Itching is described as an uneasy irritation or a peculiar tangling of skin that force an individual to continuously scratch the any part of the body or any affected region. Itching is a very common skin problem that is faced by every individual at some point in his life.
Causes of itching
Itching can occur due to several reasons which may include allergies from food, pets, plants, insect bites or stings, sun burns, poor hygienic condition, certain skin diseases, chemical reactions in skin due to detergents and soaps, certain medications, weather conditions like excessive dry weather, aging and skin infections. One of the common causes for itching is skin dryness. Itching is severe cases are caused by diseases like psoriasis or any other diseases. Scratching is never the solution of itching. Repeated or constant scratching may bruise skin making it very painful. The whole body or any part of the body may get affected with itchiness.
Symptoms of Itching
– Red spots and scaly patches – Desire to scratch the skin continuously to relieve the itching sensation – Scraped skin as a result of forceful itching – Rubbing and prolonged itching can result in scarred or thick skin – Skin blisters Look up in your kitchen cabinet and you will find several ingredients there which can be used as home remedies to treat itching very effectively and naturally.
Following are the home remedies for itching
Baking Soda
Baking soda works wonder in treating itchiness of all kind. Fill up your bath tub with warm water and add 1 cup of baking soda to it. Soak your body in that water for half an hour to one hour and then dry in air. This home remedy is very beneficial to treat itches in areas that are hard to reach. You can also prepare a paste with baking soda. Combine three parts of baking soda with one part water. Apply the paste to the affected areas. This is a very useful home remedy to treat itching in localized areas. However you should not use this remedy if your skin is in broken condition.
Oatmeal
Fill up your bath tub with warm water (not hot) and add one to two cups of oatmeal (finely grounded). Soak your body in that water to relieve itchiness.
Lemon
Lemon works very effectively in treating itchy skin. Aromatic substances of the lemon contain anti-inflammatory and anesthetic properties that help to lessen itching. Squeeze lemon juice and apply it undiluted onto the itches affected areas. Let it dry and then wash off.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is proven remedy to treat burns. However it works equally well in treating itches too. The same elements that lessen inflammation and blistering in burns, also works excellent in reducing itching. Break an aloe leaf and cut down the middle portion. Take out the gel and rub it on the affected areas to get quick relief from itching sensation. You can also apply Aloe Vera oil to the itchy areas. Other than Aloe Vera you can also use cod liver oil, vitamin E oil, witch hazel tea or wheat germ oil to get rid of inching.
Coconut And Tomato
Extract juice of fresh tomato and coconut. Mix the juices and massage it on itchy areas.
Linseed Oil And Lemon Juice
Combine equal amount of linseed oil and lemon juice. Apply the blend on excessively itchy areas to get quick relief from itching.
Nettle Tea
Drink one to two cups of Nettle tea daily. In a pan of boiling water add 1 teaspoon of dried leaves of nettle. Allow it to steep for fifteen minutes.
Chickweed
A poultice made from fresh chickweed is very beneficial in treating itchiness. Soak 2 handfuls of chickweed in water. Once the plants get softer, cool and apply them directly on your itchy skin. This is one of the popular herbal remedies for itching.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch aids in the treatment of itching naturally. Dust cornstarch on your body applying little extra on the itchy areas or pour it to the bath water and take a bath. This is an excellent natural remedy for itching.
Milk
Milk is very soothing and relieves the burning sensation resulting from itching. Add 1 can evaporated milk to your bath tub and immerse your body in that solution for half an hour. Milk works excellent to ease itching.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Add two tablespoons apple cider vinegar to bath water and take a bath. It will sooth itchy skin. This is a unique home remedy for itching that result out of dry skin.
Yellow Dock Or Peppermint
Add yellow dock or peppermint to your bath water and take a bath to alleviate itching.
Basil
Basil is one of the age-old trusted natural home remedy for itching. Basil contains high quantity of eugenol, which is an anesthetic. Take one pint jar boiling water and add half ounce basil leaves (dried). Keep the jar covered to prevent the aromatic eugenol from escaping. Let it cool. Soak a cloth in the tea and place it on itchy areas. You can practice this remedy as often as you like.
Tips To Avoid Itching
Do not use strong deodorants or soaps around rash or blisters. Use mild and gentle soaps. Wear clothes made of cotton. Avoid acrylic fabrics or wool next to skin. Never scratch the blisters. Scratching will only increase the desire to scratch more and it may lead to skin infections. Scrub the affected region with pumice stone gently. Wash the area with soap. Then apply rubbing alcohol and spread a layer of petroleum jelly over it. It will soothe itching.
Diet For Itching
If certain foods are causing allergies and itching in your skin, avoid the foods. Increase Zinc and Vitamin C intake. Take lots of fresh foods. Your diet should be balanced and rich in nutrients. Include lot of green and leafy vegetables in your diet. Avoid oily, spicy and junk food. Follow the recommended diet and use the home remedies as they are very beneficial and never cause any further harm to your skin. These remedies are trusted and proven, so safe for both children and adults. You can choose any of the remedies or couple of remedies and follow with consistency.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.