Can't stop yourself from scratching your itching skin?
You're not the only one who feels this way. The urge to scratch can be overwhelming, whether it's from a mosquito bite, chickenpox, or a chronic skin condition like eczema or psoriasis. While using a back scratcher may momentarily relieve itching, it may not solve the problem. If you're scratching to the point of distraction or scratching so much that you're harming your skin and allowing bacteria to enter, you'll need to find ways to stop scratching. Experts offer the following remedies to help relieve itchy skin:
Try to avoid the things that itch you.
Even natural substances can cause your skin to burn and itch, as well as become dry and red. Hand and dish soap, laundry detergent, shampoo, bubble bath, and body wash, as well as surface cleansers and disinfectants, are examples of goods you might use on your body or in your house. When you touch some natural liquids, such as juice from fresh fruit, vegetables, or meats, they can irritate your skin.
Apply a cold, wet towel or an ice pack on itchy skin.
Cooling down your skin is a cheap and easy technique to relieve inflammation and itching. Using a cool, damp compress to cover your itchy parts will help, especially at night when your skin is more likely to be inflamed. Scratching can also be avoided by using a wet covering. You can also use a cold pack to relieve itching. If the affected area is tiny, this method works well. Do this for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the itch has gone away.
Take a baking soda or an oatmeal bath.
Taking a lukewarm bath with a light soap for sensitive skin, especially before bed, can help relieve irritation. This is very helpful for blisters or oozing skin caused by chickenpox, hives, poison ivy, or sunburn. Soak in your bath for 30 to 60 minutes after adding a cup of baking soda to the water. You may also make a relaxing anti-itch bath by crushing oatmeal into a fine powder in your blender or food processor and adding it to your bath.
Rehydrate your skin with moisturizing lotion.
You don't have to spend much money on a good moisturizer, but you should look for those intended for sensitive skin. Instead of a lotion, use a heavier substance like a cream. A thicker substance will help to keep the most moisture in. You might also use a cooling moisturizer, such as calamine or one with menthol. After you've bathed or showered, apply once or twice a day. To get the most out of your moisturizer, pat your skin dry and use it right away.
Use soothing and cooling creams, lotions, or gels on your skin.
If your skin is itchy and red, your doctor may suggest applying a nonprescription corticosteroid cream to the affected spots for a brief period. A corticosteroid cream applied to the affected areas of your skin is an easy technique to relieve itchy skin or a skin rash. If the itch is minor, you can try a calcineurin inhibitor such as pimecrolimus (Elidel) or tacrolimus (Protopic). It may also be beneficial to use cotton gauze that has been soaked in cold water. Wet dressings help in the absorption of the cream and also serve to cool the skin, minimizing itching and irritation.
Try over-the-counter allergy medicine.
One effective itch reliever could be something you already have on hand for hayfever and seasonal allergies. Itching can be relieved rapidly with over-the-counter allergy medications, including diphenhydramine (Benadryl). They also make you sleepy, which can be beneficial at night if your itching keeps you awake. Topical creams containing diphenhydramine are also available, and they work quickly to relieve irritation.
Itching can be extremely frustrating and stressful. If you are itching as a result of an allergic reaction, skin irritation, illness, or any other reason, you will most likely do whatever it takes to stop it. It's essential to figure out what is causing the itching to know the best way to treat it and find some relief. And this along with a ScratchyBack® is where the itching comes to an end!
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