Natural Home Remedies for Itchy Skin
By Dr Rajeev Singh +2 more
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By Dr Rajeev Singh +2 more
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People of all ages suffer from itchy skin at some point in life. Skin itching is a troubling sensation that makes you want to scratch your skin. You may experience itching in any one part of the body or all over the body.1 Itching is also known as pruritis. It is a symptom that can occur on its own or because of any other condition.2 Itchy skin is not usually a serious problem. It is generally self-manageable and subsides within a few weeks.3 However, if your skin becomes itchy, a rash may develop. You may experience severe itching even without any rash or any other symptoms.4
Although most of the time, itching is only bothersome or uncomfortable, excessive scratching can damage the protective barrier of the skin and expose the body to harmful germs and infections.5 Itchy skin disturbs sleep.2 Also, the continuous need to itch may distract you from your daily tasks and create problems.
Itchy skin due to food allergies can be a medical emergency and the presentation can range from mild to severe and may include sneezing, itchy eyes, swelling, rash, hives, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. Seek immediate medical care when you encounter these symptoms.
Dr Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology
Did you know?
Itching is frequently caused by the release of histamine, which is a chemical substance released in the body during immune reactions. Histamine is responsible for causing redness and itching associated with skin damage, dryness, rashes, and insect bites.5
Itchy skin can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Results demonstrate that colloidal oat extracts exhibit direct anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, which may provide the mechanisms for observed dermatological benefits while using the colloidal oatmeal skin protectant lotion.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka – MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)
Apart from itching that makes you scratch your skin, itchy skin can present with other symptoms as well, such as:
Also Read: Best Home Remedies for Dry Skin
Vitamin A deficiency may contribute to itchy skin Vitamin A can be absorbed easily through the skin in retinoid skin products to remedy this. It may also be consumed through foods high in vitamin A, like sweet potatoes, leafy greens, and tomatoes.
Dr Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology
Itchy skin is usually not a severe problem, and you can manage it with some home-based remedies given below.
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.6
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.6
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.2
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.2
Also Read: White Patches On Skin: Causes, Symptoms And Home Remedies
The home remedies mentioned below should be avoided as they may worsen the skin itching:
You should avoid moisturisers with fragrances (perfumes) and dyes. These perfumes and dyes can cause the skin to become itchy rather than soothing. Use moisturisers that do not have chemicals like dyes and fragrances.6
Though aloe vera is soothing for sunburns, you should not use the products containing aloe vera for dry, itchy skin. Aloe vera containing products might contain fragrances and preservatives for longer shelf life, which can irritate the skin. Furthermore, there is limited scientific evidence available to show that it helps in managing itchy skin.6
Apple cider vinegar is acidic and can aggravate itching. Therefore, using vinegar to relieve itchy skin should be avoided.6
Also Read: Why Do My Armpits Itch: Research-Based Reasons and Remedies
You need to contact your doctor if you notice any of these complications:
Also, consult your doctor if you notice these symptoms in addition to itchy skin:
These symptoms might be a sign of a serious health condition that may require immediate medical help.
Itchy skin is a common problem that can be managed within a few weeks. The above-mentioned home remedies involve simple tricks and procedures that can help you get rid of itchy skin. For example, using a good moisturiser and cold press helps to reduce itchy skin. However, in some cases, if the symptoms of itchy skin do not subside with these home remedies and impact your daily life, you should consult your doctor.
Also Read: 9 Best Home Remedies For Itchy Scalp
Some of the home remedies that help to reduce the symptoms of itchy skin include using a moisturiser within 3 to 4 minutes after showering with lukewarm water and using a cold press. Using mild soaps and detergents and wearing cotton clothing is also helpful in relieving the skin itchiness. These home remedies can help retain the moisture in the skin and reduce itching caused due to dryness.2, 6
Yes, itchy skin is normal. Everybody experiences itchy skin at some point during their life. However, if the itchiness is occurring all over your body, does not get relieved with self-care remedies, and persists, it may indicate something serious. In such cases, you need to contact your healthcare provider.2
Itching is caused by histamine release, a chemical substance related to our body’s immune response. Histamine causes the redness, itching, and rashes that you may experience with damaged skin, dry skin, and insect bites.5 If you are experiencing constant itching that does not go away, you should visit your doctor.2
No, apple cider vinegar will not help get rid of itchy skin. The acidic nature of apple cider vinegar is not suitable for itchy skin, and it may even worsen it. Use gentler remedies instead, like a moisturiser and cold press using a damp cloth.6
Choosing healthy skincare habits might help you avoid itchy skin. Healthy skin care habits include taking a nutritious diet, drinking plenty of water, moisturising correctly to keep the skin from drying out, washing and bathing with warm water, protecting the skin from excessive damage, and using a good sunscreen. Following these habits will assist you in taking care of your skin and avoiding itchy skin.2
1. MedlinePlus. Itching. Pruritus. Itchy skin. [Internet]. Last updated on: 2021 Oct 19. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/itching.html#summary
2. Cleveland Clinic. Pruritus (Itchy Skin) [Internet]. Last updated on: 2019 Oct 10. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11879-pruritus
3. Itchy skin – NHS [Internet]. Last updated on: 2020 Jul 10. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/itchy-skin/
4. 10 reasons your skin itches uncontrollably and how to get relief [Internet]. [cited 2022 Apr 19]. Available from: https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/itchy-skin/itch-relief/relieve-uncontrollably-itchy-skin
5. Skin Rashes & Itch. AAAAI [Internet]. Last updated on: 2020 Sep 9. Available from: https://www.aaaai.org/Tools-for-the-Public/Conditions-Library/Allergies/what-makes-us-itch
6. Itchy Skin? Try These 7 Home Remedies – Cleveland Clinic [Internet]. [cited 2022 Apr 19]. Available from: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/home-remedies-for-itchy-skin/
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Last updated: Apr 2, 2024
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