7 Amazing & Effective Home Remedies for Itchy Skin

What is the most annoying thing in the world? An itch you can’t scratch. I’m sure that it has happened to you at some point in your life and you know how uncomfortable it makes you feel. The reason why your skin is itchy is usually a trivial one, so most people tend to ignore the first signs. However, itchy skin could also be the result of a more serious condition.

So, today we’re going to tackle the problem of how to deal with itchy skin. Of course, you can pass through the nearest pharmacy and get cream or lotion for itchy skin, but the chemicals in it might make your condition worse.

That’s why I’m going to offer you seven incredible home remedies for itchy skin that will soothe and relieve the horrible sensation. They are easy to prepare, and you probably have most of the ingredients in your kitchen cabinet. However, before we get to the remedies, we have to know what causes itchy skin, right?

What causes itchy skin?

The medical term describing the irritating sensation that makes you scratch your skin raw is pruritus. But the question is what causes it, right? Well, the thing is that itchy skin might be the result of numerous conditions ranging from simple ones such as dry skin to life-threatening ones such as kidney failure.

If I have to mention every condition related to itchy skin, you’ll have to read a whole novel. So, I’m going to be as brief as possible. The Itchy skin might be the result of:

• Dry skin – itching with no visible changes in the skin is likely due to dryness. You might blame old age, excessive use of central heating/air-conditioning, or bathing/washing too often.
• Rashes such as eczema, psoriasis, chickenpox, hives or scabies. It’s usually accompanied by other symptoms and affects specific body parts.
• Allergies
• Exposure to poison ivy
• Irritations caused by chemicals, materials (wool), soaps
• A side effect of certain drugs, for example, antibiotics
• Pregnancy
• Diseases of the nervous system – diabetes, shingles, multiple sclerosis
• Liver disease, kidney failure, thyroid issues, iron deficiency, cancer.

Don’t panic. Itching is extremely rarely a sign of cancer, but you have to consult your doctor in the following circumstances:

• You see no improvement after two weeks of home care
• The itching is so severe that it interrupts your usual routines
• You can’t sleep due to being itchy
• Your whole body is affected.
• Itching is accompanied by redness, fever, tiredness, weight loss

I would recommend that you take measures as soon as you feel the itchiness and find the reason behind the problem. Prolonged scratching can lead to:

• Scars
• Infections
• Injury

Signs and symptoms of itchy skin

Depending on the condition causing the itchiness, it would usually be in combination with one of the following symptoms:

• Red skin
• Blisters
• Bumps
• Spots
• Cracked skin
• Scaly texture

The itching might be located in specific areas, depending on the condition. For example, if you have Athlete’s foot, your feet and toes will be the ones itching. However, it’s also possible for the whole body to be affected, which is a more worrying symptom and would require a visit to the hospital for evaluation.

As I already mentioned, it’s important to avoid scratching all the time. The more you scratch, the more it will itch. What’s more, your skin will get red, inflamed and painful. You’ll probably worsen your condition, and you might even end with infected scratches leaking pus. In this case, you’ll need a course of antibiotics.

7 Amazing & Effective Natural Remedies for Itchy Skin

1. Cool water to relieve the itching

One of the simplest ways to deal with itchiness is to use cold water. Because the sensations of itchiness and coolness affect the same nerves, applying cold to the affected area brings almost instant relief.

I’m sure that you know how to use cool water for itchiness by running cold water over the sensitive place, but I’m going to offer you two other ways to use it.

Necessary ingredients:

1. ice cubes
2. a cloth

Process:

1. Take a couple of ice cubes out of the fridge.
2. Wrap them in the cloth.
3. Apply the pack to the affected area.
4. Repeat as often as you’d like until you feel better

Alternatively, you can use a wet washcloth.

Necessary ingredients:

1. cool water
2. a washcloth
3. a bowl

Process:

1. Fill the bowl with cool water.
2. Soak the washcloth in the bowl.
3. Squeeze the excess water.
4. Apply the cloth to the skin.
5. Repeat until the itchiness disappears.

Notes: Avoid hot water. It takes moisture out of the skin and will probably irritate your skin. What’s more, it will make the itch worse than before.

