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5 Quick Ways to Stop Skin Itching Naturally

Hi Danielle,

Itchy skin, also called pruritus, that occurs without rash or other obvious changes in the skin is most often caused by dry skin.

Medically known as xerosis or xeroderma, dry skin is a mild condition usually results from environmental factors such as extreme weather conditions (hot and cold) with low humidity levels, long-term use of air conditioning or central heating, and excessive washing or bathing. Reactions to certain drugs like antibiotics, or substances such as nickel, latex (rubber), fragrances in perfumes, hair dyes, and chemicals in household cleaning products (laundry detergents) may also cause skin itching in some people.

Therefore, I strongly suggest you do a little detective work to rule out some possible irritants and avoid them as much as possible, and see how your skin reacts.

Keep in mind that unexplained skin itching can be an indication of an underlying medical problem such as liver disease, celiac disease, kidney failure, iron deficiency anemia, or thyroid disorders. If you are no better, it is best you consult a physician.

What Can You Put on Itchy Skin to Reduce Itching and Soothe Inflammation Naturally?

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is highly recommended as a natural cure for skin itchiness and dryness because it has strong anti-inflammatory properties and contains amino acids that will keep the skin hydrated. However, you want to make sure you have no issues with oatmeal. It may cause adverse reactions – skin redness and stinging sensation – in some individuals.

Start your skin itching home remedy by running your bath with lukewarm water, about 100˚F. Do not use hot water as it robs your skin of its natural moisture, making dry skin even worse. While the tub is filling, pour in 2-3 cups of uncooked plain oatmeal and stir with your hands to help distribute the raw oats. Soak and relax in the oatmeal bath for 10-15 minutes. You should be very careful when getting in and out of the bath as it will be slippery.

Gently pat dry with a soft fluffy towel to avoid irritating your skin and prevent itchy area from tearing. Then apply a good quality non-irritating moisturizing cream such as Cetaphil or Eucerin. You can take up to 3 baths a day, if the itching is severe.

If oatmeal bath sounds a bit messy, my suggestion is use either baby oatmeal cereal, which dissolves better than regular oatmeal or colloidal oatmeal.

Now, what is colloidal oatmeal? It is made from regular unflavored oats ground into a very fine powder so that it absorbs liquids and incorporate into the water instead of sinking to the bottom. When added to water, colloidal oatmeal creates a milky, gelatinous texture that helps soothe and reduce dry itchy skin.

You can try Aveeno colloidal oatmeal or make your own at home by blending 2 cups regular oatmeal (not instant) in a food processor, coffee grinder, or blender on the highest setting until you get an extremely fine powder. If you like, add 1 cup baking soda to boost its healing power and ease your itches.

Soaking in colloidal oatmeal bath also soothes the itch associated with chicken pox, bites and stings of insects such as ants, spiders, mosquitoes, and bed bugs.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Due to its powerful antimicrobial compounds, apple cider vinegar (ACV) has long been used as a natural home remedy to treat various skin problems including eczema, psoriasis, and acne. Apple cider vinegar makes your skin's pH more alkaline, thereby reducing irritation and itching.

Take ½ cup apple cider vinegar and dilute it with 1 cup of water. Apply on itchy skin 2-3 times a day, or as many times throughout the day as needed until the itching is gone.

Alternatively, add 1-2 cups apple cider vinegar to a bathtub of warm water. Soak for at least 15 minutes.

Make sure to use raw, unfiltered, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar with “mother” such as Bragg's.

Lemon Juice

The anesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties of lemon makes it a highly effective home treatment for skin itching.

Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon into a small bowl. Soak a cotton ball in the undiluted lemon juice and dab it on itchy skin. Do not rinse out.

Basil

Like clove, basil contains eugenol which acts as a natural anti-itch topical anesthetic.

Put ½ ounce dried basil leaves in 2 cups of boiling water. Cover and leave it to cool. To use, dip a clean facecloth into the tea and gently wipe over itchy skin. Repeat several times if necessary. Mint or thyme may be used in place of basil.

Aloe Vera

When rubbed on itchy skin, aloe vera will reduce inflammation and sooth itching while helping irritated skin to heal.

Slice a plump aloe leaf down the middle, and rub the gel only on the itch.

By Diane Hanson

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