Itching of the skin of the body can occur as a result of a number of reasons. These could be insect bites, allergic reactions, sun tanning, any infections and even pregnancy. It is important to consult a doctor if the itching does not go away within a few weeks. If the itching is not severe and no other symptoms are observed, then you can use simple remedies to eliminate itching of the body skin: causes and home remedies, as a rule, can always be found.
Causes of itching
Nowadays, there are many signs that may portend a serious illness. One of these signs is a situation where the skin on the body itches. Skin can itch for various reasons. Most often these are the following:
- Detergents. The fact is that many people have allergic reactions to various detergents and powders, so for them, clothes should be washed with regular or neutral soap. Even if a person is not allergic to these products, but the clothes were not thoroughly rinsed after washing, chemicals remain in them that are potential allergens and can irritate the skin.
- Dryness. When the skin is dry, it may itch frequently. Dryness can occur due to a dry climate, the use of certain soaps and medications, or a person's insufficient fluid intake throughout the day. In this case, you should use a suitable soap, as well as use an anti-itchy skin cream several times a day.
- Tan. If a person has just returned from a summer holiday or lives in an area with a lot of sunny days a year, this increases the likelihood that the skin will itch as its regeneration and renewal lead to the exfoliation of dead plates.
- Stress. It may be the reason why your skin is constantly itching. The peculiarity of this itching is the possibility of its occurrence in any part of the body. For example, if the front of your neck itches, the cause may be severe stress. The itching is not superficial, but is felt under the skin.
- Eczema is an inflammatory and chronic skin reaction that manifests itself in the form of pimples or rashes. It can appear both due to hereditary factors and external causes. You can relieve the itching of eczema by using antihistamines.
- Fungus. It most often affects the skin of the body in the summer months, as it develops quickly in damp places. The fungus can appear on the arms, legs, armpits and back and appears as white or red spots that may be itchy. If the back of your head and neck itches, a fungus may also be the cause. In this case, you need to check for dandruff and consult a dermatologist.
- Pregnancy. Itching can be a side effect during pregnancy. In this case, the skin itches on the stomach, chest, shoulders, elbows and buttocks.
Effective Home Remedies
Folk remedies for the treatment of irritated and inflamed skin combine the effectiveness of their action and the absence of side symptoms that may occur when taking medications for itchy body skin.
Cold bath, shower and compress
Until now, scientists have not established the exact mechanism that leads to itching, but cold water can be effectively used to relieve it. Therefore, you just need to take a cold bath or shower. You can also direct a stream of cold water to areas of the body that itch.
To cure itching faster, while taking a bath, you can add some vegetable oils to the water, which soften the skin, relieve irritation and relieve and remove itching. These oils include the following:
- Navel - has relaxing and anti-inflammatory properties;
- Frankincense - can relieve skin inflammation;
- Calendula tincture - helps in relieving itching and moisturizing the skin.
In turn, some oils irritate the skin, so their use should be avoided: bay, cloves, cinnamon, lemon, oregano, thyme and marigold.
You can get rid of itching by applying a cold compress. To do this, moisten a towel with cold water and place it on the place where the itching is most pronounced. This compress moisturizes inflamed skin and removes dead cells from it.
In addition to cold water, you can use ice cubes or some frozen product, which should be wrapped in a towel and placed on the affected area of the skin for no more than 10-20 minutes. Hot compresses and water can only increase inflammation and redness of the skin.
Baking soda and oatmeal
Sodium bicarbonate or baking soda solution is a good home remedy for any type of itching, but is most effective if the condition is caused by bee and other insect stings. It is necessary to dissolve a spoonful of baking soda in a bowl of cold water and immerse the affected area for 30 minutes. Usually the symptoms can be eliminated immediately.
Oats are a plant that contains many antioxidants that soften the skin and relieve irritation. It is most effective to use fresh oats that have not previously been subjected to any processing and prepare oatmeal from it using a regular coffee grinder. Then you should pour a bath of cold or slightly warm water and dissolve two tablespoons of prepared oatmeal in it. Taking such a bath for half an hour daily can effectively combat itching.
