Itching can be best described as a peculiar tingling or uneasy irritation of the skin that creates a desire to scratch the affected area. Itching is a common problem faced by many people at some or the other point in life. Itching could be the result of a variety of reasons such as allergies (to food, plants or pets), insect bites, stings, skin disease or even poor hygiene. Itching can be annoying as the skin is irritated and gives you the constant need to scratch the affected area. Constant or repeated scratching can bruise the skin, making it sore and even painful. Itching could be generalized where in the whole body is affected or localized wherein a particular area is irritated.
Red spots,Scaly patches
§ Tendency to scratch continually to relieve itching sensation
§ Redness of skin
§ Scraped skin as a result of vigorous scratching
§ Prolonged scratching and rubbing can result in thick and scarred skin
§ Red spots
§ Scaly patches
§ Blisters
Dry skin is a common cause for itching
Itching can be caused by a plethora of reasons. Some of the most common causes for itching include -
§ Exposure or contact with chemicals.
§ Sunburn can cause itching.
§ Insect bites or stings.
§ Certain infectious diseases such as chicken pox cause itching on the skin.
§ Parasites on the body such as body, head or pubic lice can cause itching.
§ Itching can be the result of an allergic reaction to certain foods, plants or pets.
§ Dry skin is a common cause for itching. This is usually seen in older people as aging skin is often dehydrated.
§ Cold weather, overexposure to water and hot baths typically cause itching.
§ An unfavorable medication could cause itching as a reaction.
§ Itching can happen during the later part of pregnancy due to the stretching of the skin especially on the lower abdomen area.
§ Skin conditions such as Psoriasis, Seborrheic dermatitis, Urticaria, Pityriasis rosea can cause severe itching.
Use of weak carbolic acid lotion
Itching caused due to non-medical conditions can to a great extent be treated using home remedies. Some that can be used to control or treat itching are as follows -
§ Take a bath in one can of evaporated milk; you can add other combinations such as oatmeal, baking soda etc. The milk works well to soothe the itching.
§ Apply Aloe Vera, cod liver oil, lemon juice, vitamin E oil, wheat germ oil, or witch hazel tea to the itchy area.
§ Take burdock, chickweed, goldenseal, plantain, or yellow dock in capsule form.
§ Cornstarch helps relieve itching. You can pour some into your bath water or dust it onto your body.
§ Scrub the affected area lightly with a pumice stone. Then wash with soap, apply rubbing alcohol, and dab a thick layer of Vaseline over it. This will provide relief from itching.
§ Take a bath with a little peppermint or yellow dock to relieve itching.
§ Add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to your bath water to relieve itchy skin.
§ 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 minor skin ailments.
§ Another trusted home remedy 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.
§ Apply cold compress to the itchy areas, it is thought to bring relief from itching.
§ Fresh stinging nettle oil can be used on the affected areas.
§ Drinking 1 to 2 cups of Nettle tea daily is thought to help relieve itching. Add boiling water to 1 tsp of the dried leaves for each cup. Steep for 15 minutes.
§ Apply Burdock root oil to the skin to help heal rashes and itching.
§ Fresh Chickweed poultice is good for itching. This can be made by soaking 2 large handfuls in water. When the plants soften, cool them and apply directly on the skin.
§ Take a diet rich in Vitamin C,beta-carotene,Vitamin E and zinc
§ Diet can play an important role to combat itching that result from food allergies. If you have identified 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 having foods rich in the above mentioned vitamins and minerals.
§ Avoid scratching or rubbing
§ Avoid scratching or rubbing itchy areas as this worsens the problem. Keep finger nails short to prevent skin damage from scratching.
§ Wear loose, light and cool nightwear. Do not use thick, rough clothing like wool over itchy areas.
§ Take bath with lukewarm water.
§ Apply a soothing lotion on to the skin after bath.
§ Avoid exposure to heat and humidity.
§ Keep your body and affected areas dry and clean at all times. Moisture can worsen itching.
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