Itching is an uncomfortable skin condition, creating an irresistible urge or reflex to scratch. This sort of irritation in the skin is medically termed as pruritus. When itching occurs, skin tingles and one feels as if something is crawling on skin. Itching may occur in one particular region of body or through out the body. In many cases itching occurs along with visible skin abnormalities like bumps, blisters, redness, scales or rashes, and a doctor's assistance is usually required to cure such itching.
The root cause of itching is impurity or toxicity in blood or some blood borne infection. Itching is generally not associated with any serious underlying ailment. Itching can be both contagious and non-contagious. Sometimes aggressive scratching complicates itching problem, leading to the development of sores and bruises. The causes of itching may be listed as follows:
1. Stress
2. Sunburn
3. Dry skin
4. Allergies
5. Eczema
6. Pregnancy
7. Infestation of parasites like pinworms, scabies, pubic or head lice etc.
8. Fungal infection such as jock itch, swimmer’s itch, vaginal yeast infection, anal yeast infection etc.
9. Skin disorders like psoriasis, Seborrheic dermatitis, Urticaria, Pityriasis Rosea etc.
10. Insect stings or bites
11. Exposure to harsh chemical agents like detergent and other solvents.
12. Reaction to medicines
13. Over exposure to water and hot baths
14. Cold weather
15. Ailments like kidney problem, cholestasis, hyperthyroidism, lymphoma, polycythemia vera etc.
Home Remedies for Itching
1. Put 2 cups of oatmeal in a tub of lukewarm water and soak for 40 minutes. This is an effective home remedy for itching.
2. Pour 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar in bath water and take bath. This relieves itching.
3. Sprinkle cornstarch on the itchy regions. You can also mix some cornstarch with bath water as well. This treats itchy conditions well.
4. Apply cold compress to soothe skin and reduce itching.
5. Boil one teaspoon dried stinging nettle leaves in a cup of water. Strain and drink the tea twice daily to get relief from itching.
6. Boil Margosa leaves, drain and pour the decoction in to a tumbler of hot water. Sponge the itchy regions with clean muslin soaked in the solution. This cures itching.
7. Application of Margosa oil on itchy zones is a helpful itch treatment.
8. Apply a coating of a mixture of coconut oil and lime juice on itchy skin. This checks itching.
9. Mix a cup of white vinegar in to bath water and take shower twice a day. This heals itchy conditions.
10. Coat itchy skin with a paste made out of baking soda and water to get relief.
11. Application of a paste made out of cinnamon powder and honey on itchy skin provides much relief.
12. Peppermint bath is an effective cure for itching problem.
13. Application of Aloe Vera gel on affected region is a great solution, for Aloe Vera has anti-itch properties.
14. Application of cod liver oil checks itching by thoroughly moisturizing the skin
15. Immersing in a tub of lukewarm water for 5-10 minutes is the simplest home remedy for itching.
16. Apply Vicks vapor rub on itchy skin and get instant relief.
Read more Home Remedies for Itching. Also know useful Home Remedies for Jaundice.
