What Is An Itch (Pruritus)?
An itch is a sensation that arises from the irritation of the skin or nerve cells. It is medically known as pruritus. This skin condition could be a result of various factors, a few of which are discussed below.
What Causes Itchy Skin?
The common causes of itchy skin are:
Dry skin or xerosis Skin irritation or rashes Internal diseases like liver disease or kidney failure Nervous system disorders like multiple sclerosis, diabetes, or pinched nerve Allergic reaction to wool and chemicals in cosmetics or even soaps Reaction to antibiotic, antifungal, or narcotic drugs Pregnancy Older age Environmental factors, such as air conditioning, washing or bathing too often
Pruritus is accompanied by the following symptoms.
Signs And Symptoms Of Itchy Skin
You may experience itching in certain body parts, like your arms or legs, or all over your body. This sensation is accompanied by other noticeable changes like:
Redness and spots Bumps or blisters Dry and peeling skin Scaly skin
Itchy skin can occur over a long period and even interfere with your daily activities. Thus, treating it before it turns into a rash and becomes infected is necessary. If you are among those suffering from itchy skin or pruritus, you can try out the following remedies to help solve your problem.
18 Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Itching Skin
How To Treat Pruritus Naturally
1. Baking Soda Bath
1 cup of baking soda Bathwater
You can do this once daily. Baking soda is one of the best remedies for relieving itches. It exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing the inflammation and itchiness on your skin (1). The alkaline nature of baking soda also acts as a natural acid neutralizer, which can help soothe your skin (2).
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
2 cups of apple cider vinegar Bathwater
You must do this once daily for best results. Apple cider vinegar contains certain enzymes that can help restore the pH balance of your skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties reduce the itchy symptoms, while its antimicrobial properties prevent infections (3).
3. Oatmeal Bath
2 cups of oatmeal Bathwater
You must do this once daily. Oatmeal has soothing effects that can help in relieving itchy skin. These effects are due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (4).
4. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil (as required) Do this daily. Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids that have antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe the itching. The oil is also highly moisturizing and can help fight one of the major causes of pruritus – dry skin (5).
5. Holy Basil
6-8 holy basil (tulsi) leaves You can do this daily for immediate relief from itching. Basil is a rich source of eugenol, thymol, and camphor, which help reduce the inflammation and itchiness with their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties (6), (7).
6. Neem
Neem leaves (as required) Bathwater
You can do this every alternate day. Neem, also known as Indian lilac, is another therapeutic herb that can fight itching skin. It is a strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent, which enables it to combat pruritus (8).
7. Sesame Seed Oil
Sesame oil (as required) Do this daily or every alternate day. Sesame oil is a rich source of antioxidants and is hence great for your skin. It is also known for its inflammation-reducing properties that can prove quite beneficial in soothing the redness and itchiness on your skin (9).
8. Mint
A handful of mint leaves 500 mL of water Cotton balls
You can do this 1 to 2 times daily for quick relief from itchy skin. One of the major components present in mint leaves is menthol. Menthol has anti-inflammatory and anesthetic properties, which work wonders in getting rid of itchy and inflamed skin (10), (11).
9. Lemon
1- 2 lemons Cotton pads
You must do this twice daily for effective results. Lemons are rich in citric and acetic acids, which have anti-inflammatory, anti-irritant, and astringent properties that help in treating itching and inflamed skin (13).
10. Fenugreek Seeds
1-2 cups of fenugreek seeds You must do this at least thrice a week. Fenugreek seeds have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the itching and inflammation to a great extent (14). They also exhibit excellent antimicrobial activities that help soothe the rashes and eliminate skin infections that may be causing your skin to itch (15).
11. Almond Oil
Almond oil (as required) Take some almond oil and apply it all over your body (or the itchy areas) after a shower. You can do this daily. Almond oil keeps your skin well hydrated and also helps in reducing the symptoms of itchy skin. This is because it possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-itch properties that can speed the healing of itching and inflamed skin (16).
12. Honey
Honey (as required) You must do this 1 to 2 times daily. Honey exhibits natural humectant properties that prevent your skin from drying. This, in turn, helps reduce itching. Honey also possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help reduce the symptoms of itching and prevent skin infections (17), (18).
13. Cold Compress
An ice pack You can do this daily to get quick relief from itching skin. The cold temperature and anti-inflammatory properties of the ice pack help in calming down itching skin (19).
14. Aloe Vera
2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel You must do this once daily. Aloe vera is widely used for its natural healing and soothing properties. This is because the plant possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties (20). Aloe vera is also a great source of vitamin E and can hence help prevent your skin from drying out and itching (21).