2. Oatmeal soothes the skin

When you hear the word “oatmeal,” most people think of “breakfast.” However, colloidal oatmeal is no food. It’s made of finely grounded oats, and it’s a natural moisturizer. That’s why you’ll find it listed as an ingredient in some soaps and lotions.

Colloidal oatmeal has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which explains why it’s so useful for treating dry skin, irritations, and diaper rash. It will soothe the skin and provide quick relief.

Necessary ingredients:

1. a bathtub with lukewarm water
2. colloidal oatmeal
3. cup
4. a towel
5. fragrance-free moisturizer

Process:

1. Fill the tub with water. Make sure that it’s not hot.
2. Measure a cup or two of colloidal oatmeal.
3. Add it to the tub.
4. Wait for it to dissolve in the water.
5. Get in the bath and soak.
6. Clean your skin gently. You might rub some of the oatmeal on the scratchy areas.
7. Get out of the tub after 10-15 minutes.
8. Pat the skin dry using a towel.
9. Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer.
10. Repeat daily.

Alternatively, you can make an oatmeal paste.

Necessary ingredients:

1. water
2. oatmeal
3. a bowl
4. a cloth

Process:

1. Measure one cup of colloidal oatmeal and pour it into the bowl.
2. Add water enough to make a paste.
3. Wait for it to thicken.
4. Apply the concoction to the affected area.
5. Cover with a bandage.
6. Wait half an hour.
7. Remove the bandage and clean the spot.
8. Repeat daily.

Notes: If you can’t find colloidal oatmeal to purchase, you can make it at home. You need unprocessed oat flour (whole oats also work) and a food processor to grind it into powder. If the itchiness gets worse or redness and inflammation appear, stop using it.

3. Baking soda is the universal remedy for skin conditions

We can’t miss baking soda when we talk about natural ways to deal with itchy skin. Baking soda is popular thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, so it’s perfect for insect bites and rashes. Moreover, it restores the pH levels due to its acid nature, and it’s great for absorbing excessive moisture.

Necessary ingredients:

1. a bathtub
2. baking soda
3. a cup
4. a towel

Process:

1. Measure one cup of baking soda.
2. Fill the tub with cool water.
3. Add the baking soda to the bath.
4. Stir it to dissolve it well.
5. Get into the water.
6. Soak for half an hour.
7. When you get out of the bathroom, pat your skin dry with a towel. Do not rub or you’ll irritate the area.

Alternatively, here’s how to make a baking soda paste.

Necessary ingredients:

1. baking soda
2. water
3. a tablespoon
4. a bowl

Process:

1. Measure three tablespoons of baking soda.
2. Pour them into the bowl.
3. Add one tablespoon of water.
4. Mix well until you have a thick paste.
5. Apply the concoction to the affected spot.
6. Wait 10 minutes and clean it off.
7. Repeat daily until the condition improves.

Notes: Do not use baking soda on open wounds or sores. Also, do not use it as a face mask.

4. Juniper Berries has antibacterial properties

Have you heard about Juniper berries? It’s a tree native to Europe, North America, and Asia. What is unique about it, you ask? Well, its fruits have the following properties:

• antibacterial
• antiviral
• diuretic
• antiseptic

That’s why it’s useful for many internal or external diseases, including itchy skin, especially in combination with cloves.

India and China have been using cloves as medicine for centuries thanks to their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, the cloves numb the nerve endings, which makes them perfect for itching.

Here’s how to make a DIY salve for instant relief:

Necessary ingredients:

1. unsalted butter
2. beeswax
3. juniper berries
4. cloves
5. a bowl
6. a mortar and pestle
7. two sauce pans
8. a tablespoon
9. a stove
10. a bowl

Process:

1. Put the saucepan on the stove and add six tablespoons of unsalted butter.
2. Melt it.
3. Get another pan and pour two tablespoons of beeswax.
4. Melt it.
5. Combine the two ingredients in a bowl.
6. Use the mortar and the pestle to ground the juniper berries and the cloves.
7. Measure five tablespoons of berries and three tablespoons of clove.
8. Add them to the bowl.
9. Wait for the concoction to cool down.
10. Apply to the itching spot.
11. Leave it overnight and clean it in the morning.
12. Repeat.

Notes: If you have sensitive skin, you might do a patch test before to see if you’ll have an adverse reaction.

