulation in the skin, making the itch worse.
   • If necessary, only consume caffeinated beverages and alcohol in moderation.

8. 

   Supplement vitamins. Not getting enough essential vitamins through the diet can make skin dry and weak. Consider taking vitamin C, D, E and K supplements. Also, topical creams containing these vitamins can be used to promote healthy skin regeneration and relieve itching.
   • Vitamin C is an antioxidant that is involved in collagen synthesis and reduces cell damage. You can take an oral vitamin C supplement or a topical cream.
   • Vitamin D3 (available in the form of synthetic calcitriol) found in topical creams is very effective in treating skin conditions (such as psoriasis) by reducing inflammation and skin irritation.
   • Vitamin E helps protect skin from sun damage and reduces skin inflammation when applied topically.
   • Vitamin K is present in topical creams and although not scientifically shown to be as effective as vitamins C and E, it also helps treat irritated skin.
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Method 2 of 3: Relieve itching with medication

1. 

   Try an anti-itch cream. Anti-itch creams help moisturize and soothe itchiness. You can buy an over-the-counter anti-itch cream or ask your doctor for a stronger prescription if an over-the-counter medication is ineffective.
   • Some popular anti-itch creams include Aveeno and 1% Hydrocortisone.
   • If you are using corticosteroid cream, you should apply it to the affected area. Then, use a cloth or cotton soaked in water to wrap around the skin. The moisture from the towel will help the skin absorb the cream.
   • Remember that anti-itch creams provide temporary relief and should only be used for a short time (usually no more than a week).
   • Talk to your doctor about using prescription anti-itch creams that last longer than a week.

2. 

   Ask your doctor about calcineurin inhibitors. These are topical creams that help reduce inflammation and can be used as an alternative to anti-itch creams, especially if the itchy area is not too large.
   • Some of the available calcineurin inhibitors include Tacrolimus (Protopic) and Pimecrolimus (Elidel).
   • Note that the drug can weaken the immune system, so you must take it according to the instructions and do not exceed the recommended dose.

3. 

   Take an antihistamine. Antihistamines help fight itchiness by blocking production of histamine - chemicals that cause allergic reactions and itching. You can buy topical or over-the-counter medications from the pharmacy.
   • Antihistamines can be taken by mouth (tablets and liquid) or topical form (creams and lotions). If the itchy area is widespread, take oral antihistamines to relieve the itching from within. Conversely, if the itchy area is small and tight, you can use topical cream for local treatment.
   • Remember to take a non-sedating antihistamine during the day (such as Claritin) and let an antihistamine (such as Benadryl) take it at night.
   • Some popular antihistamines include Allegra, Claritin, Benadryl, and Chlor-Trimeton.
   • Always follow the directions on the medicine label and do not increase your dose or take more than directed.

4. 

   Talk to your doctor about hormone control medications. Hormone replacement therapy helps replace the depleted hormone levels (such as estrogen and progesterone) during menopause. This therapy has been shown to help reduce burning sensation, vaginal dryness and help reduce bone mineral loss. Also, while not mentioned, hormone replacement can also help relieve itchy skin.
   • Your doctor may prescribe low-dose estrongen pills or patches to help relieve menopausal symptoms.
   • Your doctor may also recommend a combination therapy (estrogen / progesterone / progestin). This combination therapy is for women who still have a uterus and is prescribed as a low dose pill or patch.
   • Side effects of hormone replacement therapy are bloating, breast swelling and tightness, headache, mood swings, nausea, and "private" bleeding.

5. 

   Ask your doctor about antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. Your doctor may also prescribe an antidepressant to treat itching. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have been shown to reduce many types of itchy skin.
   • One of the medications your doctor might recommend is Busprione. This is an anti-anxiety medication that treats itchiness in the skin by blocking dopamine - the neurotransmitter that controls the brain's sensory centers.
   • Your doctor may recommend selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as Fluoxetine (Prozac) and Sertraline (Zoloft).
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Method 3 of 3: Use natural ingredients

1. 

