Skin, Itchy
Natural Remedies

  1. Home
  2. Ailments

Itchy Skin Relief: Natural Remedies and Causes

| Modified on Jun 08, 2026
Add New Post Comments

Itchy skin, also called pruritus, can range from a mild annoyance to a relentless problem that disrupts sleep, damages the skin from scratching, and affects daily life. It may come from dry skin, eczema, allergies, fungal irritation, insect bites, nerve irritation, chemical sensitivity, food reactions, liver or kidney issues, thyroid imbalance, medications, or unknown causes.

Earth Clinic readers have shared many practical approaches for itchy skin, including coconut oil bathing, apple cider vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, homeopathic sulphur, liver support, gluten-free diet, ice packs, dry brushing, cayenne, and hydration. Some remedies are aimed at quick itch relief, while others focus on underlying triggers such as dryness, chemical exposure, diet, or liver stress.

This guide explains the most useful natural remedies for itchy skin, how readers use them, when to investigate deeper causes, and when itching should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

At a Glance

  • Best Fast Relief: Cool compresses, ice packs, diluted apple cider vinegar, baking soda paste, and peppermint lotion
  • Best for Dry Itchy Skin: Coconut oil bathing, lukewarm showers, reduced soap use, and bland moisturizers
  • Reader Favorites: Grandmother Guffy coconut oil method, apple cider vinegar, homeopathic sulphur, baking soda, dry brushing, and liver support
  • Possible Internal Causes: Liver, kidney, thyroid, anemia, bile flow, medications, pregnancy-related bile issues, gluten sensitivity, or systemic illness
  • Seek Medical Care: Severe, unexplained, whole-body, nighttime, persistent, or rash-free itching that does not improve

Quick Nav

Common Causes of Itchy Skin

Itchy skin is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Sometimes the cause is obvious, such as dry winter skin or a rash after using a new laundry detergent. Other times, itching occurs without a clear rash and may require deeper investigation.

Common External Triggers

  • Dry skin from hot showers, soap, cold weather, or aging
  • Fragrance, laundry products, fabric finishes, and cleaning chemicals
  • Poison ivy, plants, insects, mites, or parasites
  • Fungal irritation or athlete’s foot
  • Eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, or hives
  • Heat, sweating, tight clothing, or friction

Common Internal Triggers

  • Food sensitivities, including gluten sensitivity in some people
  • Liver or bile flow issues
  • Kidney disease
  • Thyroid disease
  • Anemia or iron imbalance
  • Medication reactions
  • Pregnancy-related cholestasis or bile changes
  • Nerve-related itching such as brachioradial pruritus

When Itching May Signal Something Deeper

Many itchy skin problems are mild and skin-related, but persistent or unexplained itching can sometimes reflect an internal condition. Mayo Clinic notes that itching can be associated with conditions such as dermatitis, kidney disease, anemia, and thyroid disease, and that liver or kidney disorders and thyroid conditions may be part of an itch workup.

Several Earth Clinic readers also reported severe itching that seemed connected to liver stress, bile issues, medication use, pregnancy, or chemical exposure. These reports are not a diagnosis, but they are important reminders that chronic itching deserves attention when it does not respond to simple skin care.

Ask a Doctor About Itching If You Have:

  • Itching that lasts more than a few weeks
  • Severe nighttime itching that disrupts sleep
  • Whole-body itching without a clear rash
  • Itching with fatigue, weight loss, fever, night sweats, or swollen lymph nodes
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, or right upper abdominal pain
  • Swelling, shortness of breath, or reduced urination
  • Pregnancy with intense itching, especially on hands or feet
  • New itching after starting a medication or supplement

Liver disease can include itchy skin among other symptoms such as jaundice, dark urine, pale stool, swelling, fatigue, nausea, appetite loss, and easy bruising, while chronic kidney disease can also be associated with severe itching.

Reader reports suggest that itchy skin often improves when both the skin barrier and the underlying trigger are addressed. For some, the key is stopping hot showers and soap. For others, it is diluted apple cider vinegar, liver support, a gluten-free diet, or a cooling remedy that interrupts the itch-scratch cycle.

Coconut Oil Bathing Method

Best For: Dry, itchy, ashy, soap-stripped skin.

Reader Theme: Massage coconut oil into dry skin before a lukewarm rinse and reduce soap use.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Best For: Itchy arms, itchy feet, skin irritation, suspected surface microbes, and recurring itch patches.

