Home remedies for itchy skin

Do you sometimes suffer from itchy skin? Then you know how annoying it can be in most situations! Those affected often do not know what to do other than scratching the itchy area extensively. Then fingernails and toenails are used or even other aids. However, excessive itching can actually worsen the symptoms . It is better to rely on proven home remedies that relieve the irritation in the long term.

In this article we will show you the most important home remedies for itching and explain how to use them. You will also learn why scratching our skin only damages it in the long run.

No scratching! What to do?

If the skin is relentlessly itchy, most people find it difficult to stop scratching. A strong will or well-intentioned advice from acquaintances is usually not enough. The desire to give in to the excruciating itch and to get at least a moment's relief is too strong.

However, this is not a long-term solution. You often scratch unconsciously and can no longer regulate it. It is important to first determine the cause of the itching . You should consult a doctor for this. He can make a meaningful diagnosis and explain further treatment steps.

In addition, home remedies that have an antibacterial effect are also useful to counteract an itching flare-up. If you suffer from frequent itching, you should always keep the following remedies in your medicine chest .

zinc ointment

Zinc oxide is contained in zinc ointment. This has a healing effect on the skin against inflammation and pathogens . It promotes wound healing. In the case of weeping, damp areas of skin in the body folds, the zinc oxide can bind moisture . This reduces softening of the skin and the associated penetration of pathogens.

Zinc ointment should be applied directly to the affected areas of the skin . The duration of the application depends on the type of complaints and the course of the disease. In the case of constant and long-lasting symptoms, it is essential to consult a doctor. This will give you information about the dosage in which you should use the zinc ointment.

Cooling pads and wraps

Since itching is a skin disorder , it can help to numb the nerves, at least for a short time . Cooling pads and wraps are particularly suitable for this, depending on which parts of the skin are affected. The cold stimulus can temporarily numb pain receptors.

The cold compresses, creams and pads should not be stored in the freezer, but in the refrigerator . If you use compresses, they must not come into direct contact with the skin and must not be applied to one area for longer than 15 minutes . Otherwise, skin injuries could result from the effects of cold.

Poultices made from apple vinegar water

Another important home remedy that has proven effective against rashes and itchy skin is apple cider vinegar in combination with tap water. Apple acetic acid can bring the skin's natural pH back into balance. This also reduces the itching.

Apple cider vinegar is mixed in equal parts with tap water. You should dab the affected skin areas with it several times a day. It is best to use a towel soaked with the agent and be careful with the irritated skin.

If the spot dabbing does not help against the itching, you can also use compresses made of soft materials . These ensure that the apple cider vinegar mixture is evenly distributed on the skin and can be absorbed with the help of pressure.

tea blends

The itching can not only be reduced with an external treatment. Diet and fluid intake also play a major role. Tea mixtures against itching have proven themselves as home remedies. These can be put together individually in the pharmacy. Recommended ingredients:

• oak bark

• buckthorn bark

• fennel

• elderflower

• pansies

It is best to mix the ingredients in equal parts . Use about a tablespoon per teacup and steep for five minutes . It is recommended to drink such tea three times a day when suffering from itching. Unscented black teas can also be effective. These contain tannins, which can really strengthen the skin barrier . Incidentally, tea does not have to be used exclusively for internal effects. Wraps and envelopes can also be soaked with it and applied to the affected areas of the skin.

Important to know: The tea can have a good effect on mild itching . But if you suffer from a very strong itching, this is probably due to a certain disease. In such a case, a tea as a treatment method may not suffice . However, it is often useful in addition to other medications.

Dead sea Salt

Adding Dead Sea salt to bath water can be a real treat. Especially dry skin benefits from the important minerals that often provide relief from itching. The salt bath actively supports the skin in renewing its protective acid mantle . Also, it can reduce inflammation.

For a relaxing bath when itching, you should fill your bathtub with pleasantly warm water and add the salt. Bathing has the added benefit of allowing you to relax while doing it. Since stress promotes severe itching of the skin, relaxation will certainly help you.

aloe vera

The aloe vera is a cactus plant . Its clear gel is known to moisturize and revitalize dry and itchy skin. That is why it is also considered a medicinal plant and is used in many different care products such as creams or body lotions . A particularly important ingredient in the gel is vitamin E because it can reduce inflammation and prevent bacteria and fungi from entering.

