19 Best Home Remedies For Itchy Skin (Pruritus)

Experiencing itchy skin can be incredibly frustrating and uncomfortable. It can disrupt your daily routine and cause distress. Thankfully, some quick home remedies for itchy skin can help soothe irritation and promote healing. From natural oils and soothing gels to simple kitchen ingredients, these remedies are not only effective but also gentle on the skin. Whether the itch stems from insect bites, allergic reactions, or underlying skin conditions, these natural solutions can provide relief. In this article, we explore various home remedies that you can easily incorporate into your skin care routine to alleviate itching and restore your skin’s comfort. Keep reading!

19 Natural Home Remedies for Itching Skin Relief

1. Baking Soda Bath
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
3. Oatmeal
4. Coconut Oil
5. Holy Basil
6. Neem
7. Sesame Seed Oil
8. Mint
9. Lemon
10. Fenugreek Seeds
11. Almond Oil
12. Honey
13. Cold Compress
14. Aloe Vera
15. Olive Oil
16. Essential Oils
17. Garlic
18. Vitamins
19. Herbs

How To Treat Pruritus Naturally

1. Baking Soda Bath

You Will Need

• 1 cup of baking soda
• Bathwater

What You Have To Do

1. Add a cup of baking soda to your bathwater and allow it to dissolve.
2. Soak in the water for 15 to 20 minutes and then pat dry your skin.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this once daily.

Why This Works

Baking soda is one of the best remedies for relieving itches. It exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing the inflammation and itchiness on your skin (1). The alkaline nature of baking soda also acts as a natural acid neutralizer, which can help soothe your skin (2). Hence, it works as an effective home solution that provides instant home relief for itchy skin.

Quick Tip

Avoid taking a baking soda bath if you have open wounds, injuries, or severe infections.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

You Will Need

• 2 cups of apple cider vinegar
• Bathwater

What You Have To Do

1. Add two cups of apple cider vinegar to your bathwater and soak in it for 15 to 20 minutes.
2. Towel dry your skin.
3. For relieving localized itchiness, you can dilute a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with half a cup of water and apply it to the affected areas using a cotton ball.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this once daily for best results.

Why This Works

Apple cider vinegar contains certain enzymes that can help restore the pH balance of your skin.

Its anti-inflammatory properties reduce the itchy symptoms, while its antimicrobial properties prevent infections (3).

3. Oatmeal Bath

You Will Need

• 2 cups of oatmeal
• Bathwater

What You Have To Do

1. Add two cups of oatmeal to your bathwater.
2. Soak in your bath for 15 to 20 minutes. Gently scrub some of the oatmeal on the itchy areas.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this once daily.

Why This Works

Oatmeal

has soothing effects that can help in relieving itchy skin. These effects are due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (4).

4. Coconut Oil

You Will Need

Coconut oil (as required)

What You Have To Do

1. After soaking in a lukewarm bath, pat yourself dry and apply coconut oil to the affected areas.
2. If you feel itchy everywhere, it is a good idea to massage the oil all over your body.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this daily.

Why This Works

Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids that have antihistamineⁱ  Drugs commonly used to treat symptoms of allergy. They can also be used to treat motion sickness, or in some cases, insomnia. and anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe the itching. The oil is also highly moisturizing and can help fight one of the major causes of pruritus – dry skin (5). Coconut oil is also commonly available in households, which makes it a great home medicine for immediate home care.

A blogger shared their experience of using oregano oil and coconut oil to relieve itching in their personal blog. They wrote, “ I kept using my own method of putting oregano oil and coconut oil on my skin every day, and a couple of weeks later at my next doctor’s appointment my arm looked normal. The swelling, red itchy inflamed skin was gone (i).”

5. Holy Basil

You Will Need

6-8 holy basil (tulsi) leaves

What You Have To Do

1. Grind a few basil leaves and apply the paste to the affected areas.
2. Alternatively, you can also gently scrub the leaves directly on your skin.
3. Or brew some basil tea and apply it all over your body using cotton balls.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this daily for immediate relief from itching.

