Content

• Steps
• Advice

Itching, also known as pruritus in medicine, is a common disease in humans and other animals. There are many factors that cause itchiness, including insect bites, dry skin, and rashes like eczema. There are many treatments available to relieve itching and prevent it from coming back. While itching is usually not a medical problem, if you have persistent itching or have a rash, fever and other health problems, you should see your doctor.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Try Home Treatments

1. 

   Avoid scratching. While scratching is the easiest way to relieve itching, it can make the illness worse. Scratching only makes the itching last longer
   • When you scratch, you will give your skin a mild pain. Pain is mixed with itching, making you feel pain instead of itching. However, the brain secretes serotonin in response to pain in order to relieve pain, which can activate the itchy receptors and make the illness worse.
   • It is very difficult to control scratching itch. Covering the affected area with a bandage or bandage may help. Cut your nails or wear clothing to cover the itchy area

2. 

   
   
   Use cold water. Low temperatures affect the nerves that cause itching and can sometimes slow them down, making them feel less itchy. Apply cold water to the itchy area to ease itching.
   • Keep the itchy area under cold, running water. You can also place a cold washcloth on your skin until the itch is gone.
   • A cold shower can help, especially if the itch is large in area.
   • An ice pack is also a good option. You can buy ice packs available at supermarkets or drugstores. Always wrap the ice pack in a towel or washcloth, never apply ice directly to the skin
   • If you don't have an ice pack, you can put ice cubes in a plastic bag or use frozen vegetables like a bag of frozen peas.

3. 

   
   
   Take an oat bath. Oats have been shown to help smooth the skin, and a cool bath with oats can help relieve itching.
   • Use oatmeal because it is more soluble in water. However, if you can't find one, you can also use a food processor or blender to puree 1 cup of unflavored oats.
   • Fill the tub with lukewarm water and pour the oats into the tub. Stir well so that no lumps remain.
   • Soak in the tub for 15 to 20 minutes, when finished bathing, pat skin dry.

4. 

   
   
   Wear the right clothes. If itching, you should minimize the irritation in that area. Wearing inappropriate clothing can make the itch worse.
   • Choose loose-fitting clothing made from a soft, soft texture.
   • Avoid tight, tight clothing. If possible, choose clothes that do not cover the itch.
   • Natural fabrics like silk or cotton don't irritate the itchy area. Do not wear wool clothes.
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Method 2 of 3: Use of Medicines

1. 

   Try over-the-counter medications and itch creams. There are many anti-itch creams available in drugstores and supermarkets. They can help soothe the itchiness.
   • Look for the following ingredients when choosing a cream, as they have a pronounced effect on itching: camphor, menthol, phenol, pramoxine, diphenhydramine, and benzocaine.
   • These methods numb the nerve root and thus help relieve itching. The cream can be applied every few minutes until symptoms improve.
   • Try using a prickling calamine cream with a maximum concentration of 4% menthol.
   • You should always read the warnings on every product you purchase and look for ingredients that can cause allergies. Make sure you know what to do if you have an allergy.

2. 

   Antihistamines (drugs with antihistamines effect). Antihistamines are often the first-line treatment for people with widespread itchiness.
   • Use of antihistamines does not cause drowsiness during the day. This includes over-the-counter allergy medications such as the antibiotic cetitizine (Zyrtec) and the drug loratadine (Clariton).
   • Talk to your doctor about itching as only a doctor can decide if it is an allergic condition. If you have itching for another reason, antihistamines may not help.

3. 

   Know when hydrocortisone cream is working. Hydrocortisone cream is an over-the-counter topical medication that can help relieve itching. They can be helpful in some cases, but they are not always the right choice, depending on the cause of the itch.
   • Hydrocortisone anti-inflammatory cream only helps relieve itching caused by a rash, such as eczema. Over-the-counter creams are usually quite weak, containing only 1% cortisone, but if you have eczema or other skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis they can still provide relief.
   • If you get itchy caused by an allergic reaction, insect bites, or dry skin, then hydrocortisone cream will not be of any help.
   • As always, apply over-the-counter medication only when needed and let your doctor know if you have any allergies.

4. 

   See a doctor when needed. Itching is not usually a serious medical condition, but if it is associated with specific symptoms or worsens, you should see your doctor.
   • If the itching is so severe that it makes it difficult to sleep, you should see your doctor immediately to find out the cause.
   • If the itching is more than 2 weeks old and does not subside, talk to your doctor.
   • If the itching affects the entire body, seek immediate medical attention.
   • See your doctor if the itch is accompanied by symptoms such as weight loss, exhaustion, change in bowel habits, fever, red spots, or a rash on the skin.
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Method 3 of 3: Prevent Pruritus

1. 

   Apply sunscreen when needed. If you get itchy from a sunburn, apply sunscreen to any exposed skin when outdoors.
   • If your skin is extremely sensitive to the sun, avoid going out during peak sunlight times. That is from 10am to 2pm. Peak sunshine times are based on UV radiation, not just sunlight. So this time frame is never changed.
   • The SPF number can sometimes be inaccurate. Sunscreen with SPF 50, for example, doesn't really protect twice as much as SPF 25. Choose brands that provide better skin protection instead of just relying on SPF. Look for brands that say UVA and UVB protection. These creams are often labeled "broad spectrum".
   • While SPF isn't the best measure of a sunscreen's capabilities, it's important to know that dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen SPF 30 or higher.

2. 

   Use a moisturizer. Dry skin can also easily itch, use a high quality moisturizer to reduce the risk of itching.
   • High quality sunscreens include Cetaphil, Eucerin and CeraVe. You can buy these creams in most pharmacies without a prescription.
   • Apply 1 to 2 creams mixed every day, especially after bathing, after waxing or exercising, or any activity that is likely to cause dry or irritated skin.

3. 

   Avoid irritants. Itchiness can result from contact with allergens or skin irritants. If you think skin itchy is in response to an irritant, limit your exposure to it immediately.
   • The most common causes of an allergic skin reaction are copper, jewelry, perfumes, skin products such as fragrances, cleaning products, and some cosmetics. If irritation appears to be a reaction to a particular product, discontinue use.
   • Fragrant laundry detergents are known to cause skin irritation. Try natural products that do not contain artificial flavors.
   • Use soaps, conditioners, and mild, fragrance-free lotions whenever possible.
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Advice

• Find out if there is a topical medication that treats specific itchy conditions. For example, over-the-counter medications treat hemorrhoids and fungal infections by destroying the cause of these conditions.