   Try aloe (aloe vera) to soothe your skin. Aloe vera has antifungal and antibiotic properties, and has been used as a natural skin healing and moisturizer for centuries. You can try aloe vera to see if the itchy skin caused by menopause eases.
   • You can buy aloe vera gel from pharmacies.
   • You can also buy fresh aloe plants if you want to use pure gel. Cut the aloe leaves in half along the length of the leaf. Scoop out the gel from the center and apply directly to the affected area.

2. 

   Use a mixture of Bentonite clay to soothe the itch. Clay has long been used to heal and protect skin. Although it is not scientifically proven to reduce itching caused by menopause, you can give it a try.
   • Mix the clay and olive oil in a bowl of filtered water and stir until smooth. Dab the mixture on the itchy skin and let it dry. Finally, wash off the dry clay and repeat if necessary.
   • You can also apply a clay mask by applying clay to a cloth. Then, place the cloth on the itchy area so that the clay touches the skin directly. Leave on the mask for about 4 hours or until the clay is dry and hardened. Wash thoroughly.

3. 

   Try apple cider vinegar to relieve itching. Apple cider vinegar is used as an antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic ingredient that can help treat dry and itchy skin.
   • Place a few drops of apple cider vinegar on a cotton ball or clean towel and apply it to the affected area.
   • Try raw, organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar if possible.

4. 

   Use mint leaves. Although its use in relieving menopausal symptoms has not been proven, peppermint can help soothe the itchiness of menopause and is worth a try. In addition, peppermint also has a cooling effect, helping you to reduce itching a lot.
   • Crush mint leaves in a bowl and apply directly to the affected area.
   • You can make a mint to numb the itchy area and reduce inflammation. Stir well mint leaves with water. Then, pour the mixture into an ice tray and freeze it. Wrap an ice cube in a soft towel and then apply it to the itchy area (do not place it directly on the skin as this can cause cold burns).
   • You can also try peppermint oil to relieve itching by applying it to the itchy area.

5. 

   Use an oat paste to reduce itching. Oats contain compounds that help reduce inflammation and soothe itchiness. You can mix the oatmeal mixture or take a bath with oatmeal water to relieve itching.
   • Fill a cup of uncooked oats with water and wait a few minutes to create a paste. Apply the paste to the itchy area.
   • Or, you can take an oatmeal bath by mixing olive oil, baking soda, and oatmeal in the water. Soak the itchy area in an oatmeal tub for about 20 minutes.
   • You can buy oatmeal at a grocery store or buy oatmeal from a pharmacy.

6. 

   Use a cool, moist compress to relieve itching. Applying a cool, absorbent washcloth to the affected area can help reduce the irritation. This is especially helpful at night if the itch keeps you awake.
   • Wrapping a wet towel around the itchy area also helps protect your skin and prevents you from scratching it during the night.
   • You can find articles on how to alleviate evening itch with other ingredients.

7. 

   Try herbal creams. Topical creams containing chamomile (Matricaria recutita), corolla (Stellaria media), marigold (Calendula officinalis), hazelnuts (Hamamelis virginiana) and / or licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) may also help relieve the itch. skin.
   • You should talk to your doctor before using these creams and discontinue use if irritation or worsening of symptoms occurs.
   • Another herb that can help reduce itching is St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum). According to a clinical study, symptoms in people with eczema use topical cream containing St. John's wort had remission compared to those who took placebo cream.

8. 

   Try acupuncture and homeopathic medicine. Acupuncture has been shown to help relieve eczema symptoms, and therefore, you can try acupuncture to relieve itching caused by menopause. However, keep in mind that more research is still needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of this method for skin itchiness.
   • You can also try homeopathic remedies to relieve itching.Calendula, sulfur, Urtica urens and Rhus toxicodendron are used by some homeopaths to treat eczema. Ask your professional if these remedies can be used to treat menopausal itching.
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Advice

• Keep fingernails short, filing, and clean to avoid scratching the itch.
• Always consult your doctor before trying natural or over-the-counter medications, especially if you are taking other medicinal products.