The 8 Best Remedies for Itching
Written By: Caitlyn Makely
Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN on February 5, 2019 — Written by Summer Fanous
Colloidal oatmeal isn’t something you eat for breakfast. This type of oatmeal is made from oats that have been ground into a very fine powder. A natural product used in many types of soaps and lotions, it can also be added to a cool bath.
2. Leaf gels
Try a plant-based product like aloe vera gel or cooling menthol for simple itches caused by sunburns or mosquito bites. Menthol, which produces a cooling effect, is made from the peppermint plant. Topical menthol should be used with caution due to the possibility of it being an irritant to the skin if not diluted. Both of these products can be purchased at most drug stores.
Good quality moisturizers hold water in the outermost layer of your skin. This can help your skin feel hydrated and less dry and itchy. Examples of high-quality moisturizers include brands like Eucerin and Cetaphil.
The Mayo Clinic recommends a simple solution for mosquito bites: a cold pack or a bag filled with ice. The key, as you might have noticed, is cold. Avoid exposing the affected area to hot water as much as possible. It will further irritate the itching skin.
Histamines are chemicals in the body that cause allergy symptoms, including itching. An antihistamine is a common treatment for allergic reactions. However, many antihistamine drugs will make you sleepy, so they’re best used before bed.
An anti-itch cream is another common way to soothe itchy skin. Get an anti-itch cream that contains at least 1 percent hydrocortisone. This drug inhibits inflammatory responses in the body and can help calm inflamed, itchy skin. This cream should be used for the shortest period possible and then discontinued. Anti-itch creams are available over-the-counter.
7. Antidepressants
According to some studies Trusted Source, antidepressants might be able to help with itching, too. Some of these drugs cause a release of serotonin that can relax the receptors in your body that provoke the itchy feeling. This treatment is typically used in more chronic cases of itching.
8. Stop scratching!
When you have an itch, scratching is the natural response. But it won’t help the problem. In fact, it may tear up the skin and prevent it from healing. It may even cause infection. Try extra hard not to scratch your skin. Wear comfortable clothes that don’t irritate the skin and keep your fingernails properly trimmed.