Itching can be best explained as a peculiar tingling or uneasy irritation of the skin that creates a desire to scratch the affected area. Itching is an ordinary problem faced by many people at some or the other point in life. Itching could be the result of a number of reasons such as allergies (to food, plants or pets), insect bites, stings, skin disease or even poor hygiene. Itching can be irritating as the skin is irritated and gives you the constant require to scratch the affected area. Constant or continued scratching can bruise the skin, making it sore and even painful. Itching could be widespread where in the whole body is affected or localized wherein a particular area is irritated.
Itching symptoms
Red spots, Scaly patches
Affinity to scratch continually to relieve itching sensation
Redness of skin
Scraped skin as a consequence of vigorous scratching
Prolonged scratching and rubbing can effect in thick and scarred skin
Red spots
Scaly patches
Blisters
Causes of Itching
Dry skin is a ordinary cause for itching
Itching can be caused by a plethora of causes and the most common are -
contact with chemicals.
Itching can also be caused by sunburn
Stings can also cause itching
Certain infectious ailments such as chicken pox cause itching on the skin.
Parasites on the body such as body, head or pubic lice can also cause itching.
Itching can be the effect of an allergic reaction to certain foods, plants or pets.
Dry skin is a general cause for itching. This is typically seen in older people as aging skin is often dehydrated.
Cold weather, overexposure to water and hot baths naturally cause itching.
An unfavorable medicine could cause itching as a reaction.
Itching can happen during the later part of pregnancy due to the stretching of the skin particularly on the lower abdomen area.
Skin conditions such as Psoriasis, Seborrheic dermatitis, Urticaria, Pityriasis rosea can cause harsh itching
Home remedies for Itching
Take a bath in one can of evaporated milk; you can add other mixtures such as oatmeal, baking soda etc. The milk works well to pacify the itching.
Apply Aloe Vera, cod liver oil, lemon juice, vitamin E oil, wheat germ oil, or witch hazel tea to the irritated area.
Take burdock, chickweed, goldenseal, plantain, or yellow dock in capsule state.
Cornstarch aids relieve itching. You can pour a few into your bath water or dust it onto your body.
Rub the affected area lightly with pumice stone. Then wash with soap, apply rubbing alcohol, and dab a thick coating of Vaseline over it. This will give relief from itching. One of the effective home remedies for itching.
Take a bath with a little peppermint or yellow dock to reduce itching.
Add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to your bath water to reduce itchy skin. One of the best home remedies for itching.
Baking soda can be used in cool bath water to soothe other skin irritations and alleviate itching from prickly heat, bee stings, insect bites, and other small skin ailments.
Another trusted home medicine is to use a weak carbolic acid lotion or a solution of bicarbonate of soda (commonly known as baking soda) and applying it over the itchy part. One of the effective home remedies for itching.
Apply cold compress to the itchy areas, it is believed to bring relief from itching.
Fresh stinging nettle oil can also be used on the affected areas.
Taking 1 to 2 cups of Nettle tea daily is thought to help relieve itching. Add boiling water to 1 tsp of the dried out leaves for each cup.
Apply Burdock root oil to the skin to help heal itchiness or itching.
Fresh Chickweed poultice is excellent for itching. Soaking 2 large handfuls in water can make this. When the plants become softer, cool them and apply directly on the skin. One of the popular home remedies for itching.
Diet Recommended in itching
Take a diet rich in Vitamin C,beta-carotene,Vitamin E and zinc
Diet can play an essential role to combat itching that result from food allergies. If you have known foods that cause itching, it’s best to avoid them completely.
Increase your intake of Vitamin C, beta-carotene, Vitamin E and zinc through diet by containing foods rich in the above-mentioned vitamins and minerals..
Other Itching remedies
Avoid scratching or rubbing
Avoid scratching or rubbing itchy areas as this deteriorates the problem. Keep fingernails small to prevent skin damage from scratching.
Try to wear loose, light and cool nightwear. Do not use thick, rough clothing like wool over itchy parts.
One can take bath with lukewarm water as it prevents itching.
Apply a gentle lotion on to the skin after bath.
Avoid contact with heat and humidity.
Keep your body and affected parts dry and clean at all times. Wetness can worsen itching.
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