Getting Rid of the Itch

The alternative name given to itch is pruritus. It is a very common phenomenon which can bothers an animal as well as a human. It is an irritation on the skin which creates a desire to scratch the itchy area. Itching can be caused due to a skin disorder or an infection which can affect the whole body.

Parasites which reside on our body like scabies, mites or lice are one of the reasons for itching. You can also be a victim of allergic reaction due to any of the triggering agents. Insect bites are another reason which can create this irritation. After itching continuously you may develop a rash which may subside after sometime or may cause further skin irritation. Other than skin allergies or skin infections there are other disease like liver disease, kidney failure, lymphomas, leukemia and other blood disorder problems which causes itching. Many drugs too cause itching such as barbiturates and aspirin. Pregnancy, blisters, fungal infection, poison oak, poison ivy, insect sting, shingles, dandruff, eczema, threadworm are some other causes of itching. Cosmetics, dry skin in winter and over exposure to water can also cause itching. Prolonged sessions of itching would make things worse for your skin. It may leave behind a scar by the constant rubbing and scratching.

Home Remedies for Itching

Clean the affected area with lukewarm water either with a herbal soap or not.

After every bath moisturize your skin, this keeps it hydrated and prevents it from drying.

Add 2 cups of colloidal oatmeal in a tub of water and soak yourself in it. It is known as one of the foremost soothing agents of your skin. You can also use oatmeal as soap. Make a bundle of colloidal oatmeal wrapped in a handkerchief to be used as scrubber for your body.

Fill a bag with ice, zip it and wrap it with kitchen towel. Swallow 1 capsule of Benadryl. Ice makes the skin numb and Benadryl eases the itchy feeling.

Apply Vicks vapor rub on affected area to provide relief from skin irritation.

You can also apply aloe vera oil, cod liver oil, lemon juice, vitamin E oil, wheat germ oil or witch hazel tea on the affected area.

Cornstarch works great if put in bath water and also used for dusting the itchy areas.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

Schedule regular visits to a dermatologist.