Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 4: Trim your nails
• Method 2 of 4: Moisturize your skin
• Method 3 of 4: Ease your reaction
• Method 4 of 4: Seek Medical Help
• Tips
• What do you need

Itching is an extremely common condition in both humans and animals. Since it can be caused by a variety of reasons, including insect bites, dry skin, eczema, and healing wounds, treatment may vary slightly for each case. Learn how to stop itching.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Trim your nails

1. 1 Remove the possibility of infection. Keep your nails short. Cut and file your nails so that you cannot easily scratch the skin if you need to scratch.
2. 2 Clean your nails with a nail brush, soap and water. If you scratch your skin, the risk of infection will be minimal.
3. 3 Apply a wound-healing product (such as Neosporin) if you scratched your skin while scratching it. The medical gel will help the scratch heal faster and help you avoid scratching your skin due to itching. Apply it several times a day.
   • In some people, an overwhelming urge to itch leads to open sores and scarring. You can do a lot to stop the itching, but doctors do not recommend doing this.

Method 2 of 4: Moisturize your skin

1. 1 Avoid products such as ammonia, lemon juice, baking soda, or calamine lotion, which dry out your skin. You can get temporary relief if they have a cooling effect, however, they are likely to make the problem worse in the long term.
2. 2 Apply a moisturizing ointment. Look for dermatologically tested, fragrance-free ointments at your local supermarket or pharmacy. Ointments are preferred over creams because they contain more oils than water.
   • Always apply an ointment or thick cream after moisturizing the affected area. Blot the affected area with a soft towel, then apply the ointment to the skin. Let it soak for 15 to 30 minutes before covering the affected area with clothing.
3. 3 Take an oat-based bath. Buy oatmeal bath products from the grocery store or a specialty store that sells bath products. Whenever possible, choose the least flavored products and the ones that contain the least amount of chemicals.
   • Take a bath for 10-15 minutes. After leaving the bath, dry your skin very gently with a towel. Do not rub the towel back and forth over your skin. This will dry out the skin and negate all the benefits of the bath.
   • Apply a highly moisturizing ointment or cream immediately after taking a bath. All the benefits of taking a bath will disappear within 5 minutes of completing the procedure if you do not apply lotion.

Method 3 of 4: Ease your reaction

1. 1 Place a towel over the affected area. Apply a cold compress or ice wrapped in a towel. The cold will bring relief by constricting the blood vessels.
2. 2 Buy a cortisol cream from your local supermarket or pharmacy. Apply it to the affected area until the skin heals according to the instructions on the package.
   • Adults can use a cream that is intended for children. Children often need to use such creams.
   • Mild steroids can reduce replenishment and relieve itching with repeated use.
3. 3 Take an antihistamine. If you itch from an allergic reaction or an insect bite, an antihistamine drug such as benadryl will stop the production of histamine, which causes itching.
   • Antihistamines can also cause drowsiness, so be careful when taking them. The best time to take this drug is before bedtime, when the itching is more difficult because nothing distracts from it.
   • Some antihistamines come in the form of a cream and can be used by adults and children. Always use a cream made for children.
4. 4 Wear natural, lightweight fabrics. Do not wear clothing that fits snugly around irritated areas. Make sure to rinse your clothes well after washing to remove any remaining detergent and fabric softener.

Method 4 of 4: Seek Medical Help

1. 1 Evaluate how severe your itching is, whether it is caused by an allergic reaction or a possible skin condition. Some types of itching can be caused by: shingles, scabies, eczema, psoriasis, or a severe reaction to allergens. In this case, you need to contact a dermatologist.
2. 2 Make an appointment with a dermatologist. If you experience breath holding or other body dysfunctions, see your doctor as soon as possible.
3. 3 Try medicated creams for itchy skin problems. Your doctor may suggest several options before finding the right one.
   • For severe cases, your doctor may suggest pill steroids or medications.
4. 4 Talk to your doctor about using jail water or sea salt baths for eczema or psoriasis. Other problems, such as chickenpox, may also require special bath products.

Tips

• Find out if there are specific topical medications you can use for specific itching problems. For example, some prescription drugs treat hemorrhoids and yeast infections by directly targeting the underlying causes of these conditions.

What do you need

• Nail scissors
• Wound healing agent (antibiotic ointment)
• Nail brush
• Soap
• Water
• Moisturizing ointment
• Bath products with oats
• Soft towel
• Cortisol cream
• Antihistamine drug
• Cold compress
• Dermatologist