15. Olive Oil
Olive oil (as required) Take some olive oil in your hands and apply it all over the affected areas right after a shower. You must do this once daily to lock in the moisture in your skin. Olive oil is a great source of antioxidants, thanks to the polyphenols it contains. These polyphenols possess anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the itching (22). The oil is also one of the best hydrating oils and can hence prevent your skin from drying and itching (23).
16. Essential Oils
a. Peppermint Oil
2- 3 drops of peppermint oil 1 tablespoon of any carrier oil (coconut or olive oil)
Do this 1 to 2 times daily. Peppermint oil contains menthol that is well known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which make it an apt remedy for getting rid of itching and inflamed skin (24), (25).
b. Tea Tree Oil
2-3 drops of tea tree oil 1 tablespoon of any carrier oil (olive or coconut oil)
You must do this at least once daily. Tea tree oil is a widely used essential oil for treating a variety of skin ailments. The natural antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil make it suitable to treat acne, warts, boils, and even itching skin and rashes (26), (27).
17. Garlic
2-3 cloves of garlic 1/2 cup of olive oil
You must do this once daily. Garlic, due to its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, is used to treat various skin and health ailments, including pruritus (28), (29). The topical application of garlic relieves itching skin. Additionally, the presence of olive oil ensures that your skin remains hydrated, thus preventing further drying and itching.
18. Vitamins
In addition to the topical treatments, you should also consider taking some vitamins that are known to alleviate the symptoms of itching. Vitamins A, C, and E can help in the treatment as well as prevention of itching skin. Vitamin A keeps your skin healthy and nourished by promoting the production and growth of skin cells (30). Vitamin C is responsible for the production of collagen, a protein that is necessary for the healing of your skin (31). Vitamins C and E also exhibit antioxidant properties that can protect your skin from free radical damage (32). Hence, it is important to increase the intake of these vitamins to assist in the treatment of pruritus. You can either take supplements of these after consulting your doctor or increase your intake of foods rich in these vitamins like eggs, cheese, milk, citrus fruits, leafy green vegetables, and nuts. You can also add a high-quality probiotic as many times, skin issues are directly related to gut health. The above remedies will undoubtedly work well in relieving itchy skin. If you have developed a rash or skin condition that causes itching, there are a few tips you can follow to avoid it.
How To Prevent Itching
The following measures can help in preventing itching:
Wear loose-fitting, cotton clothing. Use a humidifier to keep your surroundings humid and prevent your skin from drying and turning itchy. Keep your nails trimmed. Shower daily. Keep your stress levels under control. Limit or avoid intake of caffeine and alcohol. Drink lots of water and keep yourself well hydrated. Keep your skin moisturized – use a good moisturizer. Check for allergic reactions to certain foods like milk, eggs, peanuts, fish, mushrooms, etc., and avoid them. Change out potentially chemically harmful household products such as: laundry detergent/softener, dryer sheets, shampoo, soap, lotion etc…to more natural, chemical, and fragrance-free products.
In some cases, the itching can become intense and last for a long time. If you notice any of the following symptoms, you must consult your dermatologist immediately.
When To Visit A Doctor
Visit your skin specialist immediately if the itching:
Lasts for several weeks Doesn’t improve even after self-care Is severe Begins suddenly without explanation Affects the entire body Is accompanied by signs of tiredness, weight loss, or fever Has turned into an infection or is scarring
Is it possible to be allergic to water? Check out the infographic below to learn more about the best natural oils you can apply on your skin to get rid of this skin condition. As surprising as it sounds, some people are indeed allergic to water. This condition is called aquagenic urticaria. Individuals affected by this condition tend to develop hives when they come in contact with water. Can dry skin cause itching? Yes. In fact, dry skin is one of the major causes of itchy skin or pruritus. Hence, keep your skin well-moisturized to overcome this. What foods cause skin itching? Eggs, shellfish, and cow milk can cause itching as the result of an allergic reaction (33), (34), (35). Is Vaseline good for itchy skin? Dry skin is one of the causes of itching. Hence, Vaseline can moisturize your skin and reduce itching associated with the dryness. Does turmeric stop skin itching? Studies suggest that topical turmeric formulations may reduce itching caused by eczema (36). However, it is best to consult a doctor before using this remedy for treating itchy skin. Is curd good for skin allergies? Anecdotal evidence suggests that the probiotics in curd may help soothe your itching. However, more scientific studies are warranted in this regard. Can low iron cause itchy skin? Yes, studies suggest that individuals with anemia may suffer from itchy and irritated skin. However, further studies are needed to understand this association further (33).