Reader Theme: Dilute ACV topically or use small amounts in baths; some also take ACV internally.

Baking Soda

Best For: Localized itching, irritation, or burning itch.

Reader Theme: A paste can burn briefly but may calm itching for some people. Use cautiously and rinse off quickly if it stings.

Homeopathic Sulphur

Best For: Itching worsened by heat or water in reader reports.

Reader Theme: Several readers reported fast relief or gradual improvement with homeopathic sulphur.

Liver Support and Diet Changes

Best For: Chronic, unexplained, nighttime, or whole-body itching where internal causes may be involved.

Reader Theme: Milk thistle, dandelion, selenium-rich foods, reduced sugar, and gluten elimination helped some readers.

Grandmother Guffy’s Coconut Oil Bathing Method

One of the most loved Earth Clinic posts for itchy skin is the “Grandmother Guffy” bathing method. The reader described a grandmother with soft, smooth skin into old age who avoided long hot baths, avoided hot water, and used coconut oil before a brief rinse rather than relying on harsh soap and lotions.

This approach is especially relevant for dry itchy skin because hot water and soap can strip the skin barrier. Once the barrier is damaged, skin loses moisture more easily and becomes more reactive to friction, fabric, sweat, and chemicals.

Grandmother Guffy-Inspired Method

  1. Before showering, massage 2 to 3 tablespoons of coconut oil over dry skin, avoiding the face if acne-prone or sensitive.
  2. Let the oil soak in for about 5 minutes.
  3. Use a clean dry washcloth to gently scrub the body.
  4. Rinse in lukewarm to cool water.
  5. Use only mild cleanser where truly needed.
  6. Pat skin barely dry and allow a light oil residue to remain.

If coconut oil does not agree with your skin, consider olive oil, sesame oil, jojoba oil, or another tolerated oil. Avoid oils on infected, weeping, or severely inflamed skin unless approved by a clinician.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Itchy Skin

Apple cider vinegar is one of the most commonly discussed Earth Clinic remedies for itchy skin. Readers have used it topically for itchy arms, itchy feet, skin irritation, suspected parasites, and recurring itchy patches. Some use it in baths, some dilute it 50/50 with water, and others dab it directly when desperate.

One reader reported intense itchy arms with sores and a crawling sensation. After ACV baths, topical ACV, and internal ACV, the itching and sores reportedly improved significantly within several days. Another reader reported that diluted ACV helped itchy skin heal when used consistently several times a day. A reader with itchy feet soaked in undiluted ACV for immediate relief, though this may be too strong for sensitive skin.

Diluted ACV Itch Rinse

  • Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water.
  • Apply to the itchy area with a cotton pad or cloth.
  • Let dry or rinse after several minutes if it stings.
  • Repeat as tolerated.

ACV Bath Option

  • Add 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar to a bath.
  • Soak briefly in lukewarm water.
  • Pat dry and apply a gentle moisturizer or oil.

Caution: ACV can burn broken, scratched, freshly shaved, or inflamed skin. Always dilute for sensitive areas and stop if burning is strong or persistent.

Baking Soda for Itchy Skin

Baking soda is another popular reader remedy for itchy skin. It may help some types of itching by temporarily changing skin surface pH, calming irritation, or drying weepy areas. However, it can also burn or over-dry the skin if used too strongly.

One reader with intense itching and irritation reported that a 50/50 baking soda and water paste burned badly and was washed off quickly, but the next day was the first itch-free day in weeks. Another reader used baking soda with hydrogen peroxide for an itchy cracked area between the fingers and reported several days without itching afterward.

Simple Baking Soda Paste

  1. Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to make a paste.
  2. Apply only to the itchy area.
  3. Leave on briefly.
  4. Rinse off if it burns, stings, or dries the skin too much.
  5. Moisturize afterward if needed.

Caution: Avoid baking soda on large areas, open wounds, deep cracks, genitals, severe eczema, infants, or very sensitive skin unless approved by a healthcare provider.

Hydrogen Peroxide for Itchy Skin

Hydrogen peroxide appears in reader reports when itching feels infected, fungal, or like “bugs under the skin.” Some readers use it before baking soda, borax, or other topical remedies. It may temporarily disinfect the surface, but it can also damage healing skin cells and worsen irritation if overused.

