After scratching an occasional itch, the relief that comes is unbeatable. But when you continue to feel itchy every now and then or even worse, or when the constant itching results in a scar for a lifetime, or when it lasts longer than usual, it is a cause for concern.

Although it is completely normal to feel itchy once in a while. But It can be difficult to understand exactly what is causing the skin to itch. Sometimes itchy skin can be the result of a rash or another skin condition.

It can also be a symptom of a more serious condition such as liver disease or kidney failure. To get relief, it is important to identify the problem and treat the underlying cause. In this article we have listed some effective home remedies to get rid of itching skin.

What Is An Itch

An itch, also known as pruritus, is a sensation that arises from the irritation of the skin or nerve cells. This skin condition could be a result of several factors, a few of which are discussed below.

Causes Of Itchy Skin (pruritus)

The common causes of itchy skin are:

• Dry skin or xerosis
• Rashes or skin irritation
• Pregnancy
• Internal diseases e.g liver disease or kidney failure
• Nervous system disorders like multiple sclerosis, diabetes, or pinched nerve
• Environmental factors, such as air conditioning, washing or bathing too often
• Reaction to antibiotic, antifungal, or narcotic drugs
• Older age
• Allergic reaction to wool and chemicals in cosmetics or even soaps

We have seen the causes of Itchy skin (pruritus), We will now take a look at the Signs And Symptoms.

You may experience itching in certain parts of your body, like your arms or legs, or all over your body. This sensation is followed by other noticeable changes like:

• Dry and peeling skin
• Redness and spots
• Scaly skin
• Bumps or blisters

Itchy skin can occur over a long period and even interfere with your day to day activities. Hence, treating an itchy skin or pruritus before it turns into a rash and becomes infected is necessary. If you are among those suffering from itching, you can try out the following remedies to help solve your problem.

How To Treat Pruritus Naturally

Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Itching Skin

HOLY BASIL

Holy basil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties because of the presence of camphor, eugenol and thymol.

What You Will Need

• Few fresh basil leaves
• A few drops of water

First Method 

1. Take the leaves and grind them into a fine paste by adding water.

2. Apply this paste all over the affected area to get relief.

Second Method 

Alternatively, you may take the leaves and boil them in some water. Apply the decoction on the affected area, with the help of a cotton ball.

You may also rub the leaves directly on your itchy skin. You can use this treatment on a daily basis until you feel better.

COCONUT OIL

Coconut oil is very good for the skin, and it helps in curing itching too. The oil is a rich source of medium chain fatty acids that contain anti-inflammatory and antihistamines. Both these components help in soothing skin itching. This is one of the most effective home remedies for itchy skin on the face.

What You Will Need

• Organic coconut oil (quantity, as required)

Method

After taking a bath in warm water, apply coconut oil on your itchy skin. You may also apply coconut oil all over your body. It can be safely applied on a regular or daily basis.

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

Apple cider vinegar is a great home remedy to soothe itchy skin. The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties help in preventing infections and also reduce itching. The presence of certain enzymes also helps in maintaining the normal pH balance of the skin.

What You Will Need

• 2-3 cups apple cider vinegar

First Method

Pour apple cider vinegar in your bath water and soak yourself for 15 to 20 minutes.

Second Method

• Alternatively, you can take one part apple cider vinegar and two parts vinegar.
• Apply this blend with a cotton ball on the affected area.

Use this treatment once a day for speedy recovery.

BAKING SODA

Baking soda is alkaline in nature, and thus it is a great way to neutralise the skin acids and relieve itching. The anti-inflammatory properties also help in reducing skin inflammation.

What You Will Need

• 1 cup baking soda

Method

1. Mix baking soda in your bath water and let it dissolve completely.

2. Soak your body in this bath water for 10 to 15 minutes.

Doing this once a day may help in reducing the itching bouts.

FENUGREEK SEEDS

Fenugreek seeds offer relief from itching and skin inflammation because these tiny seeds contain anti-inflammatory properties. The chances of occurrence of rashes or skin infection also reduce considerably.

