Itchy skin may occur due to various causes. Nonetheless, we can all agree that itchiness is definitely an unpleasant and frustrating experience. Aside from that, having the willpower to avoid scratching is not the main solution to this uncomfortable feeling. You can use several products to ease your discomforts. If you don’t have anti-itch products like calamine lotions, you can use any of these six natural treatments for itchy skin.
Common Causes of Itchy Skin
- Insect Bites
- Dry Skin
- Some skin infections
- Allergic reaction to drugs, cosmetics, food, and certain plants (poison ivy)
- Skin problems like hives, psoriasis, and eczema
- A symptom of an underlying disease
- Pregnancy
Natural Treatments for Itchy Skin
1. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Apple cider vinegar has various healing properties that can help solve numerous skin problems, including itchiness due to an allergic reaction and fungal infection. As an acidic substance, ACV can also restore your skin’s natural pH. Thus, you can also use this natural astringent to relieve itchiness caused by dry skin.
When buying ACV, always opt for brands with the “mother” content or the sediment in the bottle that contains enzymes and good bacteria. Moreover, you should always dilute this product before applying it to your itchy skin to avoid irritation.
2. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is one of the most commonly used natural treatments for itchy skin. This is especially true if the problem is due to dryness or sunburn. Remember, this healing plant has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling. But, that’s not all. Aloe vera is also capable of fight yeast or fungi. Thus, you can also use this natural remedy for fungal infections like jock itch and athlete’s foot.
Using this natural treatment is simple, just break the plant’s leaf, scrape the gel, and apply the gel to the affected area. If you don’t have the plant, you can buy an aloe gel instead.
3. Lemon
Lemon is another common household item you can use to relieve itchiness. This is due to the acid components of this citrus fruit that has a numbing effect. Plus, lemon has antimicrobial properties that can help fight some species of fungi, viruses, and bacteria.
To use this home remedy, simply rub lemon juice on your itchy skin. However, people with sensitive skin should avoid using this natural product. Furthermore, you should not use lemons if you have open wounds or broken skin.
4. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is another popular product in this list of natural treatments for itchy skin. In fact, an oatmeal bath is a highly recommended home remedy for poison ivy and chicken pox. This is due to food’s avenanthramides that can reduce swelling and soothe itchiness.
Aside from an oatmeal bath, you can also add some water to a bowl of ground or steel-cut oats and apply the paste to the affected area. You can also buy oatmeal soaps, which is good for skin problems like eczema and dermatitis.
5. Mint Leaves
Another great remedy for itchiness is mint leaves. Basically, the plant’s anti-pruritic effect is due to menthol, which can relieve pain and swelling.
One way to use this natural treatment is to dip a cotton ball or cloth in the mint tea and apply the solution on the affected area. You can also rub mint leaves on your itchy skin. This will not only numb the area. The act of rubbing will also satisfy your urge to scratch.
6. Ice or Cold Bath
When the above-mentioned natural treatments for itchy skin are unavailable, you can always rely on ice or a cold bath to ease your discomforts due to its numbing effects. As much as possible, you should avoid soaking your body in hot or warm water. This may seem comfortable at first, but heat can worsen your skin’s condition.
Overall, using these natural products can certainly help soothe itchiness. However, you need to consult your doctor if the itching persists for more than three days.
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