For small localized areas, regular 3% hydrogen peroxide may be dabbed briefly and then rinsed or followed with a soothing moisturizer. Avoid repeated use on large areas or already damaged skin.

Hydrogen Peroxide Caution

Do not use high-strength peroxide on itchy skin. Avoid peroxide on deep cracks, large areas, severe eczema, burns, or wounds that need to heal.

Homeopathic Sulphur for Itchy Skin

Several Earth Clinic readers reported relief from homeopathic sulphur, especially when itching was worsened by heat or water. One reader with long-term arm itching reported that Boiron Sulphur helped within minutes and was then used more frequently at first, then reduced as symptoms improved. Another reader with severe redness, swelling, and itching reported noticeable improvement after starting homeopathic sulphur.

Reader-Reported Pattern

  • Itching worsened by heat or water
  • Arms, hands, or broader skin involvement
  • Initial frequent dosing followed by tapering as symptoms improved
  • Often used alongside other changes such as reducing chemical exposure or liver support

Homeopathic remedies are individualized, and results vary. Follow label directions or consult a qualified practitioner.

Liver Support and Itchy Skin

Several Earth Clinic readers connected chronic itching to liver stress or sluggish detoxification. One reader with years of forearm itching reported major improvement after using a liver-support supplement containing herbs such as milk thistle, dandelion root, black radish, burdock, and other nutrients. Another reader reported severe nighttime itching that improved after addressing liver stress, reducing sugar and refined flour, and increasing selenium-rich foods such as Brazil nuts and sweet potatoes.

Itching can occur with liver and bile flow problems, so it is important not to dismiss persistent itching as “just skin.” This is especially true if itching is severe at night, widespread, not accompanied by a clear rash, or accompanied by dark urine, pale stools, jaundice, fatigue, nausea, or abdominal discomfort.

Reader-Inspired Liver Support Ideas

  • Milk thistle
  • Dandelion root
  • Burdock root
  • Black radish root
  • NAC
  • Alpha lipoic acid
  • Brazil nuts for selenium
  • Reducing sugar and refined flour
  • Avoiding unnecessary medication overuse when medically appropriate

Important: Liver-support herbs and supplements may interact with medications or be inappropriate with certain medical conditions. If you suspect liver-related itching, ask a healthcare provider about appropriate testing rather than relying only on supplements.

Gluten-Free Diet for Itchy Skin

Some readers report that eliminating gluten dramatically reduced chronic itching, dermatitis, eczema-like rashes, or hives. One reader reported 11 months of severe itching and sleepless nights before trying a gluten-free diet. Within a week, the itching had nearly disappeared.

Gluten can be relevant for some people with dermatitis herpetiformis, celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, or inflammatory skin reactions. However, not all itchy skin is gluten-related.

How to Trial Gluten Elimination

  • Remove wheat, barley, rye, and obvious gluten sources for several weeks.
  • Read labels carefully.
  • Track itching, rash, digestion, fatigue, and sleep.
  • Discuss celiac testing with a doctor before going gluten-free if celiac disease is suspected.

If you may need celiac testing, ask your doctor first because removing gluten before testing can affect results.

Ice Packs and Cooling Relief

Cooling the skin is one of the fastest ways to interrupt intense itching. Several readers reported using ice packs or frozen vegetables to calm unbearable arm itching, especially at night.

How to Use Ice Safely

  • Wrap ice or a cold pack in a cloth.
  • Apply for 5 to 15 minutes at a time.
  • Remove if skin becomes numb, white, painful, or overly cold.
  • Do not sleep directly on ice without a protective layer.

Ice may be especially useful for nerve-like itching, heat-triggered itching, brachioradial pruritus, or itching that worsens at night.

Dry Brushing for Itchy Skin

One Earth Clinic reader with severe upper-arm itching reported that ice helped temporarily, but dry body brushing helped resolve the problem more sustainably. The reader used a stiff natural bristle brush on dry skin, brushing upward toward the heart before bathing.

Dry Brushing Method

  1. Use a clean natural-bristle brush.
  2. Brush dry skin before bathing.
  3. Use upward strokes toward the heart.
  4. Avoid broken, infected, sunburned, or inflamed skin.
  5. Shower briefly in lukewarm water afterward.
  6. Moisturize if needed.

Dry brushing may not be appropriate for eczema flares, open sores, fragile skin, psoriasis plaques, or active rashes.

