Itchy Skin Remedies

Dry skin is the most prominent cause of itchiness of skin. Dryness can be mostly caused due to dehydration which is more commonly seen in older people. Itchy skin can be caused due to several reasons, like insect bites, exposure to chemicals or irritants, wearing uncomfortable clothes, allergic reaction to food or medications, etc. On the other hand, it can also be a symptom of certain skin diseases like ringworm, athlete's foot, psoriasis, scabies, etc. There are several ways to overcome the itchiness of the skin.

Remedies for Itchy Skin
The following are certain home remedies that help in soothing itchy skin and in giving you temporary relief. However, it is recommended that these should not be substituted for proper medical treatment.

☞ Anti-itch lotions and ointments are the most effective remedies for itchy skin. You will definitely find one suitable to you which can be used to get temporary relief from the itchiness and discomfort. Sometimes, certain over-the-counter antihistamines are also helpful in overcoming allergies and itchy skin.

☞ As we have seen that dryness of the skin is the most important causes of itchiness, first thing one should do is to overcome the dryness of the skin. You can make use of moisturizers to keep the skin moist and soft. Secondly, you can use a humidifier in winter to keep the room humid and prevent excess dryness.

☞ A cool compress is also effective in treating the itchiness of skin. Keeping the wet and cold compress over the affected area can give relief from the discomfort caused due to constant itchiness.

☞ Honey and cold pressed olive oil are also beneficial home remedies for dry and itchy skin. Honey is an effective anti-bacterial product. Olive oil can also be applied to the scalp in case one experiences itchiness in the scalp.

☞ You can also have a bath with the help of a natural or moisturizing soap, as it prevents dryness of skin and consequently the itchiness. Applying oatmeal or cold milk to the skin while having a bath can also be effective.

☞ The anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities of aloe vera help in treating all kinds of wounds, allergies and skin rashes. You can get a ready-to-use gel in the market, but the best way is to slice off a leaf of aloe and use its fresh extract directly.

☞ Certain herbs like witch hazel, St. John's wort, lavender flower, elderflower, marshmallow root, etc. also help in treating dry skin.

Prevention of Itchy Skin

• Dehydration and dryness of skin can be prevented by drinking adequate water and using moisturizers.
• You should also not forget to use sun screen lotions to prevent dryness of skin due to sunlight.
• You should avoid wearing extremely tight-fitting clothes, specially pants and jeans. It is also not advisable to wear synthetic clothes for a long time.
• You should check out if they are allergic to certain substances like foodstuffs, cosmetics, jewelry, creams and perfumes.

One of the basic things to keep in mind if suffering from itchy skin, is to not scratch the skin as it can make the condition worse. It is recommended to use the remedies after consulting a doctor.