Itchy skin: Causes, treatment, and home remedies

There are many causes of itchy skin which can be attributed to allergy, eczema, naturally dry skin, side effects of radiation treatment, sunburn, and many more. The temptation to scratch itchy skin in search of some momentary relief seems like a good idea. But, in fact, it can further irritate skin and make the itching more severe, last longer, and create scabs or bacterial skin infections.

Fortunately, there are ways you can soothe these itchy irritations with over-the-counter creams, gels, sprays, and ointments as well as home remedies.

In this article, we’ll give you the low-down on what might be causing your itchy skin and how you can treat it.

Itchy Skin Causes

Itchy skin is quite common and can be caused by many different things. In most cases, it is just a temporary condition that can easily be treated with medications (creams, lotions, etc) that can be purchased at your local pharmacy. In some situations, you may require a prescription from your doctor to treat itchy skin issues.

  • Weather changes from hot and humid to cold and dry air
  • Bacterial or fungal and skin infections such as folliculitis and impetigo
  • Insect bites
  • Chickenpox
  • Eczema or atopic dermatitis
  • Sunburn
  • Contact dermatitis
  • Hives caused by allergies
  • Psoriasis
  • Side effects of medications
  • Highly perfumed soaps or lotions
  • Plants such as nettles or poison ivy

Itchy Skin Treatment

There are many moisturizers and medicated creams and ointments that can help treat itchy skin and provide fast relief. Most can be purchased over the counter, and some may require a prescription. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor to find the right treatment for you.

 Moisturizer

For severely dry or itchy skin choose a moisturizer that is fragrance-free as it can sting and irritate dry skin as well as dry it out further.  Body lotion that will soothe and moisturize itchy skin includes Colloidal Oatmeal lotion, Ceramide lotion, Aveeno, and many others.

Try applying lotion on your damp skin right after your shower. This helps to trap the water in your skin and keep it moist longer.

Hydrocortisone

Hydrocortisone is a fast-acting topical ointment that provides itching relief from bug bites, and some rashes and can be used as poison ivy or nettle rash treatment. This is available over the counter at your local pharmacists or online at Online4Pharmacy.

 Antihistamines

Over-the-counter antihistamines like Piriton antihistamine allergy relief and Claritin can help but, like hydrocortisone, only up to a point. You may also need to combine it with some home remedies to treat symptoms of severe itching.

Home Remedy for Itchy Skin

Save yourself a trip to the pharmacy or to the doctor for a prescription and explore what home remedies you might already have in your cupboards that can help treat itchy skin.

 Cool Shower

Irritated and itchy skin can often feel very warm to the touch and can be very uncomfortable. Taking a cool shower can help to soothe inflamed and irritated rashes. Don’t use soap, blot your skin dry (don’t rub), and apply a mild (fragrance-free) moisturizer to your damp skin after your shower.

Cold press

A cold compress such as a cold, damp washcloth or an ice pack wrapped in a towel can decrease the itch. The cold distracts the nerves in your skin, which helps to prevent the cycle of scratching and further inflaming your itchy skin.

Use a humidifier

If your skin is super dry you can run a humidifier while you sleep to keep your environment moist to avoid drying out the skin further.

 

If you’re looking for fast relief from itchy and irritated skin, all you need to do is visit Online4Pharmacy and order exactly what you need to soothe your symptoms.