Peppermint, Neem and Tea Tree for Itching

Some readers use cooling or antimicrobial botanicals for itchy skin. One reader made a peppermint essential oil lotion for severe arm itching and found it helped when applied before scratching began. Another reader recommended a neem and tea tree toothpaste applied to itchy skin for several hours, describing it as messy but helpful.

Peppermint Itch Lotion

  • Add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to unscented lotion.
  • Apply a small amount to the itchy area.
  • Avoid eyes, genitals, broken skin, and children’s skin unless professionally guided.

Caution: Essential oils can irritate sensitive skin. Always dilute, patch test, and stop if burning or rash occurs.

Cayenne for Nerve-Like Itching

One reader reported years of body itching on normal-looking skin that finally improved after rubbing chili pepper onto the area with a damp cloth. This is similar in concept to capsaicin creams, which may desensitize certain nerve-related itch signals over time.

This approach is not for everyone. Cayenne can burn intensely and should not be used on the face, genitals, broken skin, freshly shaved skin, or sensitive areas.

Cayenne Safety Warning

Cayenne and capsaicin can cause strong burning. Wash hands thoroughly after use and avoid touching the eyes. Start with a tiny test area only.

Hydration and Itchy Skin

Dry, itchy skin can worsen when the body is dehydrated or when the skin barrier is stripped by hot water and soap. Some readers strongly emphasize plain water intake for skin and digestive symptoms. Hydration alone will not fix every cause of itching, but it supports skin function, circulation, and detoxification pathways.

Hydration Basics

  • Drink plain water consistently throughout the day.
  • Increase fluids during heat, sweating, or exercise.
  • Consider electrolytes if increasing water significantly.
  • Do not overdrink water rapidly, especially if you have kidney, heart, or electrolyte issues.

What to Avoid When Skin Itches

Many common habits make itching worse by damaging the skin barrier or increasing inflammation.

  • Hot showers and long baths
  • Harsh soaps and fragranced body washes
  • Fragranced laundry detergents and fabric softeners
  • Scratching until the skin breaks
  • Wool or irritating synthetic fabrics against skin
  • Alcohol-based products on dry or cracked skin
  • Repeated hydrogen peroxide on healing skin
  • Essential oils used undiluted

When to See a Doctor

See a healthcare professional if itchy skin is severe, persistent, unexplained, spreading, or interfering with sleep. A medical workup may include skin examination and tests such as a complete blood count, liver and kidney function tests, thyroid testing, and other testing based on symptoms. Mayo Clinic notes that blood tests, liver and kidney function tests, and thyroid tests may be used when investigating chronic itching. citeturn911266search2

Seek prompt care if itching occurs with jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, fever, weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, shortness of breath, swelling, pregnancy, severe rash, infection, or signs of allergic reaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest natural remedy for itchy skin?

Fast relief often comes from cooling the skin with a cold compress or ice pack, applying diluted apple cider vinegar, using a brief baking soda paste, or applying a diluted peppermint lotion. The best remedy depends on the cause of the itch.

What is the best remedy for dry itchy skin?

For dry itchy skin, readers often report success with coconut oil bathing, lukewarm showers, reduced soap use, and moisturizing immediately after rinsing.

Can apple cider vinegar stop itching?

Some Earth Clinic readers report that diluted apple cider vinegar helps relieve itching and support healing. It should be diluted for sensitive skin and avoided on open, raw, or severely irritated skin.

Can baking soda help itchy skin?

Baking soda paste may calm itching for some people, but it can burn or dry skin. Use briefly, rinse if it stings, and avoid large areas or broken skin.

Can itchy skin be related to the liver?

Yes. Itching can occur with liver or bile flow problems, especially when severe, widespread, or worse at night. Seek medical evaluation if itching is persistent or occurs with jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, fatigue, nausea, or abdominal swelling. citeturn911266search4

Can kidney disease cause itchy skin?

Yes. Chronic kidney disease can be associated with severe itching, sometimes called CKD-associated pruritus. citeturn911266search8

Can thyroid problems cause itchy skin?

Yes. Thyroid disease can affect the skin, hair, and nails, and itchy or dry skin may occur in some thyroid conditions. citeturn911266search0

Can gluten cause itchy skin?

Gluten can contribute to itchy skin in some people, especially those with celiac disease, dermatitis herpetiformis, or gluten sensitivity. If celiac disease is suspected, ask your doctor about testing before removing gluten.