What You Will Need

• 1 cup of fenugreek seeds
• Water as required

Method

1. Soak fenugreek (methi) seeds in warm water for an hour.

2. Grind the soaked seeds into a fine paste by adding some water.

3. Apply this paste on itchy skin and leave it until it dries.

4. Wash the skin with warm water and pat dry.

Use this home remedy at least three times a week.

LEMON

Lemons contain acetic and citric acid, which lends them astringent, anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory properties. All these properties are beneficial in reducing itching and inflammation.

What You Will Need

• 2 big lemons
• A few cotton balls or pads

Method

1. Take the lemons and squeeze out the juice.

2. Dip the cotton balls in the juice and apply on the affected area.

If your skin is very sensitive, you can dilute lemon juice by adding some water. Let it dry; rinse your skin with cold water. Use lemon juice two times a day to reduce itching.

MINT

Apart from lending a dewy fresh breath, mint leaves are great for itchy skin too. Mint is anaesthetic and anti-inflammatory in nature and is loaded with menthol. Mint is one of the most effective remedies for itchy skin in summer or winter months.

What You Will Need

• 1 cup fresh mint leaves
• 3 cups of water
• A few cotton balls

Method

1. Boil mint leaves in water for a few minutes; keep the water covered while boiling.

2. Let the water cool down and strain it.

3. Soak a cotton ball in the water and apply to the affected area.

Apply this water once or twice a day to get relief from itching.

SESAME SEEDS OIL

Itchy skin is usually accompanied by redness. Sesame seeds are great for reducing the redness that arises along with itching. This happens because sesame seeds contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. If you have itchy skin after shaving, sesame oil is a great way to help soothe your skin.

What You Will Need

• Organic sesame oil, as required
• Cotton balls

First Method

1. Take sesame oil in a bowl.

2. Dip cotton balls into the oil and apply on your itchy skin.

Second Method

•  Alternatively, you can massage your whole body with the oil.
• Allow the sesame oil to stay on your skin for some time, take a bath with warm water.
• You may apply sesame oil daily or on alternate days to reduce itching.

NEEM LEAVES

Neem is one of the most used ingredients for curing many kinds of skin ailments, and itchy skin is one of them. This is because neem is loaded with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help in combating the symptoms of many skin conditions including itching.

What You Will Need

• Few handfuls of fresh neem leaves

Method

1. Take boiling hot water and let the neem leaves soak in it for half an hour or until the water becomes lukewarm.

2. Take a bath with this water.

Second Method

• Alternatively, you can also make a paste of neem leaves by adding some water and apply this paste directly on the affected area.
• Wash with tepid water after drying.

You may use this remedy every alternate day.

ALOE VERA

Aloe vera does wonders in keeping our skin healthy, and it also helps in curing various kinds of skin troubles, which includes itchy skin too. Vitamin E in it helps in moisturizing the skin and thus prevents drying, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties help in reducing the signs of itching.

What You Will Need

• Half an aloe vera leaf

Method

1. Take the aloe vera leaf and slit it from the centre.

2. Scoop out the gel with the help of a spoon.

3. Apply this gel on the affected area of the skin. Keep it for 10 to 15 minutes.

4. Rinse with cold water.

We suggest that you use this remedy once a day.

HONEY

Honey is an effective home remedy to moisturise dry skin, for preventing skin infections and also removing any signs of itching because it is loaded with humectants, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

What You Will Need

• Honey is needed
• A few cotton pads

Method

1. Warm up honey in the microwave for a few seconds.

2. Dip cotton balls in the warm honey and apply on the itchy area.

3. Let the honey stay on the affected area for at least 10 to 15 minutes.

4. Wash with warm water.

ESSENTIAL OILS

 

a. Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil contains menthol that is well known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which make it an apt remedy for getting rid of itching and inflamed skin.

