creams containing menthol to cool your skin or anti-itch ingredients such as crotamiton. mild steroid cream (usually for only a few days) for small, inflamed areas – hydrocortisone cream is available from pharmacies over the counter, or your GP can prescribe a steroid cream for you.
'Any of those good-fat foods – oily fish, coconut oil, avocado, nuts – will help alleviate dry, itchy skin,' says health and nutrition coach Marissa Vicario.
Apple cider vinegar may help reduce itching by lowering inflammation and increasing moisture in the skin, but scientists have not yet confirmed that this is the case. Vinegar can also irritate the skin and it may burn. Speak with a doctor before using it, dilute the vinegar, and do a patch test first.
Mix a solution with 1 cup warm water and 1 tablespoon of ACV. Apply the solution to gauze or strips clean cotton fabric and apply it to the skin. Cover the dressing in dry, clean, cotton fabric.
ACV is generally recommended for those with oily and acne-prone skin. It can be applied as a toner, spot treatment or facial cleanser. Benefits for the skin may include: Balancing skin pH.
Dry, itchy skin is often a sign of a vitamin D deficiency. As vitamin D is created through skin exposure to the sun and cholesterol in the skin, in the winter months, when sunlight exposure is less, people often experience dry, itchy skin attributing it to the cold weather.
Many people find relief with self-care measures such as moisturizers, gentle cleansers and lukewarm baths. Long-term relief requires identifying and treating the cause of itchy skin. Common treatments are medicated creams, moist dressings and anti-itch medicines taken by mouth.
In the evening, the body releases more heat, and blood flow to the skin increases, which may contribute to nighttime itching. In addition, skin loses water at night, resulting in dryness that can make you itchy.
Sometimes an illness can trigger the nervous system to make the skin itch even when there's nothing there to cause a rash. This can cause skin irritation when a person has been scratching a lot. Causes of this type of itching include stroke, multiple sclerosis, nerve damage, and shingles.
We tracked down a review article in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (Nov., 2007) suggesting that menthol (an ingredient in Vicks) has been used since antiquity to ease itching. It works by affecting itch receptors in the skin.
A nonprescription oral antihistamine, such as loratadine (Alavert, Claritin, others), cetirizine (Zyrtec Allergy, others) or diphenhydramine (Benadryl Allergy, others), may help relieve itching. Consider whether you might prefer a type that doesn't cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about options.
When it comes to food allergies, peanuts, wheat, eggs, cow's milk, soy and shellfish are among the most common culprits. The itchiness caused by these foods and subsequent scratching can then lead to flare-ups or worsening of dermatitis symptoms.
How does aloe vera help with itching and rashes? Aloe vera can reduce inflammation, which could help relieve itching and rashes. Additionally, its antimicrobial properties may help protect against infection.
Vitamin D. Studies have concluded that people who suffer from eczema and other similar skin conditions tend to have lower levels of vitamin D than the rest of the population. Taking a vitamin D supplement therefore increases your levels, helping to reduce the severity of itchy skin.
It's important to note that it isn't strictly true that magnesium does help itchy skin or that a magnesium deficiency causes dry skin. However, one of the many skincare benefits of magnesium is that it can help reduce the inflammation caused by conditions which lead to dry and itchy skin, such as eczema.
Applying highly diluted apple cider vinegar on the face (and leaving it applied overnight) helps restore the skin's acidity. It also supports the barrier and protects the skin.
"ACV has antibacterial and antifungal properties and can help kill bacteria and yeast on the skin related to conditions like acne, eczema, and dandruff," Gathers explains. ACV's high acidity level may also help some skin conditions, but its high acidity makes it necessary to dilute with water.
People with digestive issues, low potassium levels, or diabetes should consider speaking to a doctor before consuming apple cider vinegar. Anyone who experiences severe side effects should consult a medical professional.
Baking soda can soothe inflamed skin and reduce irritation and itching. Soaking in a lukewarm or cool tub with baking soda may help reduce symptoms. Adding oatmeal to the bath can also ease itching, as can applying cool compresses.