Why is itching worse at night?

Nighttime itching may worsen because of heat, sweating, dry skin, bedding, nerve sensitivity, liver or bile issues, stress, or fewer distractions. Persistent nighttime itching deserves medical evaluation.

Is itching without a rash serious?

Itching without a rash can be mild, but persistent whole-body itching without a visible rash may sometimes reflect internal causes such as liver, kidney, thyroid, blood, medication, or systemic issues. It should be evaluated if it persists.

Final Thoughts

Itchy skin can have many causes, from simple dryness to internal health issues. Earth Clinic readers have found relief with coconut oil bathing, apple cider vinegar, baking soda, homeopathic sulphur, liver support, gluten-free diet, cooling remedies, dry brushing, peppermint, and other approaches.

The best remedy depends on the cause. For dry skin, protect the skin barrier. For nerve-like itching, cooling or capsaicin-type approaches may help. For chronic, nighttime, whole-body, or unexplained itching, investigate deeper causes such as liver, kidney, thyroid, anemia, bile flow, medication reactions, pregnancy-related issues, or food sensitivities.

Continue reading below to discover which itchy skin remedies have helped Earth Clinic readers, and please share your own experience with us.

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Sort by Default New Loved

Alcohol

5 star (1) 
  100%
Write a review
Posted by Rob (Kentucky) on 10/04/2024
 ★★★★★

ALCOHOL (ethyl alcohol – Vodka or rubbing alcohol). – Itchy skin of mysterious origins. – Alcohol, strong: "one application, well rubbed in, cures in 5 minutes.”

I use this technique for when I get bite by a mosquito or itchy skin with no visible cause. I carry a hand sanitizer spray pen for disinfecting my hands which works great for the above purpose.

From the Book: The Medical Genius 4th Ed., page 13, 1894 by Stacy Jones M.D.

Anti-Chlorine Itch Spray

Posted by Michelle (Melbourne, Australia) on 05/31/2015

Hello, I need some help with mixing vitamins and minerals. I would like to make some home made 'swim spray' by mixing vitamin c powder with water for spraying on the body after swimming in a chlorine pool. I'm hoping this will help my daughter (7) to not be so itchy after her swimming lessons. I was wondering if also adding some magnesium oil to the Spray would cause any problems? My daughter thrives after an Epsom salt bath so I hope it would be like an extra boost for her. Would there be any problems mixing the two? Thank you for your advise. I love this site so much. It's been so helpful!

Replied by Timh
(Ky)
05/31/2015
2041 posts

M: The best place to start for skin health is Vit-A & Vit-E and the mineral Selenium works well w/ both, so maybe a very good children's multivitamin/mineral supplement will suffice. As for Vit-C, I would recommend a "C Complex" is C plus citrus bioflavonoids for maximum benefit (taken orally).

Hurray on the Epsom Salts which would probably proof something of the equivalent of Magnesium Oil for topical app.

As for the sensitivity to Chlorine, this could be a sign of Iodine deficiency. Be sure to use Iodized Sea Salt in the kitchen, and also consider supplementing Kelp tablets. Adequate or more than adequate Iodine levels provides a barrier against Chlorine and Bromine found in drinking water and public swimming pools all of which is disastrous on Thyroid function.

As for a topical spray for removing Chlorine, the best solution would be mixing some Sodium Thiosulfate in the water bottle. You can buy ST at fish or aquarium shops as it is sold for "de-chlorination" in water environment. Be careful to make the mix weak to start as ST also can be absorbed into the skin and reduce the good Iodine. Hopefully you will not need this ST spray with these previous suggestions.

Apple Cider Vinegar

5 star (7) 
  70%
4 star (2) 
  20%
1 star (1) 
  10%
Write a review
Posted by Julie (Springfield, Mo) on 07/05/2011
 ★★★★★

I've had good luck with it clearing up itchy skin issues. I dilute Apple Cider Vinegar with water 50/50 and dab it on several times a day, even when it is not itching. Using it consistently is the trick, it takes awhile for it to heal. vinegar will help some with itching but it will help more with healing.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sharon (Nickerson, Ks) on 06/19/2011
 ★☆☆☆☆

