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Natural Ways to Help Stop Itching

Itchy skin gives you an uncomfortable feeling and makes you want to scratch. A rash, allergy to a product, psoriasis, eczema or sun damage can cause itching. It can go together with dryness, blisters, redness or scabbing. If other symptoms accompany itchiness, such as extreme tiredness, diarrhea or fever, you should contact your doctor. In caring for itchy skin, remember to treat the underlying cause of it rather than just the symptoms.

  1. Herbal Remedies

    • People have used herbs for centuries to improve itching. You can eat fresh or dry herbs such as stinging nettles, lemon balm, lavender, mullein and licorice root or brew them in tea. You can take flaxseed internally or externally as a wet compress. Also, Aloe vera can relieve itching. You can use it fresh by breaking the aloe vera leaf and spilling its juices immediately on skin.

    Wet Compresses and Cool Baths

    • Cool baths can bring a temporary relief to the itchy skin. When you are sure that winter dryness is causing itchy skin, add Himalayan salt to your bath (about 1 lb per bathtub). It will make the skin smooth, silky and well hydrated. If you are not a bath person or not have the time, you can use wet compresses (cotton cloth immersed in water and drained).

    Light Therapy

    • The healing agent in light therapy is the ultraviolet (UV) light. You can use ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB) rays or a combination of both. The combined UVA and UVB rays are more effective in treating skin problems. The therapy is used in mild to moderate cases of eczema and psoriasis and can effectively relieve itching associated with these conditions. Effective as it is, you should be regularly checked for skin cancer, as the therapy is linked to increased cancer risk.

    Other Considerations

    • When dealing with itchy skin, you should wear comfortable, loose, cotton clothing, and avoid scratching, as it only exacerbates the problem. You should also stay away from fragrant soaps, perfumes and dyes. Moisturize your skin with scent-free moisturizers or lotions. Use mild, odorless detergent to do your laundry, especially sheets, towels and intimates.

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