There are various reasons for your skin to itch. There can be some sort of food allergies, skin allergies, allergic reactions to creams/makeup, soaps, detergents and most commonly insect bites.
To have itchy skin is probably one of the most annoying things to go through when you’re simply resting on your bed or on the sofa, trying to watch some TV or to get some sleep. Normally, you get stung by insects like mosquitoes or other tiny bugs that results in a blood reaction with inflammation and itchiness in that particular area. Sometimes very dry skin can also cause itchy skin rash.
It is really hard for an individual to overcome that strong sensation of itchiness. The urge is really strong and at times the resulting inflammation and excessive itching causes infections and allergies to spread to other different parts of the body.
Many skin diseases often start with an allergic outbreak that are accompanied by mild to severe itchiness and then are spread to different parts of the body through the victim’s own hands. There are a number of effective home remedies that can be used in order to get rid of the aggravating sensation of itching that doesn’t let one sleep or read or enjoy anything, at peace.
“Many skin diseases often start with an allergic outbreak that are accompanied by mild to severe itchiness and then are spread to different parts of the body through the victim’s own hands.”
15. Apply Baking Soda
Baking Soda is the most inexpensive and most readily used ingredient in many home remedies. This kitchen ingredient should be stocked up for decades in your pantries and you shouldn’t really be out of it, ever.
Since the substance has a very soothing effect this is commonly used to get rid of itchy skin and skin rashes. Just try these simple DIY remedies and see the magic.
- Baking soda is known to be a neutralizer for an inflamed acidic itchy skin and itchy skin bumps.
- There are two ways to use this ingredient in order to get rid of itchy skin. One is that you add up about a cup of baking soda in your bathing water/tub and mix it well so that it is thoroughly distributed. Soak yourself in the bath or wash yourself with the water and later on simply pat yourself dry rather than rubbing the skin with a towel.
- The second method is for when itchiness is in certain areas of the body only. You can create a paste out of baking soda and water and apply that paste on the affected area. Let it cool the skin for about 10 minutes and then wash it off.
- Both these remedies can be used once daily.
Tip: Avoid using baking soda on open wounds.
14. Ground Oatmeal
Also known, as colloidal oatmeal it is the form of oatmeal that has been completely ground into fine powder.
This remedy helps to soothe the skin and remove any itchiness as oatmeal is composed of anti-inflammatory properties that help remove any inflammation in the affected area and also suppresses unnecessary itching.
- There are a number of ways of using colloidal oatmeal to reduce itchiness. One is that you add about 2 cups of oatmeal to your bathtub or bathing water and mix it well before you soak yourself in it or wash yourself with it. You also need to make sure that the water is not warm as it may cause more irritation. Soak yourself for good 15 minutes and wash yourself. This bath can be used more than once depending upon the severity of the condition.
- The next method is similar to that of baking soda, which is to make a thick paste out of colloidal oatmeal and water and apply it on the affected area. Additionally cover the area with a cloth so as to give it sometime to rest. Wash it after half an hour.
Tips: Normal oatmeal flour or whole oats that are crushed through a processor can also be used in terms of unavailability of colloidal oatmeal.
13. Play With Cold Water
Playing with cold water might seem mostly like a joke but this is indeed one effective remedy to use. Scientifically, it has been proven that the nerves that carry the itching sensation also grab the tingly sensation of cold water running on your skin.
So when you add some cold water on to the affected skin or rub it with ice, the brain transforms the itching sensation to a soothing, tingling one. This remarkable remedy provides instant relief from itchy skin rash.
- You can run cold water out from a water bottle and directly on to the affected skin.
- You can use an ice cube and rub it over the skin.
- You can even take a cold shower or a bath
- On the other hand you can also cove the affected area with cold wet cloth.
12. Cool It Off With Lemon
Lemon has tons of amazing health properties that can help you get rid of itchy skin within moments.
Lemon is a great remedy due to its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and anti-irritating properties and hence just half a lemon found in the kitchen can be a lifesaver for you. Follow these simple tips to get rid of itchy skin bumps and rash.
