If you’ve ever dealt with that maddening itch that just won’t quit, you’re not alone. It’s like an annoying roommate that disrupts your daily life and keeps you up at night, making you feel like you’re losing your mind. Now, this itch can come from various sources – skin conditions like eczema, allergies, or other causes.
But here’s the good news: there’s light at the end of the itchy tunnel. In this article, we’ll explore all sorts of treatment of uncontrollable itching.
From simple, soothing home remedies to fancy medical solutions, we’re here to help you scratch that itch off your list of worries and get back to feeling comfortable and relaxed.
Peace of mind is just around the corner!
Home Remedies for Treatment of Uncontrollable Itching
1. Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol
If you’re dealing with uncontrollable itching, you might want to reconsider that late-night cup of coffee or a glass of wine. Caffeine and alcohol can dilate your blood vessels causing them to open up and sending more blood to your skin potentially worsening the itch.
In addition, other eatables like tomatoes, chocolate, citric fruits, spices, coffee, tea, cola, beer, milk, and other dairy products may also aggravate the itching.1
2. Use the Right Soap
Choose your soap wisely keeping the following things in mind:
- Opt for fragrance-free and hypoallergenic options or a non-soap cleanser for dry and itchy skin skin fragrances can sometimes irritate sensitive skin, worsening the itch.
- Look for a soap labeled “moisturizing” or “hydrating” as these formulations often contain ingredients like glycerin and shea butter to help replenish your skin’s moisture barrier.
- Avoid harsh soaps that contain strong detergents or sulfates, as they can strip your skin of its natural oils, exacerbating dryness and itching.
Consider consulting a dermatologist for personalized recommendations to find the best soap that suits your specific skin needs and addresses your itching concerns.
3. Moisturize with Care
Keep your skin hydrated with fragrance-free, alcohol-free moisturizing lotions especially if you have conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea.
Different moisturizers cater to specific skin needs which you can read later in the document. Apply these moisturizers during the day and immediately after bathing to lock in the moisture.
4. Cool Compresses
Before bedtime, give your itchy skin some relief with cool compresses. They can help reduce the urge to scratch and soothe irritation. Just grab a clean cloth, dampen it with cool water, and apply it to the affected area.
5. Lukewarm Baths
While long hot baths might sound tempting, they can strip your skin of its natural moisture. Instead, opt for lukewarm water and consider adding colloidal oatmeal to your bath. It can help soothe itching and keep your skin happy.
6. Shorten Shower Time
Long showers may feel relaxing, but they can lead to dry and itchy skin.
Try to limit your bath or shower to around 10 minutes. This helps to prevent the removal of natural moisturizing factors from your skin thus helping in the treatment of uncontrollable itching.
7. Control Your Environment
Maintaining a comfortable environment is essential in treating dry and itchy skin.
High humidity can cause the growth of harmful bacteria, dust mites, and molds in the room causing itching associated with allergies. Moreover, eczema is less common in areas with higher outdoor humidity levels and is associated with low indoor humidity and higher temperatures often associated with central heating.2
Therefore, avoiding extreme temperatures, keeping your bedroom temperature preferably below 70°F, and maintaining “neutral” humidity levels between 30% to 50% may prevent further irritation, especially if you have dry skin or eczema.3
8. Choose the Right Clothing
Wearing loose-fitting, cotton clothes can prevent irritation. Rough fabrics like wool can aggravate your skin and make itching worse. Opt for comfort to keep that itch at bay.
9. Stress Reduction
Stress may provide temporary relief but it can worsen the problem by making the itching worse and damaging the skin to cause infections.
Do your best to resist the urge to scratch by adopting relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation before bedtime. It can help calm your mind and body, reducing the urge to scratch.
10. Nail Care
Trim your fingernails regularly, and if you can’t resist the urge to scratch, consider wearing gloves to bed. This prevents damage to your skin and ensures you wake up without new itchy surprises.
Treatment Options for Uncontrollable Itching
The treatment for uncontrollable itching depends on its root cause. Here are some options your doctor might consider:
1. Topical Medications
a. Anti-itch creams
Anti-itch creams can provide immediate relief when used for the treatment of uncontrollable itching.