Another way to use oatmeal is to make a thick paste from it by adding a small amount of water and applying this paste to the inflamed areas of the skin for 20-30 minutes.
Aloe vera and fresh mint
Aloe vera contains substances with antibactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, the plant contains large amounts of vitamin E, which is useful against burns and skin inflammation. To soothe the itching, it is better to use a fresh plant. If you are growing aloe vera at home, you should cut off a leaf and squeeze the juice onto the itchy area. You can buy aloe vera gel at any pharmacy. If the skin is red and very inflamed, or there is an open wound, it is not recommended to use the gel of this plant.
Studies have found that taking a bath with mint leaves helps relieve itchy skin, as mint contains anti-inflammatory and anesthetic substances. You can also make a mint compress. To do this, soak the leaves of the plant in hot water, then cool the water, soak a towel in it and place it on the itchy skin. Peppermint oil can also be applied directly to the affected areas of the skin.
Lifestyle change
Leading a healthy lifestyle and following basic rules will help reduce the risk of body skin itching to a minimum. The following simple rules must be followed:
- To effectively combat itching, it is not recommended to scratch the skin, as scratching will irritate it even more. In addition, substances such as histamine and other cytokines are released, and the brain also releases chemicals that only intensify the itch itself and its sensation. If the skin becomes damaged by scratching this way, it can become infected and inflamed. It is recommended to keep your nails short and it is better to wear gloves at night.
- It is recommended to wear loose clothing made from natural fibers. Cotton is not only hypoallergenic, but also allows the skin to breathe, which promotes the effective evaporation of sweat from its surface. In addition, cotton is very easy to wash, dry and store compared to other types of fabrics. Other fabrics made from natural fibers that are gentle on the skin include linen and silk. Care should be taken with leather clothing as it is quite rough.
- An important condition for eliminating itching is to avoid using perfumes, lotions, shampoos, soaps and any other chemical products with strong odors. For many people they cause inflammation of the skin. Glycerin is useful and safe: it is a colorless and odorless gel that is used to moisturize and wash the skin. You need to rinse off the soap thoroughly and then use a moisturizer.
- Avoid using harsh detergents and use non-scented detergents instead. Some companies produce a product specifically for sensitive skin. After washing, it is recommended that you rinse your clothes thoroughly to remove any remaining chemicals.
- It is recommended to use a humidifier to help maintain the required humidity in the room. If you don’t have such a device, you can easily make it yourself. To do this, simply place vessels with water in different places in the room, making sure that they are inaccessible to children and pets. During the cold season, vessels should be placed near heat sources, and in hot months - near windows. This way, the water will evaporate more easily and humidify the air.
- It is important to be able to relax and relieve stress. The most effective exercises, yoga and meditation practice. Some natural drinks also help relieve stress, such as tinctures of orange leaves, lemon balm or basil. Regular listening to good music can also give positive results.
Balanced diet
It is necessary to monitor your diet, which should always contain vitamins and minerals. Most dietary supplements can cause side effects, especially if taken while taking any medications. Therefore, before adding anything new to your diet, you should consult your doctor. To keep your body healthy, you need to include the following components in your diet:
- Polyphenols (flavonoids). Flavonoids such as quercetin and rutin are natural antihistamines that help protect cells from damage to their DNA. Typical daily doses of quercetin and rutin are 250−500 mg and 500−1000 mg.
- Vitamin A. It is present in large quantities in liver, spinach, fish, milk, eggs and carrots.
- Vitamin B. There are different complexes of vitamins in this group, however, they can also be obtained from regular food. Legumes, fish, poultry and baked goods are rich in B vitamins.
- Omega 3 fatty acids. These acids keep human skin hydrated and help fight various inflammations. Green leaves, nuts, mackerel and tuna fish oils are excellent sources of these acids.
If after using various types of creams and soaps the itching cannot be relieved, it is recommended to consult a doctor, as the skin may itch due to more serious diseases such as psoriasis or diabetes.
The skin can itch for various reasons - allergies, rashes, fungal diseases, and to understand how to get rid of itching, you need to determine its source and use the right remedy. If you constantly scratch some part of your body, you should consult a doctor, but first you can try to get rid of the itching on your own.
