Itchy skin is annoying and can be a sign of a problem that it is more than skin deep. However, quite often, it doesn’t always require a doctor visit or any special, expensive treatment or medication. Soothe itchy skin with these four items you probably already have at home.
Moisturizer
Irritated, itchy skin could simply mean your skin is dry and needs to hydrate or add moisture to it. Re-hydrate your skin by using a body lotion or a moisturizer that does not contain fragrances or potentially irritating additives. Boost the effectiveness and soothing feel of moisturizers by storing them in your fridge before use. The coolness of refrigerated moisturizers adds to the soothing properties quickly.
Natural Relief
Not every itchy skin relief is going to come in the form of products or medication prescribed by a dermatologist. Items such as Aloe Vera, menthol, camphor, or calamine-based products often offer relief as does a lukewarm oatmeal bath, antihistamine or hydrocortisone cream. Soaking in a lukewarm, not too hot or too cold, oatmeal bath can often bring a great deal of relief. The oats also offer anti-inflammatory as well as an antioxidant benefit that will bring added relief to itchy, irritated skin. While calamine-based products, antihistamine, or hydrocortisone cream is not considered to be a natural relief option, they are available over-the-counter and often helps soothe itchy skin conditions without the need to first obtain a prescription.
Cold
When itchy skin is the result of a bug bite or a burn, use a cold compress on sunburns or mosquito bites. Even a simple ice cube applied right away can ease pain and swelling quickly. Be sure to avoid heat packs, heating pads, a hot bath or hot shower if your itchy skin is due to a sunburn, dry skin, or a mosquito bite since the heat will potentially cause swelling and bring about more irritation.
Change Clothes
Maybe your clothing is irritating or too tight. Sometimes the irritation is happening as a direct result of a clothing tag that is in a spot that is rubbing against your skin in a sensitive area. Or, maybe the fabric is scratchy, rough, or irritating in some other way. This is easily remedied by changing to more comfortable, loose-fitting or lightweight clothing. Or, it could mean changing your laundry detergent or fabric softener that might have an ingredient or fragrance in it that is the reason for the irritating skin reaction.
Rule Out Medical Conditions
Of course, you will want to rule out any possibility of a skin condition. If itching persists, check to make sure it is not caused by a deeper problem like pregnancy complications, diabetes, psoriasis or eczema.