There are small gestures that can help relieve itchy skin, such as washing the itchy area with cold water, placing an ice pebble or applying a soothing solution, for example.
Itchy skin is a symptom that can be related to a number of factors, such as insect bites, allergies or skin dryness, for example, and in order to resolve it, it is also important to find out what is its cause. If even after using these home remedies the itching persists, you should go to a general practitioner or dermatologist.
Here are some home remedies for the most common causes of itchy skin:
1. Insect bite
After the bite of an insect, such as a mosquito or a flea, for example, the skin may be slightly swollen, red and itchy. In that case what you can do is:
- Wash the area with cold water and liquid soap and then dry; Apply an ice pebble, to anesthetize and deflate the area, relieving the itch immediately; Place 1 or 2 drops of propolis in the exact location of the bite, to heal faster and help relieve itching; mix a teaspoon of cosmetic clay with enough water to produce a paste and add three drops of peppermint essential oil and apply the mixture on the bite.
It is not recommended to wash the sting area with warm water, as it tends to intensify itching and inflammation of the skin.
2. Dry skin
Another very common cause of itchy skin, especially near the elbows or legs, is dry or dehydrated skin, which are regions where the skin may become whitish and may even peel. In this case the best strategy is:
- Bath with cold or warm water; Exfoliate the skin with a mixture of crushed 100 g of oat flakes, 35 g of almonds, 1 tablespoon of dried marigold, 1 tablespoon of dried rose petals and half a spoon of almond oil tea, massage and rinse at the end; Apply a layer of moisturizing cream for dry skin. You can mix a few drops of sweet almond oil in the cream to have a better effect.
Exfoliation should be done at least twice a week.
3. After epilation
In the following days of razor shaving, the hair usually begins to grow, breaking the skin barrier, causing intense itching in the shaved areas. In this case it is recommended:
- Take a shower with cold or warm water; Exfoliate the skin by rubbing a mixture of cornmeal and moisturizing lotion on the itchy areas; Apply cold chamomile tea, which is a great solution to soothe irritated skin after epilation, since chamomile has properties anti-inflammatory and soothing. Alternatively, chamomile tea sachets can be used directly on irritated areas; apply an arnica or aloe vera gel.
To prevent ingrown hair, the person can also exfoliate before epilation.
4. After contact with animals
Anyone who is allergic to animals with fur, such as dogs or cats, usually shows respiratory signs such as runny nose, coughing and sneezing, for example. But these people may also experience itching and peeling skin after sleeping near a carpet or mattress full of mites. In this case, it is recommended:
- Take a bath with cold or warm water; Make a poultice of mallow leaves in the itchy places, which can be prepared by crushing a handful of these leaves on a clean cloth, which can then be applied in the region, allowing to act for about 15 minutes.
See how to know if you are allergic to animals and what to do.