You Will Need

• 2- 3 drops of peppermint oil1 tablespoon of any carrier oil (coconut or olive oil)

What You Have To Do

1. Mix the peppermint oil with any carrier oil.

2. Apply it to the affected areas.

Do this 1 to 2 times daily.

b. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a widely used essential oil for treating a variety of skin ailments. The natural antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil make it suitable to treat acne, warts, boils, and even itching skin and rashes

You Will Need

• • 2-3 drops of tea tree oil1 tablespoon of any carrier oil (olive or coconut oil)

What You Have To Do

Add three drops of tea tree oil to a tablespoon of any carrier oil and mix well.

Apply this mixture directly to your itching skin and allow it to be absorbed.

You must do this at least once daily.

GARLIC

Garlic, due to its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, is used to treat various skin and health ailments, including pruritus.

The topical application of garlic relieves itching skin. Additionally, the presence of olive oil ensures that your skin remains hydrated, thus preventing further drying and itching.

You Will Need

• 2-3 cloves of garlic 1/2 cup of olive oil

What You Have To Do

Mince the garlic cloves and heat in a saucepan with half a cup of olive oil. Do not overheat.Allow the oil and garlic to infuse overnight.The next morning, apply this oil to all the affected areas.Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes and then wash it off with water.

You must do this once daily.

VITAMINS

In addition to the topical treatments, you should also consider taking some vitamins that are known to alleviate the symptoms of itching. Vitamins A, C, and E can help in the treatment as well as prevention of itching skin.

Vitamin A keeps your skin healthy and nourished by promoting the production and growth of skin cells. Vitamin C is responsible for the production of collagen, a protein that is necessary for the healing of your skin.

Vitamins C and E also exhibit antioxidant properties that can protect your skin from free radical damage.

Hence, it is important to increase the intake of these vitamins to assist in the treatment of pruritus.

You can either take supplements of these after consulting your doctor or increase your intake of foods rich in these vitamins like eggs, cheese, milk, citrus fruits, leafy green vegetables, and nuts.

You can also add a high-quality probiotic as many times, skin issues are directly related to gut health.

OLIVE OIL

Olive oil is a great source of antioxidants, thanks to the polyphenols it contains.

These polyphenols possess anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the itching.

The oil is also one of the best hydrating oils and can hence prevent your skin from drying and itching.

You Will Need

• Olive oil (as required)

What You Have To Do

Take some olive oil in your hands and apply it all over the affected areas right after a shower.

You must do this once daily to lock in the moisture in your skin.

The above remedies will undoubtedly work well in relieving itchy skin. But isn’t prevention always better than the cure?

Prevention Tips

The following measures can help in preventing itching:

• Wear loose-fitting, cotton clothing.
• Use a humidifier to keep your surroundings humid and prevent your skin from drying and turning itchy.
• Keep your nails trimmed.
• Shower daily.
• Change out potentially chemically harmful household products such as: laundry detergent/softener, dryer sheets, shampoo, soap, lotion etc.
• Keep your stress levels under control.
• Limit or avoid intake of caffeine and alcohol.
• Drink lots of water and keep yourself well hydrated.
• Keep your skin moisturized – use a good moisturizer.
• Check for allergic reactions to certain foods like milk, eggs, peanuts, fish, mushrooms, etc., and avoid them.

In some cases, the itching can become intense and last for a long time. If you notice any of the following symptoms, you must consult your dermatologist immediately.

When To Visit A Doctor

Visit your skin specialist immediately if the itching:

1. Lasts for several weeks

2. Doesn’t improve even after self-care

3. Is severe

4. Begins suddenly without explanation

5. Affects the entire body

6. Is accompanied by signs of tiredness, weight loss, or fever

7. Has turned into an infection or is scarring

Conclusion

Itchy skin may lead to severe complications like infections and scarring if it is left unattended for too long. Hence, the moment you notice any unusual itchy sensation, treat it right away using the natural remedies we have listed here. If you have any doubts or queries, please post them in the comments section below.