I have a question... I have had a place on the back of my right arm and around my neck that have itched for quite awhile... At least 2 yrs or better. Sometimes it worse than other times. I have tried meds from several different drs. With nothing really helping. Lately it's been really bad all day & nite. Will wake me up at nite itching. I scratch until I have little welts or pimple like things. I have tried taking Organic apple cider vinegar internally at least 3x's a day in RO water as well as splashing it on the area, which burns quite a bit. I am looking for some type of home remedy that actually works. I really can't see that the vinegar has helped any. I also use a lotion that a dermatologist perscribed that can be bought over the counter. Any suggestions would be most welcome. Desperate for some relief. Been taking the vinegar for atleast 3 wks. Thanks

Replied by Cathyw
(Encino, Ca)
06/25/2011

Hi Linda, I have the same problem for the last 2 months and immediatly took one of my mothers probiotics. I also saw a message that mentioned apple cider vinegar, honey in water. Figured I have nothing to lose and drank that as well. If this works I will be forever grateful to the two of you. Thanks Cathy W

Replied by Megan
(Glastonbury, Ct, Usa)
07/01/2011

It is important to note that constant symptoms of itching (especially if it is worse at night or in your hands and feet) could be a signal of increased bile levels in the liver. This symptom can emerge during pregnancy as a fetus can put strain on your liver, and can remain after pregnancy if not treated. It can also happen without pregnancy. Ask your doctor to check your bile levels.

Replied by Presouz
(CA)
12/03/2021

Do you know what, if it's been in one spot and it's been there for a long time it could be a Candida rash. You might need to look up oral yeast Removal supplements. I finally got rid of mine after trying everything with some 1% steroid cream from the doctor and some yeast removal powder from the doctor. good luck I know they're not home remedies but sometimes you just have to use big Pharma unfortunately.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Victoria (San Diego, CA) on 07/15/2009
 ★★★★☆

I've had what I think is brachial radial pruritus for about 6 years. I first noticed while living in Thailand during my pregnancy. It is extremely itchy, especially at night and has some relationship with heat and/or humidity and may be related to problems with the cervical disk. The itch is followed by small red bumps on the upper arms and shoulders. No amount of scratching helps and the itch seems to be deep inside the nerves. It is the worst itch ever and will keep you up all night and in tears trying to find relief. The bumps become unsightly and painful from picking and get pin prick like painful impulses going through them when the situation is really inflamed. I tried every product imaginable and the only relief I eventually found was by using ice packs to numb my arms at night until I passed out. In the winter it goes away. Recently I tried ACV as the weather was getting hotter and I could feel it coming on. I don't believe it is curing it, but I think the ACV is helping to minimize the itching and symptoms so that I am not scratching uncontrollably.

I hope to find a cure eventually, but in the meantime this is helping.

Replied by Kiti
(San Diego, CA)
07/28/2009

Try using borax (20 mule or other). First, pour regular over-the-counter hydrogen peroxide on the area, then mix borax with water and pour the solution over the area or use a cotton to rub it on. The peroxide brings whatever is in there out, and the borax kills it. Hope this works. You shouldn't have to be in so much pain.

Lou
(Tyler Tx)
09/08/2020

Thank you so much. I accidentally ate some cookies with soy bean oil and I was itching on my knees and elbows. I used a lotion with manuka honey first, but your remedy gave me relief.

Replied by Clara
(Georgia)
06/17/2017

Mix half white vinegar half alcohol and apply it to the itching.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Marsha (Pittsburgh, PA) on 07/13/2009
 ★★★★★

I used pure apple cider vinegar to cure my itching feet. My feet breakout in tiny itching bumps (not athlete's feet). The itch was so bad, I would scratch until they bled and then still scratched after the bleeding. I soaked my feet in 1 quart of undiluted APV for approx. 30 min. and finally the itching was gone immediately. All the dry dead skin, which I thought had all been scraped off was also gone. I don't know if it should have been diluted, but I was desperate.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sue (Ontario, Canada) on 01/30/2009
 ★★★★★

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. I have not idea why my arms were so itchy. Intense itch that kept my up through the night. Recently i felt a crawling sensation and biting.Yikes! I figured it was some sort of skin parasite(non-contagious) After spending alot of money and going to the doctors , nothing was working.... until a finally stumbled on your site. The first day, i bathed in ACV(1/2 cupt) plus applied it directly.Then i drank it 2x (2 tablespoons) a day, applied it directly 2x a day as well. Now i am on day 6 , and my arms are almost completely healed. lots of sores prior to. little sign of any parasite. God bless you and Thank you!

