Moderate to severe itching is unpleasant to say the least and can result from numerous sources, not limited to: bug bites, sunburn, fungal infection, dry skin, allergies, and a host of dermatological and medical conditions.
The cause of itching will impact how well any given itch treatment works and which treatments work best. Obviously, if the source of itching remains treatments for itching have limited value.
But for many people, itching is part of a healing process long after the source is removed, and remedies for itching may help.
Antihistamines for Itching:
For fast relief from itching, many turn to the strongest over-the-counter antihistamine available. For systemic relief of itching, such as rashes and hives, Dephenhydramine Hydrochloride, brand name Benedryl, is frequently used.
Yet, sedating antihistamines are not necessarily the most effective for itching or possess bothersome side-effects. You may have better results with loratadine, brand name Claritin, or another allergy formula. Check with your pharmacist or health professional.
Medicated Ointments for Itching:
Over-the-counter hydrocortisone is effective for a number of conditions that cause itching, including allergic or contact dermatitis, hemorrhoids, insect bites, and poison ivy. Available in .5 and one percent concentration, the former is recommended for facial or delicate skin. Generic formulas are available and just as effective. Be careful not to overuse hydrocortisone as it can make your skin drier and aggravate itching skin.
Calamine lotion and similar anti-itch products are typically designed for poison ivy and sometimes other weepy skin conditions. These solutions dry the oozing and typically calm the skin. Topical Dephenhydramine Hydrochloride, or Benedryl, can also be found but may be contradicted in poison ivy and some skin conditions.
Numbing Agents for Itching:
Both lidocaine and benzocaine are numbing agents that also help with itching relief, particularly from sunburns, insect bites and other wide-spread skin irritations.
These active ingredients are sold under a variety of names, (e.g. Solarcaine, Endocaine), and though their effects are similar, the medication properties are quite different.
Benzocaine, a PABA derivative, is known to cause allergic reactions more frequently and has been associated with a condition called Methemoglobinemia. An FDA warning has since been issued on the matter.
Lidocaine may offer a safer alternative and can be found in generic preparations, both with and without additional ingredients such as Aloe to help with itching and burning.
Products for Irritated Skin:
Many products designed to relieve itching further dry already sensitive skin and propagate the itching cycle. Gentle soaps should be used only as necessary and fragrance-free moisturizers, if suitable for the skin condition, applied. The following products are frequently recommended by doctors to relieve itching and dry, sensitive skin.
–Colloidal Oatmeal for Itching
Aveeno baths or colloidal oatmeal is an effective alternative to soap that both cleanses and calms the skin. Look for 100% pure colloidal oatmeal for the best relief of itching skin. Soaks of 10 to 20 minutes are helpful. Be cautious of the tub as the oatmeal in the bath water is very slick.
Generic colloidal oatmeal is available and some people make their own preparation of finely ground oats with a food processor.
—Eucerin Lotion or Calming Cream
Eucerin is highly recommended by dermatologists for dry and itchy skin. It is non-irritating and fragrance-free and Eucerin Calming Cream contains oatmeal and other soothing ingredients. Check with your health provider or pharmacist if an acceptable generic equivalent exists, considering the condition of your skin.
Home Remedies for Itching:
Depending on the cause of itching, the following remedies can be used alone or as a supplement to other treatments.
—Baking Soda: Sodium bicarbonate is especially helpful for itching when made into a paste, mixed with water, and applied to skin or applied with a compress such as a wet paper towel. It also relieves the sting and burning associated with insect bites and stings. One-half to one cup of baking soda can also be added to bathwater for general itch relief.
—Vinegar: If you can tolerate the smell, white or cider vinegar is one of the fast ways to get relief from itching and also works as an antiseptic. Scratching skin can lead to infection which vinegar can help prevent.
For insect bites vinegar can be applied directly with a cotton ball. Two cups of vinegar can be added to bath water for several dermatological conditions that cause itching. A compress is also very effective, using one to four parts water, depending on how sensitive the skin is, and applying to the affected areas.
–Ice: Apply directly to the itchy areas for a minute or two to obtain relief as well as to distract oneself from the itching. This can possibly break the itching-scratching-itching cycle.
Other Precautions Against Itching and Irritated Skin
-Try fragrance free detergent or double rinse clothes.
-Avoid fabric softeners, especially dryer sheets.
-Use moderate water temperatures in showers and baths.
-Keep cool and wear soft breathable fabrics.
-If you have to scratch, try rubbing or pressure instead.
-Avoid spreading infection and bacteria with your fingernails.
-Keep well hydrated with water, especially if taking medication for itching.
This article is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. Consult your physician immediately if you have signs of an allergic reaction or have began a new medication and experience itching.