Why This Works

Basil is a rich source of eugenol, thymol, and camphor, which help reduce the inflammation and itchiness with their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties (6), (7).

6. Neem

You Will Need

• Neem leaves (as required)
• Bathwater

What You Have To Do

1. Put a bunch of neem leaves in steaming hot water.
2. Allow them to steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Once the water turns lukewarm, go ahead and take a bath with it.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this every alternate day.

Why This Works

Neem, also known as Indian lilac, is another therapeutic herb that can fight itching skin. It is a strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent, which enables it to combat pruritus (8).

7. Sesame Seed Oil

You Will Need

Sesame oil (as required)

What You Have To Do

1. Take some sesame oil and apply it to the affected areas after a shower.
2. You can also massage this oil all over your body.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this daily or every alternate day.

Why This Works

Sesame oil is a rich source of antioxidants and is hence great for your skin. It is also known for its inflammation-reducing properties that can prove quite beneficial in soothing the redness and itchiness on your skin (9).

8. Mint

You Will Need

• A handful of mint leaves
• 500 mL of water
• Cotton balls

What You Have To Do

1. Put a handful of mint leaves in 500 mL of water and bring it to a boil in a saucepan.
2. Cover the solution and allow it cool.
3. Once the solution cools down, strain it and soak a cotton ball in it.
4. Apply it to all the affected areas.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this 1 to 2 times daily for quick relief from itchy skin.

Why This Works

One of the major components present in mint leaves is menthol. Menthol has anti-inflammatory and anestheticⁱ  A drug that induces anesthesia, temporary insensitivity to pain or touch, commonly used before or during a surgery. properties, which work wonders in getting rid of itchy and inflamed skin (10), (11).

9. Lemon

You Will Need

• 1- 2 lemons
• Cotton pads

What You Have To Do

1. Squeeze the juice from a lemon or two.
2. Dip a cotton pad in the lemon extract and apply it to the itching areas. Allow it to dry.
3. Wash it off with water.
4. If you have sensitive skin, dilute the lemon juice with some water before applying it.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this twice daily for effective results.

Why This Works

Lemons are rich in citric and acetic acids, which have anti-inflammatory, anti-irritant, and astringentⁱ  The property of a drug that makes the skin tighter and can be used to reduce the level of moisture in the skin. properties that help in treating itching and inflamed skin (13).

10. Fenugreek Seeds

You Will Need

1-2 cups of fenugreek seeds

What You Have To Do

1. Soak the fenugreek seeds in water for an hour.
2. Grind the soaked fenugreek seeds with a little water to form a thick paste.
3. Apply the paste all over your body. In case of localized itching, apply it only to the affected areas.
4. Allow the paste to dry, after which you can wash it off with water.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this at least thrice a week.

Why This Works

Fenugreek seeds have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the itching and inflammation to a great extent (14). They also exhibit excellent antimicrobial activities that help soothe the rashes and eliminate skin infections that may be causing your skin to itch (15).

11. Almond Oil

You Will Need

Almond oil (as required)

What You Have To Do

Take some almond oil and apply it all over your body (or the itchy areas) after a shower.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this daily.

Why This Works

Almond oil keeps your skin well hydrated and also helps in reducing the symptoms of itchy skin. This is because it possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-itch properties that can speed the healing of itching and inflamed skin (16).

12. Honey

You Will Need

Honey (as required)

What You Have To Do

1. Take some honey and heat it lightly.
2. Apply the warm honey directly to the itchy areas.
3. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes and then wash it off with water.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this 1 to 2 times daily.

Why This Works

Honey exhibits natural humectantⁱ  Moisturizing agents, such as lotions or shampoos that retain moisture and prevent the skin or any other surface from drying. properties that prevent your skin from drying. This, in turn, helps reduce itching. Honey also possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help reduce the symptoms of itching and prevent skin infections (17), (18).

