Home Remedies For Itching: Procedure, Recovery, Risk & Complication

Itching can be caused due to various reasons like allergic reactions, insect bites, skin infection, moist clothes, dry weather, or even some medications. Here are some simple natural home remedies for itching to get rid of itching:

1. Baking Soda:

   It is a very common remedy for itchy skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties which have a soothing effect on the infected area. Plus, it is a natural acid that acts as an antiseptic. Prepare a paste by mixing three tablespoons of baking soda with one tablespoon of water and apply it to the affected areas. Wash it off in 10 minutes.

2. Lemon:

   It is another common remedy to treat itches. It contains citric and acetic acid. These substances are great antiseptics with anti-inflammatory and anti-irritating properties. Take a lemon or two and extract its juice. Apply the juice with a cotton ball over the affected areas. Let it dry and then wash it off with cold water. Do it twice a day until the condition improves.

3. Aloe Vera:

   It is very useful in getting rid of itches. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It also contains Vitamin E that prevents our skin from getting dry. Take an Aloe Vera leaf and squeeze the gel out. Apply it to the affected areas and leave it for 15 minutes to dry off. Wash it off with lukewarm water.

4. Coconut oil:

   Coconut oil contains a high amount of saturated fatty acid which helps to deeply moisturise the skin. Coconut oil also possesses anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties which help to fight against any skin infection.

5. Menthol:

   Mint contains an essential oil called Menthol which has cooling properties and provides relief from itching. Before applying menthol oil it's important to dilute it.

6. Tea tree oil:

   Tea tree oil possesses anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Tea tree oil helps to fight against bacterial, viral, and fungal infection. It inhibits any harmful microbial growth on the skin and prevents infection.

7. Cold compress:

   Cold compress reduces the inflammation in the affected area and provides relief from itching. You can either use an ice pack or wet cloth as a cold compress.

8. Stop scratching:

   Try to avoid scratching your skin when it's itching because scratching may lead to tearing up the skin that may result in further infection. So, it's suggested to avoid scratching your skin.

9. Epsom salt:

   Epsom salt helps in reducing the inflammation and itching in the skin. Epsom salt also helps in moisturizing the skin.

10. Moisturiser:

    Sometimes itching is caused due to dry skin. Dry skin can be hydrated by applying a good moisturizer that locks the water in the skin and prevents the skin from becoming dry. Try to apply moisturizer daily after taking the bath.

Summary: Itching can be treated by applying aloe vera gel, coconut oil, baking soda, tea tree oil, cold compress, menthol, Epsom salt, lemon. Avoid scratching your skin. Try to apply moisturizer daily after taking the bath.

Before you choose any ingredient, you must ensure that you are not allergic to that particular ingredient.

If you are not aware of what you are sensitive to, you can always consult an expert for further guidance. An expert can evaluate your overall health condition and medical history to recommend the best remedy for you.

While pursuing a solution, you can sense a marked improvement in your condition, if not, it might mean you will have to try another option. Since these are simple home-based ingredients, it will not worsen the condition, so you will have space and time to try out.

In case the condition gets severe, it is best to seek professional help. And one of the prominent medicinal processes of Ayurveda uses simple readily available herb-based remedies as well.

• Applying Baking soda on your skin might cause a bit of skin irritation, tingling, or even a little pain. Baking soda might also make your skin dry.
• Aloe Vera might cause a skin reaction if you are allergic to it.
• If you have sensitive skin, applying lemon water might irritate.

Summary: Despite being effective, certain home remedies have some side effects which vary from person to person, so choose your home remedy only if you are not allergic or sensitive to the particular substance. Do not use any home remedies in excess as it may be harmful to health.

• Once the symptoms of itching disappear, make sure you wear dry and clean clothes.
• Try to apply moisturizer daily after taking the bath.
• Avoid scratching your skin when it's itching.
• Apply coconut oil on your skin.

How long does it take to recover?

Usually, it takes between two days to two weeks for the affected areas to be completely healed. Usually, it depends on the cause of the itch. If it is an infection, it takes less than a week to heal.

Summary: The time of recovery from itching usually varies from two days to two weeks depending on the cause of infection.

No, the results are not permanent since it is caused due to some infection, it can happen again if precautions are not taken.

All the items used in the remedies are easily available in the market or your garden itself and can be prepared without any formal training. However, if you have any pre-existing skin conditions, it is better to consult a doctor.