Replied by Michele
(Madison, Ct)
01/17/2010

what is the best brand of undiluted apple cider vinegar to buy (is this the same as the one you drink or a different version)? Any help asap would be greatly appreciated. I'm scratching as I type : (

EC: An organic brand with "the mother" is typically what people take.

Replied by Jennifer
(Sevierville, Tn)
11/21/2015

Yikes my arms are just as your sound but have been on and off flare ups for 10 years. Currently using prednisone but not working. Read tonight all the body pain and tight chest I am experiencing could be a side effect of it. I plan to stop prednisone tommorrow and give this a try. This itching runs my life and I would and have tried so many things in hoping to resolve it. Thank you for the post. Jen

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mario (London, United Kingdom) on 02/27/2008
 ★★★★★

Yesterday I was terrified with an itch in my but and very stressed to find a solution for my problem. I thought to myself, must have something to put on to finihed or to easy this terrible problem. When searching the net I found Earthclinic, and I try Apple Cider Vineger as a topic solution,its works... and today i am fealing much better, no itchin that's great!! thannk you Earthclinic.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Trish (Kansas City, MO) on 02/24/2008
 ★★★★★

I tried bathing in Apple Cider Vinegar, as suggested by others, and had luck. I added just a 1/4 cup of the raw ACV I always keep in my refridgerator to my bathwater and laid in it for about half an hour. I felt immediate relief after getting out of the tub. I still have just a slight itching today, but it is remarkably better.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Tim (Kent, WA) on 11/18/2007
 ★★★★★

I have been on acid reflux medications for a year and a half. First I was on Ranitidine, then Prevacid, then Omeprazole, which I take each night just before I go to bed. I also have been using HCTZ and Lisinopril for high blood pressure. Recently, for about 6 weeks I got very sick. I felt dizzy, nausea, headache, and lost appetite completely. I went 5 days with almost no food and lost about 10 lbs in 10 days. I changed diet, tried everything but nothing worked. At the end of this episode I would get the "feeling" of high fever in my head plus headache. I also felt very cold and had to crank up the heat quite a bit. However, every time I took my temperature it was totally normal. If I took Advil or Tylenol for headache it didn't do anything because I really didn't had a headache or temperature, it was something else. In addition to all this, I also had severe itching all over my body as soon as I went to bed. It lasted for about 30-60 minutes. There was no redness or any other marks on my body.....just plain itching.

My doctor finally told me to get off of Omeprazole. The next day was a new day in my life. All the symptoms were completely gone as if were never sick in the first place. The nightly itching also went away completely the night I skipped Omeprazole. My doctor correctly predicted that it may take up to 7 days to get rid of all the symptoms. Well, on the second day some of the symptoms came back but at half the strength and things got progressively better each day. The bad thing was that my acid reflux really started to bother me the second day (48 hrs after quitting Omeprazole). I had lot of chest pain and rumbling activity in my stomach.... like a little storm inside my stomach. Unlike other people I do not have heartburn from acid reflux. I have chest pains in different part of my chest or sometime stomach. I also experience bloating and gas.

I found earthclinic.com and tried 1 tsp of Apple Cider Vinegar in 1 cup of water and it worked immediately. Three hours later the acid reflux came back and I experienced a lot of discomfort. I took another dose (1 tsp in 1 cup of water) and the rest of the night was perfect with no problems. The following day I increased the dosage to 1 TBSP of ACV in 1 cup of filtered water 3x a day just before each meal and have been using this dosage daily. So it took practically took one day for ACV to do its magic. For the past 10 days I feel I have acid reflux totally under control. My blood pressure is also going down every day. I expect to be off of blood pressure medication soon. As an added bonus the acne on my back is finally under control. I was on antibiotics for 15 years until I found a supplemental milk shake that helped me get off of antibiotics for the past 3 years. I had to stop using it to figure out what was causing my sickness and the acne flared up again. I read about hydrogen peroxide on this site and that worked amazingly well on the acne on my back. So the combination of hydrogen peroxide and ACV is working great.

