5 Natural Remedies to Relieve Itching

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Itching is an irritating sensation that can be caused by allergies, insect bites, and disease. Luckily, many natural remedies can relieve it without damaging your skin. In this article, discover natural remedies to relieve itching.

Written by Daniela Echeverri Castro

Last update: 30 May, 2022

If your skin is itching, it’s important for you to avoid scratching it with your nails. Although this action can provide momentary relief, sometimes it prolongs the duration of the symptom or damages the skin. What to do to relieve itching?

Firstly, you should evaluate the possible cause of the itching, preferably by consulting your doctor. The medical professional has the power to determine whether it’s an allergy or the underlying symptom of other diseases. Subsequently, they’ll prescribe the most appropriate treatment.

Likewise, you can try some natural remedies whose properties regulate skin pH and reduce discomfort. Below, we share five good natural remedies to relieve itching. Don’t hesitate to try them out whenever you suffer from this bothersome symptom!

Natural remedies to relieve itching

Itching is an irritating and annoying sensation that can be accompanied by dryness, redness, and inflammation, among other symptoms.

The most common causes of itching are bug bites and allergies. However, it can also occur due to food intolerances, fungal infections, kidney disease, contact with chemical substances, and other factors.

Currently, topical products can help speed up relief, acting almost immediately. However, you can also use some natural solutions. Do you want to know which ones they are?

Discover: What is Eczema? Learn about its Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

1. Colloidal oatmeal

Colloidal oatmeal isn’t the typical oatmeal people have for breakfast. This product consists of oatmeal that’s been ground into a very fine powder for use in natural remedies, soaps, and body creams, among others. According to a 2012 study, colloidal oatmeal fights itching and reduces dry skin.

How to use it

Firstly, we should note that you can find it in pharmacies or certain cosmetic stores.
Once you buy the product, add it to your bathtub and soak for 20 minutes.
This natural remedy should be enough to calm the itching. However, if the symptom persists, you can repeat twice a day.

2. Aloe vera

Famous for its dermatological applications, aloe vera has calming compounds that significantly decrease itching. Likewise, it deeply hydrates tissues and controls symptoms such as redness, peeling, and burning.

How to use it

Firstly, extract a generous amount of aloe vera gel
Then, rub the product over the affected areas
Repeat twice a day until the symptom subsides

3. Basil

Although this plant is popular for its culinary applications, it’s important to know that it has interesting uses in natural medicine. Thanks to the fact that it contains a compound called eugenol, it reduces irritation and helps to relieve itching.

How to use it

Firstly, take a couple of tablespoons of dried basil leaves and put them into a pot of water
Boil the drink for five minutes over low heat
Then, let it sit until it’s warm or cold
Finally, rub the preparation over the itchy areas with a cotton ball
Repeat its use up to three times a day if you consider it necessary

You should also read: The Differences between Atopic and Seborrheic Dermatitis

4. Apple cider vinegar

For hundreds of years, apple cider vinegar has been an ally in accelerating the relief of many skin problems. Thanks to the fact that it contains acetic acid and antioxidant compounds, it regulates pH levels and minimizes discomfort, such as stinging and burning.

In fact, it’s one of the best solutions when itching is caused by stings or burns. This is because it reduces inflammation and produces a quick sense of relief. In addition, it’s a natural disinfectant to reduce the risk of possible infections when you damage your skin due to scratching.

How to use it

For starters, mix equal parts organic apple cider vinegar with water
Then, dip a cotton cloth into the preparation and apply it to the affected area
Optionally, you can pour the vinegar into your tub water and take a 20-minute bath
Repeat the treatment if you consider it necessary

5. Witch hazel

In fact, witch hazel contains substances known as tannins, which act as astringents when applied topically. Because of this, witch hazel lotion or cream can relieve itching, minimizing irritation and redness.

How to use it

Buy witch hazel at the pharmacy or make it at home by boiling the dried plant in water
Subsequently, rub the product over the affected areas and let it act without rinsing
If your symptom persists, repeat twice a day

Do you scratch your skin when you feel itchy? Avoid doing so from now on! Instead, try some of the natural remedies to relieve itching we mentioned in this article.

All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.

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