What to do if you have severe itching
Sometimes it is difficult to understand the possible causes of unpleasant itching on the body and list the main ways to get rid of itching at home. What causes skin to itch? Insect bite, allergies, dermatitis, thrush in intimate areas, diabetes, hormonal disorders - there are many reasons. First you need to figure out how painful your condition is, whether there are any extraneous symptoms, suspicious formations or rashes on the skin. If yes, consultation with a dermatologist, gynecologist, or trichologist is necessary, depending on the location of the symptoms.
If the problem is minor, you can try to find an effective remedy for itchy skin at home, because it causes not only physical discomfort, but constant mental irritation. The main thing to remember is not to be tempted to scratch the problem area too much, because itching is easier to deal with than wounds and inflamed areas on the skin.
In the intimate area of women
The cause of itching, itching and discomfort in the perineum in both women and men is thrush. This is a purely female problem - a man can become infected with it from his partner during sexual intercourse. Burning, itching, problems with urination, reddened and inflamed skin are all symptoms of thrush. It is caused by bacteria that constantly live in the vagina, becoming more active under unfavorable conditions, diseases, and hormonal imbalances. The following remedies will help eliminate itching due to thrush:
- Tea tree oil will help relieve itching. Very concentrated, you need to dilute 5 drops in a glass of water, use it as a lotion or lotion.
- Salt and soda solution. Dissolve a tablespoon of baking soda and salt per liter of water. Use for washing.
- Medical solutions, creams and gels, relieving itching and burning: Miconazole, Miramistin, Clotrimazole.
- For quick relief from itching give up any dairy products during the treatment period.
If the skin itches in the anus, this is a consequence of many reasons, including obesity, diabetes, vegetative neurosis, diseases of the rectum and stomach. Anogenital irritation is an unpleasant but treatable problem. How to get rid of severe itching: rectal suppositories with propolis will help well, for neurosis - sedatives, for helminthic infestation - antihistamines. You can use special ointments and creams for the anus, herbal rinsing solutions, and microenemas.
How to relieve itchy skin at home
Itching all over the body (pictured) can be the cause of nervous, endocrine disorders, hormonal diseases, and in women - a symptom of pregnancy. It can occur due to wearing synthetics, using chemicals in everyday life, or lack of hygiene. In general, itching on the skin brings a lot of moral and physical discomfort. What methods can be used to eliminate it:
- cool bath with essential oils (chamomile, calendula, lavender, mint) or baking soda;
- applying a moisturizing lotion after bathing with soap;
- soda solution for rinsing;
- cold lotions;
- folk remedies: honey, oatmeal, herbal decoctions.
For diabetes mellitus in women
Itching in diabetes is a natural consequence of the formation of sugar crystals in the blood vessels. Because of this, the skin becomes rough, dry, and begins to itch. It is important not to scratch itchy areas, because with diabetes, any wounds, scratches and cuts take a very long time to heal and can fester. The best way to prevent scabies is to eat a low-carbohydrate diet and take medications that lower blood sugar levels. Local creams with antibiotics, corticosteroids (Flucinar, Fusiderm, Dermozolon), and antifungal agents are prescribed.
In the nose
An allergic reaction always provokes swelling, redness of the skin on the face, sneezing, mucous discharge, and itching in the nose. These symptoms can appear with a cold, ingestion of large amounts of dust, pollen, or prolonged use of vasoconstrictors. What medications can cure your nose at home:
- soda solution for washing: 1 tsp. per glass of water, good for infections;
- for allergies, antihistamines, antiallergic drugs, saline solution (1 teaspoon of sea salt per glass of water) are effective;
- for a runny nose, a cold or an itchy nose, it is better to use natural-based oil medicines and ointments for the nasal cavity.
Senile
The so-called senile body itch is a common problem among older people. The skin ages, atrophies, losing its ability to retain sufficient moisture. This leads to the fact that the driest areas of the body, and often these are elbows, knees, feet, begin to itch, sometimes for no apparent reason such as rashes and redness. It is important to note that treating itching in older people can be difficult.
