How to relieve itching 1. 2017;30(99):S7-S10. What causes itching? We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Theres a growing body of research suggesting there are disordered connections between the nerves in the skin of people with eczema that changes how they send itching signals to their brains. For temporary relief of itching, try these self-care measures: Avoid items or situations that cause you to itch. Always use fragrance-free lotions, soaps and detergents to minimize irritation. So, when you have all of these systems malfunctioning at the same time, it ends up creating severe itch.. Limit showers to 5 minutes and baths to 15 minutes or less. When you start, use Perspirex every night, until you have achieved the desired effect usually within 1 week. Moisturizers, such as creams and lotions, can help hydrate the outermost layer of the skin. Things to avoid if you have itchy skin are: It may be hard not to scratch. (2015). Itching can be caused by many factors, including bug bites, dry skin, poison ivy, and rashes like dermatitis and eczema. Some people are more sensitive than others. For older children and adults, the answer is a bit simpler: Dr. Fernandez encourages you to see a dermatologist any time the itching is affecting your quality of life, or when what youre doing at home isnt working anymore. Over-the-counter antihistamines and steroid creams can help reduce eczema symptoms. Experience psychological impacts, like irritability and depression. There isnt damage to the nerves themselves, theyre just overactive.. ", https://www.livescience.com/48561-why-scratching-an-itch-makes-it-worse.html, http://www.medicinenet.com/itch/page5.htm#what_are_topical_itch_treatments_are_there_any_home_remedies_for_itching, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17373175, https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/outsmarting-poison-ivy-and-other-poisonous-plants, https://familydoctor.org/condition/pruritus/, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11879-pruritus, https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/itchy-skin/itch-relief/relieve-uncontrollably-itchy-skin. You should always be sure to read any warning labels on any products you purchase and check for any potential allergens. Then you can find the right treatment(s). This article was medically reviewed by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS. Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Kristina Duda, BSN, RN, CPN, has been working in healthcare since 2002. If possible, choose outfits that do not cover the itchy area. Apply topical anesthetics that contain pramoxine. Eczema itch is difficult to deal with because its the product of different bodily systems malfunctioning at the same time: your skin, your immune system, your nerves and your brain. WebDandruff. It can cause a lot of discomfort and may even become a distraction. You can find out how to get the best results from these products by watching the short video, How to treat dandruff. A natural product used in many soaps and lotions, it can also be added to a cool bath. You may be able to stop itching with over-the-counter products or at-home remedies, such as petroleum jelly. Find out how a board-certified dermatologist helped Natalie see clear skin before her wedding. You can expect permanent results in all but one area. Wet wrap therapy. Neurogenic itch happens when those pathways get inappropriately activated. Meanwhile, psychogenic itch doesnt originate in your skin it originates in your brain. Avoid scratching. May cover the whole body. To learn more from our Family Physician co-author, like how to use anti-itch medication, keep reading the article! 2. Consider the following steps to help relieve itchy skin quickly, using some of the above remedies: Apply a cold compress or a wet washcloth to small areas of skin that may be itchy due to a rash, bug bite, or burn. How to get relief: If you have dandruff, using a dandruff shampoo and scalp treatments can help. It is best to apply moisturizers soon after a bath or shower, while the skin is still a little damp. The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. This may be especially needed in cases of chronic itching. Wet wrap therapy (WWT) involves applying water-soaked fabric wraps made of gauze or surgical netting to areas of itchy skin. Diluted peppermint oil applied to itchy skin can reduce itchiness from myriad causes. This article will walk you through the causes of itchiness and how to relieve them with medication or home remedies. WebDandruff. Itchy skin can result from various conditions, including allergies and eczema. By reducing underlying inflammation in certain skin conditions, like eczema, you may be able to find relief from itchiness. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/26\/Stop-Itching-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Stop-Itching-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/26\/Stop-Itching-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid2723303-v4-728px-Stop-Itching-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"