Your doctor may recommend topical medications like corticosteroids, calamine, pramoxine, permethrin, etc. for relief.
Over-the-counter lotions like calamine or pramoxine don’t just provide instant relief from itching, they’re also packed with some skin-loving ingredients such as aloe vera, glycerin, and paraffin, giving your skin a much-needed moisture boost.
Consider trying a cream containing mild-moderately potent steroids, which can calm inflamed and itchy skin by inhibiting inflammatory responses in the body.
However, steroid-containing creams should not be applied to all areas of your body. Many over-the-counter options are available, but be cautious with creams containing steroids. They should be used for the shortest possible time (typically not more than a month) and then discontinued to avoid potential side effects.
Applying topical antihistamines directly to the itchy area may be a better choice than oral antihistamines to avoid side effects associated with the latter.
b. Plant-derived products
Plant-based products like aloe vera gel can work wonders for itchy skin by retaining moisture in addition to other properties.
Colloidal oatmeal extract has been proven to significantly reduce the negative effects of inflammatory factors on the skin barrier, making it a valuable option for soothing itchy skin.4
There are several other plant-based ingredients present in the formulations available in the market that may help for the treatment of uncontrollable itching.
| Plant-Derived Ingredient | Common Uses |
| Aloe Vera | Alleviating itchiness, skin irritation |
| Chamomile | Relieving itching, soothing skin |
| Lavender | Alleviating itching, providing a pleasant scent |
| Tea Tree Oil | Easing itch from insect bites, minor skin irritations |
| Peppermint | Providing relief from heat-related itching, sunburn |
| Oatmeal (Colloidal) | Relieving itching, soothing irritated skin |
| Witch Hazel | Reducing itching, inflammation |
| Coconut Oil | Relieving dryness, itching |
Plant-Derived Ingredients for Itch Control
c. Moisturizers
Moisturizers can be your best friend in the fight against itching. They help your skin retain moisture and feel hydrated, reducing dryness and itchiness thus aiding the treatment of uncontrollable itching.
The choice of moisturizer depends on the cause of your skin dryness. For example, moisturizers containing paraffin, vegetable or mineral oils, and petroleum jelly may be ideal to soothe itching associated with dry and cracked skin. These ingredients create a protective layer over the skin to prevent the loss of moisture.
The moisturizers containing glycerin, hyaluronic acid, dimethicone, etc. help repair the skin barrier and can be used as moisturizers for oily men skin.
On the other hand, moisturizers with glycerin, urea, or lactate may help by absorbing moisture from the external environment or deeper layers of the skin.
Apply these products on damp skin for better absorption and reapply throughout the day as needed.
Consult a dermatologist to find the best option for your skin.
2. Oral medications
Oral antihistamines can also be effective, especially if your itching is due to allergies. However, they may cause drowsiness, so they’re best used before bedtime. Here are some options your doctor might prescribe:
Antihistamines:
- Hydroxyzine
- Cetirizine & Levocetirizine
- Loratadine & Desloratadine
- Fexofenadine
Mast cell stabilizers like ketotifen and cromolyn can be helpful for the treatment of uncontrollable itching associated with allergies. Leukotriene antagonists like montelukast may also be used in such cases.
Ivermectin and melatonin can be used for specific cases, and drugs for anxiety, depression, or psychological disorders may also come into play. Antidepressants may help manage itching, particularly in chronic cases.
When to See a Doctor for Treatment of Uncontrollable Itching?
Sometimes, itching can be pretty annoying and can’t be controlled with the above options. Some signs may indicate that it’s time to consult a medical expert when the itching is:
- Not controlled with the above measures
- Long-lasting or recurring
- Interferes with sleep
- Associated with other symptoms like fever, body aches, rash, weakness, depressed mood, weight loss or loss of appetite
Now that you’re armed with these techniques, you’re better equipped to tackle the persistent itchiness that’s been driving you crazy. Remember, everyone’s skin is unique, so it may take some trial and error to find the best approach for your specific situation. Don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional if your itching persists or worsens.
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