13. Cold Compress

You Will Need

An ice pack

What You Have To Do

1. Take an ice pack and apply it on the affected area for a few minutes.
2. Repeat on all the itching areas of your skin.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this daily to get quick relief from itching skin.

Why This Works

The cold temperature and anti-inflammatory properties of the ice pack help in calming down itching skin (19).

14. Aloe Vera

You Will Need

2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel

What You Have To Do

1. Take two tablespoons of aloe vera gel and apply it directly to all the itching areas.
2. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes, after which you can wash it off with water.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this once daily.

Why This Works

Aloe vera is widely used for its natural healing and soothing properties. This is because the plant possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties (20). Aloe vera is also a great source of vitamin E and can hence help prevent your skin from drying out and itching (21).

15. Olive Oil

You Will Need

Olive oil (as required)

What You Have To Do

Take some olive oil in your hands and apply it all over the affected areas right after a shower.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this once daily to lock in the moisture in your skin.

Why This Works

Olive oil is a great source of antioxidants, thanks to the polyphenols it contains. These polyphenols possess anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the itching (22). The oil is also one of the best hydrating oils and can hence prevent your skin from drying and itching (23).

16. Essential Oils

a. Peppermint Oil

You Will Need

• 2- 3 drops of peppermint oil
• 1 tablespoon of any carrier oil (coconut or olive oil)

What You Have To Do

1. Mix the peppermint oil with any carrier oil.
2. Apply it to the affected areas.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 1 to 2 times daily.

Why This Works

Peppermint oil is considered one of the top essential oils for itching as it contains menthol, which is well known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesici properties. These attributes make it an apt home remedy for getting rid of itching and inflamed skin (24), (25).

b. Tea Tree Oil

You Will Need

• 2-3 drops of tea tree oil
• 1 tablespoon of any carrier oil (olive or coconut oil)

What You Have To Do

1. Add three drops of tea tree oil to a tablespoon of any carrier oil and mix well.
2. Apply this mixture directly to your itching skin and allow it to be absorbed.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this at least once daily.

Why This Works

Tea tree oil is a widely used essential oil for treating a variety of skin ailments. The natural antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil make it suitable to treat acne, wartsⁱ  Small dry lumps that grow hard over time and are commonly black in color. They can grow anywhere on the body. , boils, and even itching skin and rashes (26), (27).

17. Garlic

You Will Need

• 2-3 cloves of garlic
• 1/2 cup of olive oil

What You Have To Do

1. Mince the garlic cloves and heat in a saucepan with half a cup of olive oil. Do not overheat.
2. Allow the oil and garlic to infuse overnight.
3. The next morning, apply this oil to all the affected areas.
4. Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes and then wash it off with water.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this once daily.

Why This Works

Garlic, due to its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, is used to treat various skin and health ailments, including pruritus (28), (29). The topical application of garlic relieves itching skin. Additionally, the presence of olive oil ensures that your skin remains hydrated, thus preventing further drying and itching.

18. Vitamins

In addition to topical home treatments, you should also consider taking some vitamins that are known to alleviate the symptoms of itching. Vitamins A, C, and E can help in the treatment as well as prevention of itching skin.

Vitamin A keeps your skin healthy and nourished by promoting the production and growth of skin cells (30). Vitamin C is responsible for the production of collagen, a protein that is necessary for the healing of your skin (31). Vitamins C and E also exhibit antioxidant properties that can protect your skin from free radical damage (32).

Hence, it is important to increase the intake of these vitamins to assist in the treatment of pruritus. You can either take supplements of these after consulting your doctor or increase your intake of foods rich in these vitamins like eggs, cheese, milk, citrus fruits, leafy green vegetables, and nuts. You can also add a high-quality probiotic as many times, skin issues are directly related to gut health.

19. Herbs

There are several herbs with anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that make them effective remedies for itching skin. These include:

1) Chamomile: It possesses anti-inflammatory properties that may provide relief from itching and irritation (33). It can be used in the form of tea or diluted essential oil for topical application.

2) Lavender: It has strong anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce itching caused by dermatitis (34). You can apply diluted lavender oil to the affected area or add it to a warm bath for relief.

