Herbs for Intense Skin Itching

Herbs have been used for thousands of years to prevent and to treat illness. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, herbs are often used in topical skin treatments for intense skin itching caused by insect bites, eczema, psoriasis, dry skin and plant irritants such as poison ivy. Avoid applying any topical herbal treatment to skin with open wounds, as infection may occur. Consult a physician before using any over-the-counter herbal remedy.

St. John's Wort for Eczema

• The use of topical creams containing St. John's wort has demonstrated significant improvement for eczema sufferers. According to the New Hope website, the results of a clinical trial reported in 2003 showed a significant improvement in patients with eczema. According to doctors at the University of Maryland Medical Center, patients receiving the St. John's wort cream experienced a decrease in redness and the intense itching associated with eczema. The use of St. John's wort cream can increase the skin's sensitivity to ultraviolet light, so care should be taken to avoid direct sunlight while using a product containing the herb.

Evening Primrose Oil

• Evening primrose oil has been used to treat intense skin itching caused by various dermatological conditions like dry skin, dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis. Evening primrose oil has also been found to be an effective treatment for rashes and hives. Some drug treatments can cause dry skin and intense itching. The University of Hawaii reported that HIV patients suffering drug-related dry skin conditions showed some improvement following treatment with a topical treatment of evening primrose oil. People with liver disease or high cholesterol and pregnant women should avoid contact with evening primrose oil because of its effect on the body's hormone levels, particularly on levels of progesterone.

Chamomile

• Chamomile creams and ointments have been used successfully to treat intense itching caused by a variety of factors, including allergic reactions to other plants like poison ivy and poison oak, as well as dry skin and insect stings. Boil the herb in a tea and apply it topically with a clean cloth. You can also acquire this herb commercially in creams and ointments, or use an extract of chamomile flowers in a mineral oil and apply it to the skin to help relieve itching. Chamomile can also be combined with marigold or Echinacea to increase its effectiveness, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.