Most drugs intended for oral administration are prohibited due to their side effects on the liver and kidneys. Local therapy is hampered by cognitive impairment. To avoid dryness, use emollient and moisturizing creams. To cool itchy skin - products with menthol, salicylic acid. Self-medication of senile itching is contraindicated; it is recommended to consult a doctor.
Scalp
If your scalp is itchy and itchy, it could be due to a serious condition such as ringworm, eczema, psoriasis, or lice parasites. If your head just itches for no apparent reason, decoctions of medicinal herbs, soothing masks, onion or garlic juice, and taking vitamins will help. How to get rid of severe itching: just try changing your shampoo, washing your hair with warm rather than hot water, and not using a hair dryer, curling iron, or styling chemicals.
Allergic
Relieving itching from allergies at home is easy. You can use apple or potato juice: just wipe the skin with a cut fruit, and a solution of soda or activated carbon tablets will also help. The cause of the allergy may be cosmetics - then you need to change the company and take a course of antiallergic drugs. If the cause is an insect bite, it is most effective to use special soothing ointments.
How to relieve itching at home
There are many folk and medical methods that will tell you how to remove itching quickly and without leaving a trace. You will always find some of them in your kitchen, while others are worth keeping in your medicine cabinet just in case. You need to figure out for which cases certain remedies are suitable, and not be overzealous with self-medication if the condition worsens. Below are the main ways to help soothe the burning sensation in different parts of the body.
A solution of soda for itching has been used for a long time: this natural remedy best helps with insect bites and allergic rashes. You can use it as a bath filler (1 glass per bath with cool or warm water), as an additive to hand or foot baths. Soda is suitable as a compress: you need to apply a soda solution to a cold cloth or towel and apply it to problem areas for 30 minutes.
Medicinal herbs
Herbs for itching are used in the form of decoctions for rinsing, lotions, or oral administration: they are good at helping to soothe irritation and relieve inflammation from itchy areas. Fresh aloe stems are effective - cut them lengthwise and lubricate the sore spot with gel-like juice. A decoction of peppermint tones and softens the skin, and a tincture of calendula, chamomile and sage will help relieve burning and cool the skin.
How to treat itching
Drug treatment for itching begins with diagnosing its causes. A doctor can prescribe external medications for a girl or a man against parasites, fungus, and dermatosis; internal for the endocrine, nervous system; vitamins, hormonal or physical therapy. The main thing is to identify the source of the itching in time and not scratch its lesions, follow a proper diet, and maintain hygiene.
Antihistamines
Antihistamine tablets for itching are prescribed in case of allergies, dermatosis, and infections. They suppress the action of histamine in the body, which causes burning, swelling, and irritation. These are drugs such as Suprastin, Fenkarol, Diazolin, Diphenhydramine. More expensive coated tablets - Claridol, Lomilan, Claritin - are suitable for long-term use. All of them can have side effects such as drowsiness, stomach upset, nausea, so they need to be taken in doses, no more than necessary.
Antipruritic skin products
Local medications for body skin itching have a quick calming effect, soften and cool the skin, help with pregnancy and increased dryness of the skin. These include ointments, creams and gels containing menthol, de-panthenol, diphenhydramine, carbolic acid. These are Oxolinic ointment for mucous membranes, Nystatin for fungi, Sulfur ointment for scabies and infectious infections. Beloderm, Mesoderm, Fusiderm, Sinaf, Psilo-balm ointments are effective.
Folk remedies
There are many traditional medicines known that help alleviate the manifestations of painful itching caused by insect bites, allergies, and fungal diseases. What folk remedies for itching can be used at home:
- An oatmeal compress will help with itching. Regular oatmeal can relieve itching, reduce inflammation, and swelling. The flakes need to be brewed, allowed to brew, cool, then applied in a thick layer to the sore spot, covering with gauze on top. Keep this compress for 20 minutes.
- Chamomile decoction. A baby cream with chamomile or glycerin, or glycerin in its pure form, may be suitable.
- Oil: menthol, peppermint and tea tree. Well suited for intimate areas.
