Home Remedies and Herbs for Itching

Itching, or pruritus, is a common skin condition that manifests in tingling and irritation to a particular area. It’s uncomfortable and makes the person want to scratch.² Itching is usually temporary and not indicative of a long-term problem. Itching sensations usually disappear after scratching or applying a relief treatment to the itchy area.² Itching skin occurs more often in older adults as their skin tends to dry with age. Relief measures outside or rubbing and scratching include moisturizing, anti-itch products and cool baths. Continuous scratching may aggravate itching and worsen the condition. There are many home remedies to stop itching. Severe and prolonged cases may require medical attention. They include:²

• Cases lasting more than two weeks without relief
• Being severely distracted from daily activities
• Onsets suddenly with no apparent cause
• Affects the entire body
• Is accompanied by other signs or symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, change in bowel or urinary habits, fever or intense burning feeling on the skin

What Causes Itching

There are many itching causes. The most common itching causes start with dry skin that is susceptible to additional conditions that aggravate an itch. They include:^{1 2 3}

• Eczema, dermatitis or psoriasis
• General dry skin conditions
• Aging skin
• Allergic reaction
• Hives
• Insect bites or stings
• Irritating chemicals
• Sunburn
• Parasites like ringworm or scabies
• Fungal infections
• Reaction to medications
• Rashes
• Hormonal changes
• Pregnancy
• Hepatitis
• Iron deficiency
• Kidney disease

Itching causes are also attributed to internal problems such as liver disease, kidney failure, thyroid problems and cancer. Nervous disorders can also manifest in itching, especially in itches that seem to move about the body.²

Itching Symptoms

Itching symptoms usually start with a tingling or irritation feeling at a particular point on the skin. This normally causes an involuntary and subconscious reaction to scratch the area with fingernails or rub it with an object. Itching is a normal part of life. Often, itching symptoms quickly disappear.² Long term itching symptoms include:²

• Skin redness
• Blisters, bumps or spots
• Dry, cracked skin
• Leathery or scaly skin

Occasionally, itching skin can be intense and long lasting. Prolonged scratching can make the itch worse and leads to an itch-scratch-itch cycle that’s difficult to break. It creates the “itch that won’t go away” and can result in damaged skin that becomes infected or scarred.² Prolonged cases of itching skin require intervention. There are many natural home remedies that relieve itching. Severe itching cases may require a doctor’s examination.²

References

1. https://medlineplus.gov/itching.html
2. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/itchy-skin/symptoms-causes/dxc-20262871
3. http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/itching/Pages/Introduction.aspx