Best Ways To Get Rid Of Itchy Skin

It may be a mild itch on your forearm, or that irritating, annoying itch on the part of your back that you cannot reach. No matter where the itch is or how itchy it can be, there is no itch that does not have a cure. Here are some ways to get rid of itchy spots on your skin.

What is an Itch?

The skin is home to millions of tiny nerve endings that make feeling and sensation possible. The network of nerves in the skin provide the sense of touch and feeling.

Different skin types can be irritated by many factors, all of which cause itches. Some of these factors include the following:

Friction from clothes or furniture can cause nerve endings and blood vessels to be inflamed, and cause a mild itch. Certain fabrics and weaves may also cause irritation to some skin types.
Allergens. Some people may have allegric reactions to some plants, food, or other environments. Itching may be just one of the many reactions triggered by the allergen; the itch may also be accompanied by sneezing or nausea.
Chemicals. Cosmetics, cleaning agents, and other chemicals may also cause irritation and itching.
Sickness. Diseases like chicken pox and measles have itchy skin as one of the symptoms. Itchiness is also consistent with illnesses like boils, carbuncles, acne, and even herpetic lesions.

Scratch Lightly

For a mild itch, a light scratching may be able to relieve some of the irritation. Scratching may do more harm than good, but there's nothing like a rubbing with the tips of the fingers or the edges of the nails to relieve the itch. You should avoid scratching altogether if your skin exhibits the following signs and symptoms:

Sores
Blisters
Lesions
Heavy scarring, redness, and other signs of irritation.

Medicines

Sometimes scratching will only lead to more irritation, and you may run the risk of creating an infected wound. For persistent and irritating scratches, you may need to treat the itch with medicines formulated to relieve the effects of itching, or treat illnesses that have itchy skin as a symptom. Here are some treatments you can acquire from a doctor or your local pharmacy:

Anti-pruritics like ointments or sprays contain corticosteroids and local anaesthetics, which are substances that can be used to relieve persistent itching. Corticosteroids work by You may want to consult the pharmacist for an over-the-counter drug you can use for a harsh itch.
Calamine lotion has long been suggested as a remedy to relieve itching. Calamine lotions like Caladryl or Calahist have a soothing effect, and contain substances that can help relieve itching.
Prescription medicine for itches usually come in the form of capsules and pills. While you can buy them over-the-counter, it's best to get a prescription especially if you're treating a severe itch.

Home Remedies

If you're hesitant about the use of medicines, you can also use alternative home remedies to relieve the irritation:

Talcum powder. Baby powder helps relieve itches with its soothing effect. It also helps wick away moisture from your skin.
Baking soda. A topical paste made from equal parts of baking soda and water can also help soothe painful itches. Do not apply baking soda to an itching open wound, or rashes with multiple blisters.
Ice. You can also relieve itches by applying a cold compress on blisters or rashes. An ice pack, or chunks of ice in a plastic bag wrapped in a towel, can serve this purpose.
Diluted ammonia is also a good way to relieve and soothe itching and irritation. Do not use straight ammonia right away; it is best to use household ammonia.

See a Doctor

Some forms of itching and skin irritation may be consistent with other diseases that may need medical attention. If the itch is persistent, or if you cannot get rid of the itch with over-the-counter medications, you need to consult a doctor. He or she may discover or pinpoint a disease that may have something to do with persistent or painful itching, rashes, or other skin irritation.

Itches can be annoying, but they can also be a symptom of other diseases as well. With these tips, you can find the cure that best suits the itch.