- If your skin is constantly itching, you can make a compress of chickweed leaves or take a bath with the leaves of this plant.
- Decoction of succession. Used to wash the genitals and rinse other parts of the body.
- Aloe is a recognized remedy for itching for both adults and children. You can wipe the sore spots with a cut leaf, make lotions at night: apply half the leaf with the wet side to the body, wrap it with a bandage. You can use natural aloe juice, which is sold at the pharmacy, if you do not have this plant on hand.
- Apple cider vinegar can help treat small areas of scabies. To do this, wipe the itching area with a cotton swab dipped in vinegar.
- An infusion of nettle leaves will help relieve itching from a nettle burn. It needs to be cooled and used to wipe itchy areas after a shower.
- Propolis in the form of an ointment or tincture helps to relieve itching. It is necessary to lubricate the sore spots with a cooled product. It has antibacterial properties and at the same time softens the skin well.
In this article we will talk about ways to combat such a scourge as itching. Let's talk about folk remedies and cosmetics from pharmacy brands.
- Causes of itching
- How to get rid of itchy skin
- How to care for itchy skin
- Cosmetics review
- Precautionary measures
Causes of itching
Skin diseases
Itching is characteristic of many dermatological diseases, such as:
Diseases of various organs and systems
Persistent itching is a symptom of more than just skin diseases. The list is long, ranging from neurological problems to diabetes.
Allergy
This is the most common cause of skin reactions, including itching. First of all, it is necessary to identify the allergen, eliminate it from everyday life and, of course, consult a doctor.
The cause of an allergic reaction can be either a food product or a cosmetic product. © Getty Images
External factors
Frosty or excessively dry air provokes dry skin and itching, especially in the lower legs. This trouble can be easily dealt with if you review your home care and use special cosmetics. More on this below.
How to get rid of itchy skin
Cosmetical tools
Moisturizers for dry skin. Dryness and itching often go hand in hand. By moisturizing the skin, as well as creating a protective barrier with milk or balm, you will thereby reduce dryness and at the same time create conditions for reducing itching. Apply beauty products twice a day after cleansing to damp skin.
Moisturizers for atopic skin. With atopic dermatitis, the skin itches constantly, so cosmetics for atopics are aimed, among other things, at alleviating the condition of itching. The lines typically include a gentle “soap-free” cleanser, a moisturizing balm (or milk) and an SOS product for use throughout the day.
Cosmetic procedures
Baths with decoctions of medicinal herbs, as well as compresses, are excellent against itching.
Among the folk remedies to combat itching, there are well-deserved ones.
A series. Two tablespoons of the herb are brewed with half a teaspoon of boiling water, and the resulting decoction is rubbed on the itchy areas.
Propolis. Effective as a compress - relieves inflammation and itching in a matter of minutes.
How to care for itchy skin
Dermatologist, La Roche-Posay brand expert Alexander Prokofiev gives four universal tips:
cleanse the skin only with special mild products, exclude soap;
use emollients daily several times a day, as the skin should not remain dry;
try do not scratch the itchy area, since the skin is damaged, the nerve endings are irritated and the vicious circle of “itching-scratching” is activated;
apply means soothing itching during the day.
Cosmetics review
Lipid-restoring cleansing cream-gel for face and body of babies, children and adults Lipikar Syndet AP+, La Roche-Posay so delicate that it is suitable even for newborns.
Lipid replenishing balm for very dry skin for children and adults Lipikar Baume AP+, La Roche-Posay - the main product of the line of care for atopic skin, restores its microbiome and eliminates dryness, thus helping to reduce itching. Shea butter in its composition creates a protective barrier.
Care for skin prone to irritation and itching, Lipikar Stick AP+, La Roche-Posay — An SOS tool that will come to your aid throughout the day. The format is pocket-sized, which means you can carry the stick with you.
Precautionary measures
Don't scratch
Resisting scratching when your skin itches is a real challenge. But by scratching the skin, we only increase the itching and injure the tissue, thereby creating conditions for the development of pathogenic bacteria and opening the way for infections. So don’t delay with antipruritic measures.
Avoid cosmetics with potential irritants
These include:
If itching persists, consult a doctor