3) Calendula: It has anti-inflammatory properties that may soothe itchy skin. You can use calendula ointments or creams to relieve itching (33).

4) Turmeric: It contains curcumin, which has strong anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce itching (35). Mix turmeric powder with water or coconut oil to create a paste that can help reduce itching and soothe irritated skin.

The above home remedies can come in handy in soothing itching and irritation. While anyone can get itchy skin due to various reasons, uncontrollable itching can get on one’s nerves. Therefore, it’s essential to understand what’s causing your pruritis. Keep reading to understand more about itchy skin and its causes.

What Is An Itch (Pruritus)?

An itch is a sensation that arises from the irritation of the skin or nerve cells.

It is medically known as pruritus. This skin condition could be a result of various factors, a few of which are discussed below.

What Causes Itchy Skin?

The common causes of itchy skin are:

• Dry skin or xerosisⁱ  A temporary skin condition characterized by exceptional dryness in the skin that causes scales to form.
• Skin irritation or rashes
• Internal diseases like liver disease or kidney failure
• Nervous system disorders like multiple sclerosisⁱ  The hardening of a tissue or an entire organ caused by the uncontrolled growth of fibrous tissues. , diabetes, or pinched nerve
• Allergic reaction to wool and chemicals in cosmetics or even soaps
• Reaction to antibiotic, antifungal, or narcotic drugs
• Hormonal changes
• Pregnancy or menopause
• Older age
• Environmental factors, such as air conditioning, washing or bathing too often

Deficiencies of certain nutrients can also lead to itching. Dr. Nadir Qazi, a board-certified physician, says, “Several deficiencies have been known to contribute to itchy skin. For example, vitamin A deficiencies may contribute to itchy skin and can cause the skin to thicken and roughen. Vitamin A can be absorbed easily through the skin in retinoid skin products to remedy this. It may also be consumed through foods high in vitamin A, like sweet potatoes, leafy greens, tomatoes, and squash.”

He continues, “Essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 are essential because the human body cannot produce them. Still, they are vital for the body’s health. For example, the skin can become dry and itchy when essential fatty acids are deficient. Fortunately, these omega-3 fatty acids are easily found in many types of seafood like crab, shrimp, trout, anchovies, and tuna. Likewise, omega-6 is easily found in nuts and seeds like walnuts, cashews, almonds, flax, and sunflower seeds.”

Itching can also be a symptom of serious underlying conditions like cancer. Dr. Qazi says, “Itchy skin can be a symptom of several types of cancer, including several skin cancers like squamous and basal cell carcinomas and some melanomas. Some examples of other types of cancer that may cause itchy skin are Hodgkin’s lymphoma, polycythemia vera, liver cancer, and biliary cancers.”

Stress can also play a major role. Dr. Qazi adds, “Stress releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline that increase neural and sensory responses, causing a heightened awareness of skin sensations, including itchiness. In addition, stress can increase flare-ups of skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, which are characterized by itchy and flaky skin.”

Pruritus is accompanied by the following symptoms.

Signs And Symptoms Of Itchy Skin

You may experience itching in certain body parts, like your arms or legs, or all over your body. This sensation is accompanied by other noticeable changes like:

• Redness and spots
• Bumps or blisters
• Dry and peeling skin
• Scaly skin

Itchy skin can occur over a long period and even interfere with your daily activities. Thus, treating it before it turns into a rash and becomes infected is necessary. If you are among those struggling with dry itchy skin or pruritus, you can try out the following preventive measures.

How To Prevent Itching

The following measures can help in preventing itching:

• Wear loose-fitting, cotton clothing.
• Use a humidifier to keep your surroundings humid and prevent your skin from drying and turning itchy.
• Keep your nails trimmed.
• Shower daily.
• Keep your stress levels under control.
• Limit or avoid intake of caffeine and alcohol.
• Drink lots of water and keep yourself well hydrated.
• Keep your skin moisturized – use a good moisturizer.
• Check for allergic reactions to certain foods like milk, eggs, peanuts, fish, mushrooms, etc., and avoid them.
• Change out potentially chemically harmful household products such as: laundry detergent/softener, dryer sheets, shampoo, soap, lotion etc…to more natural, chemical, and fragrance-free products.

