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What are the Best Tips for Itching Relief?

Felicia Dye
Felicia Dye

Itching relief for dry skin may be provided simply by applying moisturizer or taking an oatmeal bath. If a person is suffering from eczema, ointments and corn starch are likely to be the best remedies for the itch. Minor rashes or irritation from bug bites are often effectively soothed by over-the-counter ointments. For fungal infections, anti-fungal treatment formulated for healing may also provide itching relief.

The best method of itching relief heavily depends on the cause of the problem. For example, in many cases, itching is merely the result of dry skin. When this is the case, applying skin moisturizer is likely to be an effective means of relief. People with severely dry skin may want to consider products that are specially designed for that skin type. Individuals suffering from this problem may also benefit from taking a bath with oatmeal, milk, or both.

A woman applying an anti-itch cream.
A woman applying an anti-itch cream.

Sometimes itching skin results from sensitivity. When a person has sensitive skin, the best remedies are often changes of behavior. To begin with, these individuals should be very aware of the ingredients contained in their cosmetics, body cleansers, and laundry detergents. There are products available in all of these categories that are designed specifically for people with sensitive skin, and when a person is aware that she has this skin type, it is advisable to use them.

Corn starch can be used as a treatment for itching.
Corn starch can be used as a treatment for itching.

A more troublesome and fairly common cause of itching skin is eczema. This is a condition that is often characterized by itchy patches in areas such as the inside of the elbows, the neck, and the back of the legs. The cause of eczema is unknown, and there are no real cures, but there are both over-the-counter and prescription ointments that effectively provide itching relief. Dusting corn starch on the problem areas has also been noted as an excellent means of providing relief.

The best itching relief depends on the cause of the itching.
The best itching relief depends on the cause of the itching.

Ointments and salves are often a good choice for other skin conditions and rashes. Aloe and hydrocortisone are two ingredients that individuals may want to look for when choosing products. Both of these ingredients are well known for their soothing effects. Other options, which tend to be easily accessible, are vapor rubs and products containing menthol. These will provide a cooling effect, but individuals should realize that these products, while often very effective, do not usually provide long-term itching relief, so they may have to be applied often.

Many rashes can be treated with over-the-counter products.
Many rashes can be treated with over-the-counter products.

There are special products that are generally required if itching relief is needed due to infection by fungal organisms. In these instances, the products that should be purchased should clearly state that they are anti-fungal treatments and that they provide itching relief. Likewise, if the problem is caused by lice, medicated shampoos are generally regarded as the best option for treatment and for eliminating the itch.

Discussion Comments

SarahGen

@ZipLine-- I highly recommend aloe vera gel. Pure aloe vera gel will do, but if possible, purchase the kind with pain reliever sold at pharmacies.

Aloe vera itself is very soothing and calming for skin. So it can stop itching easily. But aloe vera gel with a topical pain reliever like lidocaine works even better. It relieves itching and pain in literally seconds. It's recommended for things like insect bites and even mild burns.

I always keep a bottle of this in the medicine cabinet. It's great for when the mosquitoes attack late at night and you can't get any sleep from the itching. Just apply the aloe vera gel on the bites and you will be asleep in no time. Of course, you need to do something about the mosquitoes too so that they don't bite again.

ZipLine

What is the best remedy for itching caused by insect bites?

I tried washing with soap and water and also applied regular lotion. But neither have made a difference. I have some awful mosquito bites that have been itching non stop. Any recommendations for insect bites?

literally45

I used to have combination skin before and I had to use soap for oily skin in the shower to avoid acne. My skin has been changing a lot since the past few years though. I guess it's due to changing hormones as I'm in my late twenties now. Recently, I've started experiencing itchy skin after showers. At first, I thought that it was sensitivity to the soap I was using. But after switching to something else, I realized that I'm itching due to dryness.

So now I've started using a soap with natural oils in the shower. And after I get out of the shower, I apply an oatmeal lotion with vitamin E. These two things have been immensely helpful. My skin is no longer dry and itchy.

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    • A woman applying an anti-itch cream.
      By: April Cat
      A woman applying an anti-itch cream.
    • Corn starch can be used as a treatment for itching.
      By: Sea Wave
      Corn starch can be used as a treatment for itching.
    • The best itching relief depends on the cause of the itching.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      The best itching relief depends on the cause of the itching.
    • Many rashes can be treated with over-the-counter products.
      By: ampyang
      Many rashes can be treated with over-the-counter products.
    • Ointments and salves are often a good choice to treat rashes and other skin conditions that cause itching.
      By: jedi-master
      Ointments and salves are often a good choice to treat rashes and other skin conditions that cause itching.