How to Stop Itching?
By: medical-advisorTotal Views: 560, Word Count: 518,
Itching is often a minor problem, but continual scratching may damage your skin and make the problem worse. A small area of itching may be caused by an insect bite or occur with a rash as a reaction to plants, metals, chemicals, or cosmetics. Larger areas may be due to dry skin, heat rash, hives, infections such as ringworm or scabies, or skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. Itching all over the body can be due to disorders such as diabetes, liver problems, or drug reactions. Stress and anxiety may cause or aggravate itching.
Consult your doctor if you think itching may be caused by a prescribed medicine.
How to Stop Itching?
There are several measures that you can take to help relieve itching.
- Try to resist scratching, and keep your fingernails short to limit any damage.
- Apply a cold compress. Soak a clean face cloth in cold water, wring it out, then place it on the itchy area. Repeat as necessary.
- Apply a soothing preparation such as calamine lotion or crotamiton cream.
- Try a mild hydrocortisone cream for a localized area of red, itchy skin caused by an irritant, such as a cleaning product or metal jewellery. The cream is also helpful for insect bites and stings.
- Take antihistamine tablets to relieve itching that keeps you awake at night. Antihistamine cream can be used to relieve insect bites and stings.
- Moisturize and protect dry skin.
- If stress aggravates itching, try some deep breathing exercises and muscle relaxation techniques.
- If possible, avoid hot or humid environments.
- Wear loose-fitting clothes made from natural fibres, but avoid wearing wool next to your skin.
Itching Prevention
Avoiding triggers for itching - Once itching is under control, try to identify what causes it or makes it worse, if this isn't already obvious. Keep a diary, noting when you feel itchy and which products you use on your skin or clothing. If you suspect itching is due to a skin product, switch to a mild, unperfumed brand. If the cause is a washing powder, use a non-biological one and an extra rinse.
Drug Remedies for Itching
- Calamine lotion has a cooling effect. Apply it to itchy areas as often as needed.
- Crotamiton preparations help to soothe irritated skin and reduce itching.
- Hydrocortisone cream reduces itching and redness and is useful for treating allergic skin reactions and insect stings. Don't use it on children under 10 without medical advice.
- Antihistamines such as chlorphenamine are taken orally to relieve itching. They make you feel drowsy, so will also help you to I sleep. Use a cream for itchy insect bites and stings.
Arrange to see your doctor if itching does not subside after about a week or uou develop other symptoms, such as jaundice or weight loss
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