5. Thyme to numb the skin

Thyme is another excellent choice for numbing the nerves and relieving the itchiness quickly and efficiently. Since it also has potent anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, it will also be useful for getting rid of any redness and inflammation.

Necessary ingredients:

1. dried thyme leaves
2. water
3. a teapot
4. a strainer
5. a cloth
6. a bowl
7. a tablespoon
8. a cover

Process:

1. Start by boiling water in the teapot.
2. Pour two cups of hot water into the bowl.
3. Measure one tablespoon of dried thyme leaves and add them in the pot.
4. Cover the bowl.
5. Wait for the concoction to cool then strain it.
6. Pour some in a clean pot.
7. Soak a clean cloth into the mixture.
8. Apply it to the affected spots.
9. Repeat daily.

Notes: If you wish, you can store the leftovers in a jar and use it later.

6. Aloe vera for quick relief

You didn’t think that we were going to miss aloe vera, did you? I’m sure that some of you might have already used it to treat sunburn. Aloe vera has potent antibacterial properties, and it’s one of the best choices for relieving pain and discomfort. Moreover, it contains vitamin E, which will prevent the skin from drying.

Necessary ingredients:

1. Aloe vera
2. Lukewarm water
3. A knife

Process:

1. Use a knife to cut an aloe vera leaf.
2. Extract the gel. Here’s a video to show you how to do it properly.
3. Apply the gel to the affected areas.
4. Wait 15 minutes.
5. Rinse with lukewarm water.
6. Repeat daily unit you start to feel well.

Notes: You can also purchase an aloe vera gel. Just make sure that it doesn’t contain any chemical ingredients that could further irritate the skin.

7. Mint leaves for battling inflammation

Another way to get rid of the uncomfortable itching sensation is to use mint leaves. They contain menthol, which has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. That’s why mint leaves are perfect for soothing irritated skin, cure infections, reducing pimples, and treating insect bites.

Necessary ingredients:

1. Mint leaves
2. Water
3. Cotton balls
4. A saucepan
5. A stove
6. A strainer
7. A pot cover
8. A bowl.

Process:

1. Pour 500 ml of water into the saucepan.
2. Throw a handful of mint leaves into the pan.
3. Put it on the stove and bring it to a boil.
4. Place a cover on top of the pan and wait for the concoction to cool.
5. Once the mixture is cool enough, strain it into a bowl.
6. Soak a cotton ball into the liquid.
7. Place it on the affected spots.
8. Repeat twice a day until the itching disappears.

Notes: You can also use a few drops of peppermint oil as long as you dilute them with a carrier oil. Remember to do a patch test to make sure that you won’t have a bad reaction to the essential oil.

How to prevent itchy skin?

Last, I want to talk about how to prevent itchy skin. Although it’s hard to take measures when the itchiness is caused by internal disease or contact with poison ivy, there are some simple tips you can follow:

• Use moisturizers to keep your skin from getting dry.
• Stay away from products containing strong chemicals like scented soaps and strong perfumes.
• Choose alcohol-free cleansers, colognes, or aftershaves.
• Pick products labeled for sensitive skin.
• Soft fabrics like cotton and skin are better than rough ones like wool.
• Avoid wearing thigh-fitting clothes. Instead, stick to loose-fitting.
• Do not take long showers or too hot ones because they will dry the skin by robbing it of moisture.
• Avoid washing too often. In most cases, once a day is enough.
• You might add baby oil to your bath to relieve discomfort.
• Use a humidifier to prevent dry air.

Usually, itchy skin is nothing worth worrying about. You can deal with it at home as long as it’s not due to something serious. That’s why you must identify the reason for the itchiness before you go to the pharmacy or try any home remedies. If you have contacted scabies or lice, you might need additional treatments to kill the parasites.

What do you think about these seven home remedies for itchy skin? Have you ever tried them? What do you think about them? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Cory Fang

A beauty professional, Cory Fang earned her two-year diploma in Beauty and Skin Care before going on to study Reflexology, Somatology, and electrical face and body treatments.She is committed to her client's well-being, and after working at a local beauty business for three years, she went into business for herself four years ago. A proponent on peels, skin needling, facials, and basic home care, she knows what it takes to keep skin and the body healthy.