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Itching natural cures

Suggest some remedies for itching.
(13 Mar 2008)

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Itching is mainly the irritation of the skin. It is a sensation that demands scratching of the affected area. There are various causes for itching; Dry skin, poor hygiene practices, contact with chemicals, sunburn, allergies, cold weather, overexposure to water, insect bites or stings and hot baths.


  It may occur on a particular part or over the whole body and can even be painful at the later stages.  Excluding the worst-case scenarios, itching can be treated with ointments and creams that are available over the counter.   

For a home remedy for itching, you can try sponging or bathing yourself using a can of evaporated milk.


This treatment is more effective if you add oatmeal or baking soda to the milk. Adding small quantities of yellow dock or some peppermint to your bath could also relieve the itching to a great extent. Another alternative is apple cider vinegar.

Lemon is also highly effective against itching. The aromatic substance in a lemon contains anti-inflammatory and anesthetic properties, which help reduce itching. You could squeeze undiluted lemon juice on itchy skin and allow it to dry. Splash your skin with some refreshing basil tea. Basil contains high amounts of eugenol, which acts as a topical anesthetic. Put 1/2 ounce of dried basil leaves in a 1-pint jar of boiling water; keep it covered to prevent the escape of the aromatic eugenol from the tea. Allow it to cool and then dip a clean cloth into the tea and apply to itchy skin as often as necessary. Mix equal amounts of cinnamon powder and honey, make a fine paste and apply it on affected areas to stop itching. It is always better to use a moisturizer after every wash to avoid itching of dry skin. Aloe Vera gel or vitamin E oil can be applied liberally to itchy skin; it will naturally soften and cool the skin.  

Avoid scratching or rubbing an itchy because these actions only provide temporary relief, while actually worsening the irritation. Excessive scratching can also break skin, thus increasing the risk of a secondary infection. Keep the affected area clean and dry at all times. Avoid wearing tight clothes and synthetic fibers; especially at night. Also avoid wearing thick and rough clothing; the friction caused by such clothing tends to worsen the itch. Finally, remember that these are all symptomatic treatments – for successful treatment it is essential that you determine and address the cause of the itching.
answered by G M on 27 May 2009, 6:19:05

 

Itching natural cures 

You have not provided any information about your symptoms and it is difficult to provide a course of action to follow because itching may occur due to a number of reasons. You could be itching due to an allergy, an insect bite or sting, or you just might have bad personal hygiene. It could also be caused by a chronic dry skin condition or cold weather. Itching is an extremely irritating condition because you can feel the incessant urge to itch. However, if you constantly scratch the affected area, you are likely to seriously hurt yourself or make your skin thick and scarred. Excessive itching can also result in red spots, blisters, and patches of scaly skin.   

You can apply aloe vera gel or the juice from the leaf to soothe the itching sensation. You can also put some cornstarch in your bath water and then dust your body with it if the itching is generalized. There are a number of things that you can add to your bath water such as peppermint, yellow dock, or apple cider vinegar to ease the itching. It is also beneficial to wash the affected area with a solution of water and baking soda. If you find that your symptoms have not abated in a few days, consult your doctor at once because this might be the symptoms of a serious condition like psoriasis. 

answered by G R on 13 Mar 2008, 6:00:47

 

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