Itching

Itching is a condition characterized by stingy irritation of the skin. It gives off the tendency to scratch or rub it, making it even more painful. It is occurs due to various causes such as allergies, insect bites, poor hygiene and even skin diseases.

Symptoms
There is a noticeable appearance of blisters, and red and scaly patches of skin that are caused by continuous scratching. There is great urge to rub the affected area and in doing so, may lead to scarring.

Causes
There are various causes of itchiness. These may include allergic reaction to food, plants or pets, chemical exposure, chicken pox, cold weather, insect bites, sunburn, parasitic lice, prolonged soaking in water or hot baths and wrongly prescribed medications,

For pregnant women, itching may occur on the lower abdomen during the last trimester due to skin stretching.

Skin illnesses such as psoriasis, pityriasis rosea, seborrheic dermatitis and urticaria will cause severe itchiness.

Home Remedies
Evaporated milk: Mix 1 can of evaporated milk, oatmeal, or baking soda. It will help soothe body itching.

Applying aloe Vera, lemon juice, witch hazel tea, cod liver, vitamin E, and wheat germ oil will remove itchiness.

Herbal capsule: Taking burdock, chickweed, goldenseal, plantain, or yellow dock capsules also accounts as useful remedies.

Cornstarch: Pour cornstarch in your bath water or apply it all over your body.

Vaseline: Scrub the itchy area lightly using pumice stone. Wash away with soap, apply rubbing alcohol, then apply a thick layer of Vaseline in it.

Peppermint: Fill bathtub with water then add moderate amount of peppermint or yellow dock in it.

Apple cider vinegar: Mix 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to your bath water.

Baking soda: Mix baking soda in a tub filled with cold water. It will lessen itching caused by bees and insect bites and other skin irritations.

Carbolic acid lotion: Apply lotion or baking soda on the itchy areas.

Apply cold compress or nettle oil on the affected areas.

Nettle tea: Drink 1-2 cups of nettle tea everyday. Alternately, place 1 teaspoon of dried nettle leaves in a cup of water. Leave it for 15 minutes.

Burdock: Applying burdock root oil to the rashes will lessen the itching sensation.

Chickweed: Soak 2 large handful of this plant in water. Let it cool then apply it directly on the affected skin part.

Diets
Determine foods that will not further irritate the skin.

Consume foods that are rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, E and zinc.

Other suggestions
Take a bath using lukewarm water.

Apply lotion all over the body after bathing.

Stay away from direct source of heat and humid places.

Make sure to keep yourself dry all the time for moisture will worsen itching.

Trim your fingernails to prevent skin damage from involuntary scratching. In addition, refrain from rubbing or scratching the itchy areas to avoid further damage.

Wear loose clothing made of soft materials. Do not wear clothes that are made of tough and thick materials such as wool.