It happens every year without fail. The weather starts getting colder and suddenly my skin is dry, itchy, and a total pain! I’ve definitely started to feel it this past week, so I have been looking for relief anywhere and everywhere! I actually learned quite a bit about itchiness while searching for remedies, and it turns out one of the most common causes of itching is actually due to stress and anxiety. I didn’t know that! Of course dry skin (xerosis) is another frequent cause of itchiness, but I’m definitely not ruling out the stress as a contributing cause!
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But regardless of why your skin is itchy, there are LOTS of good home remedies to help control itch. Try a few and figure out what works best for your skin!
23 Natural Remedies For Dry, Itchy Skin
—Bathing
1. Baking Soda Bath
Soaking in a bath of baking soda for 30-60 minutes can make all the difference. Add one cup baking soda to a tub of warm water. After the bath, it is important to gently pat your skin dry with a towel (or air-dry). For more localized itching you can make a paste of 1 part water to 3 parts baking soda.
Related: Surprising Uses For Baking Soda That Have Nothing To Do With Baking
2. Oatmeal
Mixing oatmeal in water and spreading it on irritated skin can also be cooling and soothing. Add 2 cups of colloidal oatmeal to a lukewarm bath and soak to soothe itchy skin. Avoid using very hot water, as it can irritate the skin and cause it to itch more.
3. Cold Water
Because cold and itch travel along the same nerve fibers, the use of cold can “jam the circuits” and deaden itch. Cool showers or baths or even ice packs can be an instant remedy for itchy skin. Again, hot water feels good temporarily, but it often leaves you feeling itchier later.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
If you have a small patch of dry, itchy skin, dot vinegar on the spot with a cotton ball. If you’re experiencing all-over itching and dryness, add two or three cups of vinegar to your bath water and soak for 15 to 30 minutes.
Related: 28 Surprising Ways You Can Benefit From Apple Cider Vinegar
5. Milk and Honey
Pour some milk into a bowl, dip a clean white washcloth into the milk and apply it to the dry itchy skin patch for 5 minutes. Milk has anti-inflammatory properties that often remove the itch from dry skin. Milk is very soothing to inflamed, dry, itchy skin. A milk bath once in a month can also help.
OR
Lightly heat 2 teaspoons of honey and apply it to skin while warm. Leave it on for 15 minutes, and then wash it off. Honey helps lock in moisture, has antioxidant and anti-microbial properties, which is why it’s found in so many over-the-counter skincare products.
Related: The Benefits Of Manuka Honey
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—Oils
6. Essential Oils
There are many good essential oils with anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that have the ability to give relief to itchy skin and alleviate irritations. (I’ve been using LOTS of Lavender lately!) You can add them to your bath water or apply directly on your skin. Just make sure to follow the dosage recommendations exactly as directed on the package.
The following are some of the best essential oils for itchy skin: Agrimony oil, Basil oil, Bay leaf oil, Calendula oil, Chamomile oil, Chickweed oil, Clove oil, Geranium oil, Jewelweed oil, Lavender oil, Neem oil, Nettle oil, Peppermint oil, Rosemary oil, Thyme oil
7. Oil Therapy
Rub on some olive, almond or sesame oil and massage lightly on to your hands, legs and the rest of your body before heading for a shower. If time permits, heat the oil and then apply. Post shower, use a light moisturizer/sunscreen, because winter sun isn’t any less harsh.
8. Coconut Oil
The driest of the dry winter skin usually occurs on the heels, hands and elbows. Use coconut oil to spot-treat these areas overnight, and you should see significant improvement in the morning. Soak in a lukewarm bath until your fingers shrivel, this indicates that the skin is full hydrated. Pat skin dry, but leave slightly damp. Put a thick layer of coconut oil on heels, hands and elbows, covering the greased areas with socks, gloves and long sleeved pajama top, and go to bed. You should have a restful itch-free night of sleep and improved skin in the morning.