Quick Tip

Bathe with lukewarm, not hot, water. Also, keep your shower or bath to no more than 10 minutes.

When To Visit A Doctor

Visit your skin specialist immediately if the itching:

• Lasts for several weeks
• Doesn’t improve even after self-care
• Is severe
• Begins suddenly without explanation
• Affects the entire body
• Is accompanied by signs of tiredness, weight loss, or fever
• Has turned into an infection or is scarring

Infographic: Top Oils That Can Relieve Itching Quickly

Hold your temptation to scratch your skin so hard that it starts to peel off. We have the quick fix you need to feel better. Certain plant oils are packed with nourishing fatty acids and packed with beneficial properties that can relieve itching and protect your skin from any infection.

Check out the infographic below to learn more about the best natural oils you can apply on your skin to get rid of this skin condition.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to be allergic to water?

As surprising as it sounds, some people are indeed allergic to water. This condition is called aquagenic urticariaⁱ  A clinical condition in which the skin develops hives upon coming in contact with water. This is usually found on the chest, and pelvis. . Individuals affected by this condition tend to develop hives when they come in contact with water.

Can dry skin cause itching?

Yes. In fact, dry skin is one of the major causes of itchy skin or pruritus. Hence, keep your skin well-moisturized to overcome this.

What foods cause skin itching?

Eggs, shellfish, and cow milk can cause itching as the result of an allergic reaction (36), (37), (38).

Is Vaseline good for itchy skin?

Dry skin is one of the causes of itching. Hence, Vaseline can moisturize your skin and reduce itching associated with the dryness.

Does turmeric stop skin itching?

Studies suggest that topical turmeric formulations may be what stops itching fast, or at least reduce itching caused by eczema (39). However, it is best to consult a doctor before using this remedy for treating itchy skin.

Is curd good for skin allergies?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the probiotics in curd may help soothe your itching. However, more scientific studies are warranted in this regard.

Can low iron cause itchy skin?

Yes, studies suggest that individuals with anemia may suffer from itchy and irritated skin. However, further studies are needed to understand this association further (36).

What can I drink to stop itching?

You can drink herbal teas like chamomile and consume apple cider vinegar, as they contain antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe and calm irritated skin.

Illustration: Effective Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Itching Skin

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Quickly cure your itchy skin with these easy home remedies! Watch this video to learn how to soothe and relieve your skin and keep it calm in no time.

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Reviewer Expert Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Abby KramerDC

   

Dr. Kramer has 7 years of experience as a Chiropractor + Holistic Physician practicing in the Chicagoland area. She has been featured in various publications, including The Huffington Post, Bustle, E Health Radio Network, and the American Chiropractic Association Journal of Rehabilitation.

Read full bio of Dr. Abby Kramer

• 
  Dr. Nadir QaziDO, doctor of osteopathic medicine Dr. Nadir Qazi, DO, has over 6 years of experience in cosmetic dermatology and plastic surgery. He is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and an instructor for advanced injections and laser techniques. He is well-known among celebrities and elite models for his promising liposuction results and his innovative facial contouring technique known as the HD Lift™.
  
  Dr. Nadir Qazi, DO, has over 6 years of experience in cosmetic dermatology and plastic surgery. He is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and an instructor for advanced injections and laser techniques. He is well-known among celebrities and elite models for his promising liposuction results and his innovative facial contouring technique known as the HD Lift™.

Shaheen NaserHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Shaheen holds a postgraduate degree in Human Genetics and Molecular Biology from Bharathiar University. She is a Geneticist with proficiency in Biotechnology, Immunology, Medical Genetics, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Genetic Counseling.

Read full bio of Shaheen Naser

Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

Read full bio of Anjali Sayee

Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.

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