It is very common for almost all people to suffer from dry itchy skin, during the winter season, or due to other factors. In fact, studies indicate that most men and women across the globe have suffered from an itchy skin rash, because of extreme skin dryness, at some point or the other, during their lives. While it is common for an itchy skin rash to crop up in winters, there could be several other factors that could lead to the same problem. Health experts recommend the use of creams, lotions, petroleum jelly and strong moisturizers, to keep the skin hydrated. However, if the itchy skin rash persists after taking such measures, it may be best to check with a doctor, as there could be several underlying conditions that lead to this problem. Moreover, in order to treat the itchy skin rash effectively, it is very important to identify the causes of itchy skin.
Causes of Itchy Skin
Apart from environmental factors like overexposure to the sun and cold, there could be several other factors that lead to an itchy skin rash, the most common ones being certain skin conditions and nutritional deficiencies. Some of the common conditions that could lead to severe itching all over the body include:
- allergies: Several people suffer from itchy skin allergy, when their skin comes into direct contact with allergens, such as certain plants, chemical, and so on. If this condition is the cause of the itchy skin, then the rash usually appears in the form of red, bumpy, scaly, itchy or swollen skin.
- Psoriasis: This is a chronic skin disorder, which is the result of immune system problems. Psoriasis is usually characterized by silvery scales on the elbows, scalp and knees, which itch a lot.
- Poison Ivy: Poison Ivy is a condition that occurs when the skin comes in contact with plants like poison oak, poison ivy and sumac. The symptoms that are associated with this condition are blisters, redness and itching.
- Chicken Pox: More common in children, chicken pox is like a disease that is caused by the varicella virus. The main symptom of this disease is an itchy skin rash all across the body.
Some of the other common conditions that could lead to an itchy skin rash are scabies, eczema, hives, ringworm, shingles and fungal infections.
Itchy skin treatment
It is essential to consult a doctor for any instances of itchy skin, especially if it is accompanied by the secretion of pus. The best way to cure such conditions is by administering medical itchy skin relief options. This is because itchy skin treatment will depend on underlying cause of the itchy skin rash. There are others who prefer using itchy skin remedies just to alleviate the discomfort, even though they may not treat the cause of the problem.Home remedies for itchy skin
There are several home remedies for itchy skin, which can help reduce the pain, redness, itchiness and discomfort significantly. However, these home remedies do not address the underlying cause or treat it in any way. Given below are some of the most common itchy skin remedies that can be used from home:
- Baking Soda: Prepare a paste of thick consistency, using baking soda and water. Apply this paste directly on to the affected areas of the skin and leave it on till it dries up. The skin can be rinsed off with cool water, once the paste dries. However, this home remedy should not be used on skin that has cracked.
- Oatmeal: An oatmeal bath has been known to alleviate itchy skin almost instantly. Fill half the tub with warm water and add around 2 cups of finely ground oatmeal to it. Soak in the tub for around 15 to 20 minutes.
- Basil: Basil tea has refreshing properties that can soothe a skin rash instantly. However, instead of consuming the tea, it is better to pour it over the skin. The tea can be made at home by adding half an ounce of basil leaves to a pint of boiling water and allowing it to steep for a while.
While most of the home remedies for the itchy skin rash are quite safe, if used correctly, it is best to consult a doctor before using any of them.
There are several home remedies for itchy skin, which can help reduce the pain, redness, itchiness and discomfort significantly. However, these home remedies do not address the underlying cause or treat it in any way. Given below are some of the most common itchy skin remedies that can be used from home:
- Baking Soda: Prepare a paste of thick consistency, using baking soda and water. Apply this paste directly on to the affected areas of the skin and leave it on till it dries up. The skin can be rinsed off with cool water, once the paste dries. However, this home remedy should not be used on skin that has cracked.
- Oatmeal: An oatmeal bath has been known to alleviate itchy skin almost instantly. Fill half the tub with warm water and add around 2 cups of finely ground oatmeal to it. Soak in the tub for around 15 to 20 minutes.
- Basil: Basil tea has refreshing properties that can soothe a skin rash instantly. However, instead of consuming the tea, it is better to pour it over the skin. The tea can be made at home by adding half an ounce of basil leaves to a pint of boiling water and allowing it to steep for a while.
answered by M W