7 Ways To Relieve Itching Skin

• Relieve Itching Skin – The Basics
• 1. Oatmeal Bath
• 2. Neem
• 3. Peppermint Essential Oil
• 4. Cold Compress
• 5. Honey
• 6. Aloe Vera
• 7. Apple Cider Vinegar

Relieve Itching Skin – The Basics

Itching is caused by the release of histamine, a chemical substance released in the body during immune reactions. Histamine causes redness and itching which then leads to scratching that can further lead to irritated skin. Itchy skin is also caused during pregnancy, since the skin around the belly stretches, makes us want to scratch. This leads to stretch marks. Therefore, home remedies for body itching in pregnancy is important to avoid stretch marks.

Since decades, home remedies have been a go-to for many skin ailments. By making small lifestyle changes like taking a shower with lukewarm or cold water, moisturising after shower, using mild soaps and wearing cotton clothing can also be helpful for the skin and reduce itching caused due to dryness. These home remedies also work on treating itchy scalp. Keep on reading to know the home remedies for itching and rashes on body.

Best Remedies to Relieve Itching Skin – 7 Ways

1. Oatmeal Bath

Not only health benefits but oats have been used in skincare routine since decades, as it works well on all skin types. Oats work wonders for dry, itchy skin and can be used on variety of skin irritations like eczema and rashes. Oats maintains the moisture levels in skin as starches and beta-glucan present in oats form a protective barrier for the skin against dryness and irritation. Oats also have natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as they contain polyphenols called avenanthramides and it helps calm itchy skin.

How to use it: For an oatmeal bath, grind rolled oats into a thin powder. Mix the powder in your bath water. Soak your body in the water for 15 to 20 minutes and rinse. You can also gently scrub the oatmeal on itchy skin. You can also make semi-solid paste by mixing oats powder and water and apply it on affected areas.

2. Neem

Neem is one of the most essential herbs used in Indian households to treat a lot of skin ailments, and itchy skin is one of them. Neem has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties that helps soothe itchy skin. Bathing with neem water cures itching and rashes in children who get chicken pox or hand foot mouth (HFM) disease. Neem water bath ideal home remedy for itching in whole body.

How to use it: For neem water bath, soak a handful of neem leaves in hot water for half an hour. Once lukewarm, take bath with the neem water. You can also make a paste by grinding neem leaves with water. Apply the paste on the irritated skin. Wash once dried.

3. Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint’s cooling properties can reduce itching caused by bug bites, poison ivy and due to medical conditions like diabetes, liver disease and kidney disease. Its anti-microbial and anti-septic properties can also reduce pimple or acne that cause redness and itchiness.

How to use it: Dilute the peppermint oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil and apply on the affected areas.

4. Cold Compress

Cold compress is one of the easiest and fastest method to use for itchy skin. Whether it is an ice pack, damp cloth or cool showers, cold water can bring immediate relief and stops swelling and itching or a rash. Cold limits the blood flow to an inflamed area, hence, when you apply ice or a cold damp cloth, it reduces inflammation and stops itching almost instantly. For rashes all over the body, taking a cold shower may provide relief.

5. Honey

The good old honey is not only a healthier alternative to sugar to add in our diet, but also works wonders when incorporated in our skincare routine. Honey is used as an effective home remedy to soothe itchiness caused by dry skin or infections. Honey is loaded with humectants, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. Incorporating honey as a home remedy for body itching in winter can reduce dryness and leave our skin moisturised and hydrated.

How to use it: Dip a cotton ball in lukewarm honey. Apply it on the itchy area and leave it for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse it with warm water.

6. Aloe Vera

Fresh aloe vera is widely popular as it has amazing skin and hair benefits. Aloe vera contains vitamin B12, calcium, magnesium, zinc and vitamins A, C, E. In addition, aloe vera also contains anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-viral and anti-oxidant properties. Aloe can treat rashes or itching caused by acne, dry skin, allergies, insect bites or any sort fungal and bacterial infections. The clear gel that comes from aloe vera is used to soothe itchy and irritated skin.

How to use it: Take a fresh aloe leaf, cut open the leaf and scrape out the gel and apply directly on the affected skin. To increase the soothing properties, keep the aloe vera gel in the fridge and apply on the rash or itchy skin when it’s cool. Cold gel will reduce any kind of inflammation or swelling from the itching. Using fresh aloe is recommended than a store-bought gel.

7. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar’s anti-septic properties can help soothe itchy skin especially for people who suffer from psoriasis. It also works wonders as a spot treatment on bug bites. Dabbing diluted apple cider vinegar on affected area can help neutralise the itch while balancing the pH levels of skin and speeds up the healing process. You can also add a couple of tablespoons of ACV in your bath and take shower with it to soothe itchy skin.

FAQs about Ways to Relieve Itching Skin

Q1. Is itchy skin normal?

A. Yes, itchy skin is normal. Everyone at some point in their life have faced itchy skin due to bug bites or bacterial infections. If the itchy skin persists after trying home remedies, it is better to consult your healthcare provider.

Q2. Can anxiety and stress cause itching?

A. Yes. Anxiety and stress can throw your nervous system on an overdrive and cause sensory symptoms like burning and itching.

Q3. Why does itching worse at night?

A. Night time itching, also known as nocturnal pruritus, can occur due to lifestyle or medical conditions. Our skin naturally loses more water in the night that can leave our skin dry and dehydrated, leading to itching. Apply Love Beauty and Planet Argan Oil Lavander Soothing Body Lotion at night to calm your mind and body with alluring fragrance as well as formulation to keep your skin relaxed and itch-free.

Q4. Does baking soda work as a home remedy for itching?

A. Yes. Baking soda has anti-fungal properties and can treat a range of fungal skin conditions which may cause itching. Adding baking soda to bath water can help reduce itchy skin. You can also make a paste by mixing baking soda and water and apply onto the affected areas.