Itching or pruritus is a common condition. Your skin can sometimes get irritated, inflamed or develop rashes for some known and sometimes totally unknown reasons leading to an itching sensation.
Your hands may be tempted to scratch the itch. Scratching may give temporary relief but also can make the condition more complex. In spite of all the knowledge about its ill effects and your mothers constant yelling "don't scratch", scratching still is your automatic response for itching.
The underlying cause may range from dry skin, bug bite, poison ivy, eczema and other kinds of skin problems. Most of the home remedies suggested here will work on all kinds of itching, but their degree of relief may differ depending on the underlying cause.
1. Aloe Vera and Coconut Oil for Dry Skin Itching
If the itching is caused by dry skin, then perhaps aloe Vera is one of the best remedies to stop itching. Generally Aloe Vera gel applied on dry skin reduces the itch but the skin may still look dry.
This is because the skin absorbers the moisture from aloe Vera very fast. You can add coconut oil to Aloe Vera in equal parts to keep your skin moisturised condition for a longer period of time.
2. Bentonite Clay for Itching Due to Stings and Bites
Bentonite clay is a very powerful remedy against the itching caused by bee, wasp or spider stings. The venom from the sting inflames the skin causing itching. Bentonite clay absorbers the venom, reduces inflammation and subsides the itching sensation.
Add water to bentonite. You can buy it in powder or rock forms. The bentonite Rock melts in water. Make a thick paste and apply on the sting area and surrounding skin where you are experiencing itching sensation.
You can wrap a surgical bandage over it to cover the skin For a long lasting effect.
3. Oatmeal for Eczema Itch
Oatmeal bath or oatmeal poultice are great remedies for itching due to eczema or poison ivy. Oatmeal is anti-inflammatory due to one of its compounds called avenanthramides.
Oatmeal bath has been in use for skin rashes for centuries. You can add oatmeal to your bathtub filled with water. 2-3 cups of oatmeal for a standard size of bathtub is sufficient to sooth your rashes and get rid of the itch.
You can also use oatmeal poultice for a specific skin area itch. Add two table spoon of oatmeal to half cup of water and soak it for a couple of hours until it turns into a thick paste. Apply the paste on the affected area of itch.
4. Cold Remedies for Itching
This is one of the easiest remedies for itching. Keep your affected itching skin under running cold water. Take a cold shower or dip in cold water tub. All these cold remedies work well because the itch and cold sensation run on the same nerve.
You can also wet cotton cloth in cold water and wrap it on your itch. Never take warm showers or bath with hot water if your skin is itchy. Hot water will worsen the condition.
5. Baking Soda
Baking soda is another multipurpose remedy which helps reducing the itch. Whether itching is caused by a bug bite or your smelly feet are causing it in addition to bad odor, baking soda will take care of both the problems.
Add water to a tablespoon of baking soda to make a thick paste. Use cold water for better effect. Apply the paste on the affected area. Wash it clean and dry after 30 minutes with cold water.
If your itching doesn't stop with any of these remedies and your flaky skin is getting worse, then visit your doctor. There may be an underlying condition that may require treatment.