Homemade Itch Remedy

Itchy skin, also known as pruritus, can occur as a result of many different conditions. Oftentimes, the itchiness is due to bug bites, exposure to poison ivy/oak, dry or inflamed skin or an allergic reaction to chemicals, such as bleach. If the itch is persistent and painful, you should seek medical attention in order to obtain the best relief. Otherwise, you can attempt to remedy your itch simply by using products already in your household.

Things You'll Need

• Long-term relief:
• Oatmeal
• Clean, preferably new, sock
• Large pot
• Strainer
• Immediate relief:
• Petroleum jelly
• Baby powder

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Instructions

Long-Term Itch Relief

• 1

  Cook a large pot of oatmeal on your stove top. A few cups of oatmeal should suffice. Take care, however, not to make the oatmeal too thick. The concoction should be somewhat soupy.

• 2

  Draw a bath full of lukewarm or cool water. Do not draw a hot bath, as hot water can exacerbate some skin problems.

• 3

  Stand over the tub and pour the soupy oatmeal into a strainer, allowing the liquid and some oatmeal to mix with the lukewarm/cool bathwater.

• 4

  Pour the remaining oatmeal from the strainer into a new or clean sock. Then tie the open end of the sock into a knot.

• 5

  Sit in the tub for about 20 to 30 minutes. Use the sock full of oatmeal as a sponge, gently washing the affected skin. The oatmeal will provide relief and help remove any toxins that remain in your skin.

• 6

  Dab gently with a soft towel in order to dry yourself after you've finished with the bath. Avoid rubbing or aggravating your skin.

Immediate Itch Relief

• 7

  Dip your finger into a jar of petroleum jelly and lather it onto the rash or itchy area of skin. Coat the area completely.

• 8

  Sprinkle baby powder on top of the petroleum jelly.

• 9

  Avoid scratching or disturbing the area. The petroleum jelly and baby powder, while somewhat messy, should provide almost immediate relief from the itch.