How To Get Rid Of Itchy Skin

Do you feel like scratching your skin all the time? Itchy skin is a common problem that affects many people. Depending on the severity, it can be mildly annoying to intensely aggravating, disrupting daily activities and sleep.



While scratching gives momentary relief, it can also lead to injuries and infections.  Here are some ways to get rid of itchy skin. Unless otherwise noted, use these remedies as long as needed for your particular condition.

1. Baking Soda

Baking soda is the most common home remedy for itchy skin as well as skin rashes. Baking soda has a soothing effect due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, it acts as a natural acid neutralizer that helps relieve itching.

• Add one cup of baking soda to a bathtub filled with cool water. Stir it well to distribute the baking soda thoroughly. Soak in this water for about half an hour. Pat yourself dry instead of rubbing the skin with a towel. Do this once daily.
• For more localized itching, prepare a paste by mixing three tablespoons of baking soda with one tablespoon of water. Apply the paste on the affected areas and leave it on for about 10 minutes. Do this once daily.

Note: Never use baking soda on broken skin or open wounds.

2. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera contains excellent anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Plus, it contains vitamin E that helps keep the skin moisturized and in turn reduces itching.

• Extract the gel from one aloe vera leaf. Apply the gel on the affected area. Leave it on for 15 minutes and then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Follow this simple remedy once daily.
• Alternatively, make a paste by adding one tablespoon of aloe vera gel to two tablespoons of green clay. Apply the paste on the affected area and allow it to dry on its own. Rinse it off with lukewarm water. Do this once daily.

3. Lemon

People have used lemon to treat itchy skin for ages. Lemon contains citric and acetic acids, which have great antiseptic, anesthetic, anti-inflammatory and anti-irritating properties.

1. Extract the juice from one to two fresh lemons.
2. Apply the juice on the affected skin area using a cotton ball.
3. Let it dry on its own and then wash the area with lukewarm water.
4. Repeat twice daily until the condition improves.

Note: This remedy is not suitable for those who have sensitive skin.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has antiseptic, anti-itching, antifungal and antibacterial properties that help get rid of itching.

• Add two to three cups of apple cider vinegar to lukewarm bath water. Soak in this water for 15 to 30 minutes. Then pat dry your skin and apply a light moisturizer. Do this daily.
• To treat more localized itching, apply apple cider vinegar on the affected areas using a cotton ball. Leave it on for half an hour and then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Do this once or twice daily for a few days.

5. Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, analgesic and soothing properties that help relieve itching caused by dermatitis, scabies or stress.

• Add several drops of peppermint oil to a bathtub filled with lukewarm water. Soak in this water for half an hour. Pat dry and then apply a moisturizing lotion. Do this once daily.
• Add three or four drops of peppermint oil to one tablespoon of carrier oil like coconut, olive or almond oil. Apply the diluted peppermint oil to the affected skin area. Massage gently so the oil penetrates deep into the skin. Follow this remedy once or twice daily.

Next time you suffer from itchy skin, simply try one of these home remedies instead of scratching like crazy.