Quick link = Benefits of lemon water
- Squeeze out lemon juice from about 2-3 lemons depending upon the area you will be applying it on
- Then apply the juice on the area with the help of cotton ball.
- Let it stay for good and then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
- You can carry on with this remedy for as long as you find your condition to be getting better.
Tips: People with highly sensitive skin are suggested not to use this remedy.
11. Use Of Apple Cider Vinegar
Now most of you women out there would be thinking of this remedy to be a little harsh but trust us that it isn’t. Just like lemon, apple cider vinegar is also loaded with tons of beneficiaries that help relive itching skin.
It is also very effective for dry skin. It is packed with antiseptic, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial as well as anti-inflammatory properties that not only soothe the itchy area but also clear it off of any infections.
- The method is almost the same where you are to mix 2-3 cups of apple cider vinegar in your lukewarm bath water. Then soak yourself in this water for 30 minutes. Afterwards pat-dry your skin and apply a little bit of moisturizer.
- For more targeted results, apply apple cider vinegar only on the affected areas with the help of a cotton ball and let it dry for 25-30 minutes, rinse with semi warm water afterwards.
- This remedy can be used once to twice daily.
10. Swear By Juniper Berries And Cloves
We know the title has got it all going but this is about to be truth told. Juniper berries on one hand have jam packed anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing and signs of inflammation there may be, while cloves come out as essential oil and serves as a numbing agent that relieves the pain in the area. This is more of a win-win situation for all. Do this to get rid of itchy skin bumps and rashes.
- The procedure to make a pack out of these two is a little extensive but the results are far more than amazing.
- For the first step melt about 6 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan and also 2 tablespoons of beeswax in another pan.
- When the butter is completely melted, add this to the melted beeswax and mix well.
- Now slowly stir in not more than 5 tablespoons of juniper berries and about three tablespoons of cloves and keep on mixing for a while.
- Let this mixture to cool down and apply it on the affected area before going to bed.
- Let it rest over night and take shower with cold water the next morning.
- You can try out this remedy daily.
9. Miracle Aloe Vera
Indeed one of the miracles of the world this plant is amazing as it always finds it way in one or the other remedy. Aloe Vera, the amazing plant has anti-inflammatory properties that quickly and instantly relieves pain from the affected area.
The anti-bacterial and anti-fugal properties make sure that no infection has taken place due to excessive itching. The vitamin E also helps to keep the skin moisturized which also makes it an effective remedy for dry skin.
- There are yet two ways to use this ingredient, one is that you directly apply at the aloe vera extract on to the affected area and leave it to dry for 10-15 minutes.
- Then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
- The second is to make a paste out of one part aloe vera gel and two parts green clay. Apply it like a mask on the affected skin and let it dry. Once the paste has dried and you feel that your itchiness has been relieved wash off with luke warm water.
- Try out this remedy on daily basis.
8. Basil Leaves
Basil is a very aromatic herb and is used to enhance the taste of our meals and there is no doubt in it for the meal tastes and smells ten times better after the addition of basil leaves.
What makes basil a good itch reliever is that it is comprised of the substance Eugenol that is known to be a topical anesthetic and is part of essential oils. Camphor and Thymol both, together help relieve soreness and itchiness in the affected area.
- Basil leaves can be used be either soaking them in boiling water and letting the mixture to cool off. Then applying it on the affected skin with the help of a cotton ball or cloth. Leave it on the skin for a good while and later on rinse it off.
- You can even save this mixture in a jar to be used on a later time as an effective itchy skin rash cure.
- Basil leaves can also be applied directly by crushing and applying the extract on the skin and washing it off once it has completely dried.
Tips: This method can be repeated 2-3 times in a day.
“Scientifically, it has been proven that the nerves that carry the itching sensation also manage the tingly sensation of cold water running on your skin.”
7. Thyme After Basil
This is no joke where we are recommending you routine cooking herbs to help you relieve your annoying itchy skin. Just like basil, thyme too is a great ingredient to get rid of itchiness.