Aloe Vera can even be used to treat the skin disease neurodermatitis. This is characterized by itchy spots, open and burning inflammation and an exciting feeling on the skin . Patients often suffer from flare-ups in which the itching becomes almost unbearable. The body reacts particularly strongly to certain environmental influences, which include allergies, stress and an unhealthy lifestyle.

Unfortunately, neurodermatitis cannot be cured , but the symptoms can be limited to such an extent that they are less of a burden in everyday life. Aloe Vera is particularly good for this because it has a moisturizing effect .

Daily care routine

A daily care routine is very important, especially if you are affected by neurodermatitis and constantly suffer from severe itching. This is the only way to protect the skin from symptoms over long periods of time. The following three tips are particularly important:

1. Gentle cleaning of the skin: If possible, do not use aggressive soaps that are enriched with many fragrances. Gentle cleansing gels with a skin-neutral pH value of 5.5 are more suitable. Do not bathe or shower for too long and if possible only every 2 days.

2. Sea salt and moisturizing oils as bath additives: Sea salt and other salts in bath water are particularly effective against itching. However, it is better not to use salt during acute flare-ups. The wounds could burn uncomfortably. After a bath with oil as an additive, the skin is particularly supple.

3. Daily creaming of the skin: If possible, treat your skin twice a day with a high-quality cream. While moisturizing products should be used in particular between flare-ups, creams with a high water content can provide relief during a flare-up.

curd topping

Quark covers or quark wraps are cool envelopes . These can also be slightly warmed up. If the itching is severe, apply the pads to the affected skin. The quark wraps should consist of three layers of fabric : one contains the quark, the other two cover the quark layer. They also keep the body warm in the affected areas. Quark pads are preferably used in the following areas of the body:

• chest area

• Sore throat

• Knee

• Foot

This increases itching

Itching cannot always be prevented completely, especially when it is caused by certain skin diseases . However, there are a few things you should avoid if you have itching and prone skin:

• hot spices

• rough fibers like new wool

• long nails

• excessive stress

prevent itching

Many home remedies help against acute itching . However, there are also some things you can do to prevent itching from happening in the first place . It is best to wear clothing that is not made of synthetic fibers . Garments should be loose fitting and not block the skin from the air.

Some detergents, deodorants and cosmetic products contain ingredients that can irritate stressed skin even more. When buying, make sure that they do not contain strong perfume or other fragrances . Natural ingredients are usually particularly good for the skin.

In winter, the dry heating air is another cause of itching. In the summer months, you should avoid long sunbaths , as this can also be hard on the skin. Also make sure you eat a healthy diet and drink enough fluids all year round.

compensate for vitamin deficiency

Vitamins are particularly important for dry skin because they can counteract a damaged skin barrier . They help the body to form the protective keratin layer and ensure that lipids accumulate between the horny cells. This ensures that the skin retains its moisture . The following vitamins are very important:

1. Vitamin A: Beef liver, eggs, dairy products, fish, orange-red vegetables and fruits such as carrots and apricots, also in broccoli and spinach

2. Vitamin B3 and B9: Poultry, fish, liver, beans, peanuts, vegetables, legumes, tea, coffee, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, asparagus, almonds, tomatoes, soybeans

3. Vitamin B7: Eggs, Liver, Yeast, Nuts, Soybeans, Fruits, Legumes, Oatmeal, Mushrooms, Avocado, Bananas Whole Grains

4. Vitamin C: rosehip, sea buckthorn, peppers, tropical fruits, currants, green tea, parsley, kale, sauerkraut, broccoli

5. Vitamin E: Nuts, almonds, seeds and oils

Nourishment

Now you already know which foods contain the various vitamins. In general, with skin diseases that are associated with severe itching, inflammation can be contained with the right diet . Whenever possible, use fresh ingredients to prepare food. Additives and large amounts of sugar should be avoided.

However, there are no general rules that say what to eat when itching and sensitive skin occurs. Instead, you have to find out what is good for your body and what it is sensitive to. It is best to keep a food diary so that you don't forget anything.

When the psyche is responsible

It is said that the skin is the mirror of our soul. In fact, stress caused by unresolved conflicts can have a negative impact on the complexion. For example, some people suffer from impure skin or particularly severe itching when they are angry or scared .

It is not always easy to link a skin condition to mental health problems. According to experts, however, it becomes all the more likely if the causes of the itching cannot be explained logically . So that the doctor can get a better picture of it, you should tell him or her as much as possible. Home remedies for itching can also help to relieve the symptoms in such a case.