Related: 35 Surprising Uses For Coconut Oil That Will Change Your Life
—Fruits
9. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice can be directly applied on itchy skin to relieve the irritation. You may want to avoid this one if you have been scratching a lot.
10. Coconut Milk
Coconut milk not only reduces skin dryness, but also helps combat dark spots and blemishes. Rub it onto your face and body, and leave it overnight.
11. Dried Fruits
A diet rich in Vitamin A, B and E is also a dry skin remedy as deficiency of these vitamins lead to dry skin. Dry fruits help to retain moisture in the skin. Consuming dry fruits regularly can help in treating extremely dry skin.
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—Herbs & Spices
12. Juniper Berries
Juniper Berries contain anti-inflammatory, volatile substances. And cloves contain eugenol which numb nerve endings, so the combination of the two can help end an itch. Make a salve of both spices by melting 3 ounces of unsalted butter in a saucepan. In a separate pan, melt a lump of beeswax — about the amount of 2 tablespoons. When the beeswax has melted, combine with butter and stir well. Add 5 tablespoons ground juniper berries and 3 teaspoons ground cloves to the mixture and stir. Allow to cool and apply to itchy skin. (Note: It is best to grind the spices at home because the volatile substances are preserved better in whole berries and cloves.)
13. Basil
Basil contains high amounts of eugenol, a topical anesthetic. Place 1/2 ounce dried basil leaves in a 1-pint jar of boiling water. Keep it covered to prevent the escape of the aromatic eugenol from the tea. Allow to cool. Dip a clean cloth into the tea and apply to itchy skin as often as necessary.
14. Mint
Mint contains significant amounts of menthol, which has anesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties when applied topically. To make a mint tea rinse, place 1 ounce dried mint leaves in 1 pint boiling water. Cover and allow to cool. Strain, dip a clean cloth in the tea, and apply to the itchy area when necessary.
15. Thyme
Thyme contains large amounts of the volatile constituent thymol, which also has anesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties. It numbs the itch while reducing inflammation caused by scratching. To make a thyme rinse, place 1/2 ounce dried thyme leaves in a 1-pint jar of boiling water. Cover and allow to cool. Strain and dip a clean cloth into the tea, then apply to affected areas.
—Natural Moisturizers
16. Aloe Vera
Slice a piece of aloe, squeeze all the gel out and apply to itchy skin. It will not only moisturise your skin, it will also form a protective layer that will keep impurities from entering your pores. Although aloe is a good skin hydrant, it can leave your skin feeling tight. So you might want to also put on moisturizer.
17. Beeswax
A combination of honey, olive oil, and beeswax can provide significant benefit to people suffering from eczema or psoriasis. Combining equal parts of raw (unprocessed) honey, beeswax, and olive oil. Melt the beeswax in a small pan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Once melted, remove it from the heat and mix in the honey, then the olive oil, stirring the mixture until well blended. While the mixture is still warm, pour it into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. The mixture should keep for up to three months. A few drops of vitamin E oil (from a gel cap) may be added to each batch for longer shelf life, and to enhance its healing properties.
Related: 21 Brilliant Benefits Of Beeswax
18. Glycerin
Glycerin is a humectant (draws water to your body) and has a cooling, hydrating effect on the skin which is why it is used so prevalently in soap and skin care products. Combine with rose water for even better results.
—Lifestyle
19. Cotton Clothing
Avoid wearing wool and polyester and other synthetic materials, as they can cause skin to itch. 100% cotton clothing can often help an itchy situation.
20. Avoid Scented Soap
Wash your clothing in unscented detergent. Scented detergent may contain chemicals and other irritants that make skin itch. Unscented detergent is more gentle and will help allow skin to heal.
21. Humidify Your Environment
Sleep with a humidifier in your room. A humidifier releases water into the air, which can be absorbed by your itchy skin, which will soothe it.
22. Drink More Water
Drink lots of water to keep skin hydrated. Moreover water helps to remove toxins through urine. Excessive toxin levels in the body may create irritation and itchiness.
23. Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol
Alcohol and drinks high in caffeine are dehydrating and can make itching worse!
So there you have it, more information than you ever thought there was to know about relieving the torment of itchy skin. :-) If you’re suffering from the “agony of itch” like me, stop the madness and try one of these remedies today!
Foderma is the best serum for extremely dry skin. It was recommended by my son’s pediatrician for severe diaper rash 26 years ago and I use it from everything from chapped lips to foot care.
I have the issue of itching for past many days and I was looking for natural remedies. Thanks for sharing, I will try baking soda remedy.
i guess soap was the problem, thanks for sharing.
I live in Colorado where it’s very dry and the water is hard and full of minerals which contributes to dry skin,
I use gloves for cleaning and dish washing most of the time.
I use mild body washes and now I put them in foaming containers so they’re watered down and last longer – and don’t leave soap scum behind.
Most commercial laundry products, even the “unscented” products, are laced with toxic ingredients which you really don’t want touching your skin. Avoid all liquid fabric softeners and dryer sheets. Buy a good quality, organic laundry detergent. Before you use it, wash your laundry in water only, no detergents or any other laundry additives. You will be amazed at how much the water suds! When you do use detergent, use only about half of what’s recommended. Put 1/4 – 1/2 c vinegar in the final rinse, which helps tremendously with static, and softens the laundry. For the dryer, purchase some of… Read more »
I do have to watch it with bath soaps, hand soap, laundry soap etc. I’m thinking part of it might be due to food allergies. I’ve hearc that if your gluten sensitive it can wreak havoc on your skin. I’m definetly going to try and get tested for allergies. My first test for it came back negative. I’m dealing with a major health issue right now. Hoping this doesn’t turn out to be Celiac.
Hi Christy,
I am not Celiac but have sensitivity to both gluten and soy. I essentially switched my entire house over to Melaleuca products, ie: laundry, dish, toothpaste, carpet cleaner, make up etc. and it has made a world of difference. Just removing the toxins from my home has helped my entire family including our pets.
I have found that since I’ve been showering with a home made soap, I don’t suffer with dry itchy skin anymore. I’ve learned to make my own now, using only olive oil, water and lye. I think all the additives in soaps cause me so many problems (including soap scum on my shower walls!); I still can’t wash dishes because I haven’t managed to find a dishwashing liquid that doesn’t ‘eat’ my skin. For hand washing I grate 10g or 2 teaspoons of my soap into a foaming dispenser topped with water, and instead of my hands feeling dry when… Read more »
Remember certain perscription drugs can cause itching too. Codeine can cause horrible itching so can certain illnesses like Fibromyalgia. People with arthritis might want to avoid cold water which can make joints ache. And many people who are trying to save money or just don’t like marinating in their own filth shower and never take a tub bath.
This suggestion is not for vegetarians…bacon grease rubbed into feet is wonderful to soften dry heels and callouses. It sinks in quickly (unlike Vaseline) and the odor does not linger. Put on soft cotton socks for a few minutes until the bacon grease is absorbed into the skin. Your feet will feel soft for a day or so, even after showering.
Thanks for doing a post on this.. I’ve struggled with this ugly eczema itchy rash on my legs that hasn’t gone away . I’ve tried everything over the past few years. I’ve been talking to others.and I’ve heard gliuten sensitivities can cause it. I agree with what Jillee is saying about the dry air out in Utah. I always have to pack a good lotion even in the warmer weather when I visit family in that area..The climate of where you live can a factor too.
I had a horrible outbreak of eczema on my shins and arms a few years ago after an unfortunate experience with some over-age (and probably mold- or microbe-harboring) baby oil. Having had eczema for >60 years, I was familiar with itching and its treatments, but this was beyond my skills. A dermatologist recommended occlusive dressings for an hour, twice a day: rub a cortisone cream onto the affected area (he prescribed Triamcinalone 0.1%, but if you want to avoid steroids I think you could use any moisturizing balm or lotion), cover with a dampened cloth (I used paper towels), cover… Read more »