Thymol the substance present in basil is also found in thyme and has anti-inflammatory as well as antiseptic properties that get rid of any infection taking place in the affected area.
- Just like basil, you can create a mixture by adding thyme leaves to boiling water and allowing it to mix well with it.
- Cool off the mixture and filter it in a jar.
- You can apply it with the help of a cotton cloth.
- This procedure can be repeated multiple times in a day for a soothing relief from itchy skin bumps and rashes.
6. Adding Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is also very effective for treating itchy dry skin. Peppermint essential oil is part of home remedies where they are used because of their anti-inflammatory, anti-septic and analgesic properties. This essential oil is readily available and the procedure to use it is easier than what one can imagine.
- Add on a couple of drops of peppermint oil in your bath and simply soak yourself in the bath for 15-20 minutes.
- Pat dry yourself out of the bath and moisturize your skin afterwards.
- You can also use this method of adding just a few drops of peppermint oil in another oil like, coconut or olive oil and then apply this mixture directly on the skin. Massage this oil well on to the skin so that it gets readily penetrated to provide maximum relief.
- These methods can be used more than once in a day.
5. Applying Bentotine Clay
Bentonite clay is deemed as one of the most effective natural remedies to get rid of annoying insect and bug bites that cause excessive itching.
One must remember that the original bentonite clay is cream/gray in color and comes with no distinct smell or fragrance. Use the following method to get rid of itchy skin rash and bumps.
- You need a non-metallic bowl to make up a mixture of bentonite clay with water. Mix it well till it makes a thick paste out of it.
- Now apply this paste on to the itching skin and let it dry.
- Once dry wash it with semi cold water and pat dry.
4. Using Milk And Honey
What a great drink they make together, but apart from being a powerful drink this mixture together can help you get rid of soreness and itchiness of the skin. Both of the have remarkable anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties that help provide instant relief.
- Simply mix equal parts honey and milk and apply it on the affected area with the help of a cotton ball.
- Let it dry for a while and then rinse it off with plain water.
- Not only will it moisturize the skin but will also soothe out the pain.
- You can also take milk-based baths once in a month.
3. Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol that is composed of isopropyl alcohol is readily available in almost every household as it is best to clear out any open wounds because of its antiseptic properties. The alcohol disinfects the area and makes sure no infection breaks through. The same can be done with the itching spot, by using a cotton ball to apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol on the area that is itching the most. It will both help reduce the infection and relieve the itchiness.
2. Go With The X
This might seem like one of those crazy stupid ideas but this has worked so many times that it can be sworn upon as a remedy to kill excessive itching. You must have seen kids mostly applying this trick but this actually works.
All you need to do is simply use your fingernail to mark an ‘X’ on the affected itchy spot. In case of an insect bite you can mark the X on the inflamed area.
1. Fruit Peels Or No Itch Regime
The final remedy is a mixture of two remedies together and both of them are found to be effective to some extent.
- One is that you can use peels of different fruits like orange rind, banana peel and melon rind and you can the inner side to simply rub against the itching area.
- This method has been known to be effective somehow and reduce signs of itchiness,
- The other is pretty nerve wrecking and it requires a very strong will and that is to no matter how much an itch calls you towards it, you fight against it.
- Yes, you maintain yourself from not itching the area, at all.
Do’s
- The first thing you should add in your life is to drink plenty of water.
- Make sure that you apply a very good moisturizer, several times in a day.
- Make this a habit to thoroughly exfoliate your skin on a weekly basis.
- Keep yourself a bottle of herb extracted tea, like green tea powder, jasmine tea etc while you are out to travel especially in the woods, in case of an itchiness you can use the extract to reduce inflammation and itchiness in the affected area.
Dont’s
- The best thing to do is to stay away from direct exposure to dust and dirt.
- Do not take unnecessary baths in with hot water. Prefer lukewarm water.
- Don’t trust every other scented soap.