I do feel some affect of ACV on the back of my tongue or sometimes in my throat. Luckily, in 10 days it is not too bad, maybe because I only use 1 TBSP instead of 2. My doctor has approved ACV and said that it doesn't have any harmful affects so I am free to try it for acid reflux. However, the doctor clearly said NO BAKING SODA because of high blood pressure. I see that baking soda and sea salt is mentioned a lot on this site to help reduce the acid taste but some of us can't use baking soda or salt. Does anyone have any suggestions? If you do, please email me. Because of sugar I would rather not use too much honey or apple juice if I can help it because I am taking this 3x times a day but if I have to then I will. May be I can add only a little bit apple juice in water rather than adding ACV to apple juice directly. Not sure if that's OK. If you could share any personal experiences in this regard that would be great. Thanks.

Replied by Lou
(Tyler, Tx)
02/26/2012

I was allergic to Omeprazole too. I believe it was red dye in the medication (a known carcinogen).

Replied by Kaybee
(Mountain City, Tn)
07/17/2013

try mixing 1 tsp of ACV in 16 oz of water and drink through the day. Some say this takes the need of baking soda away while still keeping the reflux under control. The vinegar keeps ph under control. Keep up the good work!

Replied by Kelly
(Auckland, Nz)
02/01/2014

Thanks for that. I've been on omeprazole for about 3 years now and would love to come off it, but everytime I don't take a tablet for a couple of days my reflux comes back. I don't get the usual burning symptoms. I actually get very breathless to the point I'm near collapse so it's strange but serious symptoms. I also take apple cider vinegar, a capful to a tall glass, it helps but not 100%

Replied by Tia
(London)
09/01/2017

Have you tried slowly reducing a bit of the Omeprazole (break up the pill) over a period of time to wean yourself away from it? Am sure you'll find something online that will guide you.

Replied by Cindy
(Illinois, Usa)
06/29/2020
563 posts

ACV works because it buffers the acid in the stomach and ACV is quite acidic.

Two cups of water when suffering indigestion will fix it and the same, 3x per day, will eliminate it.

People say water just dilutes the stomach acid, which is true as maintaining proper acidity in the stomach is accomplished, by the body, using water. And all ACV does is buffer it - chemically.

Drink plain water. The "water" in food, juice, tea etc doesn't count - it's treated as food and belongs to the colon which the body will simply steal from it when you're dehydrated.

When you're dehydrated, your body has to jump through hoops, rationing water and stealing it from vital systems. Dehydration is an emergency mode that, to handle, requires - you guessed it - WATER. So it's having to use a lot of the little water it is getting to ration and steal/extract it from other the rest of the body. And that's not easy. Try extracting pure water from tea without raising the temp above 99 degrees.

Don't over consume water if you're chronically dehydrated. It can take a couple of years to get the body out of emergency mode and properly hydrated. Plain water is handled differently. It gets snagged and distributed, right now, but it can't do all that it needs to do all at once. If you're chronically dehydrated, that extended emergency mode involves the slow shut down of organs. VITAL organs that get relegated to a "not AS vital" list.

It takes time to reboot and patch damaged organs that have been in the process of being shut down so don't over-consume it but drink plain water. Which is not the same as sucking on a single bottle of water all morning. Drink it.

This is much longer than I intended but no one should have indigestion - nor many other issues - these days as indigestion and all related issues are synthetic "illnesses". You're not sick. You're dehydrated. Many people - including those with indigestion - will swear they drink plenty of water when they actually don't drink much at all. I do not know why.

CFitz
(Georgia)
12/11/2021

Hello, Cindy:

It could take YEARS to get properly hydrated? This is discouraging, but I would like to know if you could recommend a paper or a book (from a trusted source) that would help those who are chronically dehydrated? Thank you for your time and attention to this.

Chris
(FL)
09/07/2025

Barbara O'Neill Says to add some Celtic sea salt to your water, it has 3 different kinds of magnesium and will help hydrate you, no other salt has it.

And try MegaHydrate, it reduces the surface tension of water and the water will hydrate you more than anything else: https://www.phisciences.com/products/megahydrate-capsules

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Joe (Philadelphia, PA) on 05/27/2007
 ★★★★★

Hello, I recently had an outbreak of itching, mainly in my groin area and innner thigh. I believe it was a reaction to eye drop drugs I'm taking for an eye problem, but I am still trying to figure out the cause.

Anyhow, the itching was relentless and I was trying all kinds of stuff for relief. I was extremely irritable to say the least. Then I remembered that my dad once told me cows used to be fed apple cider vinedar to ward off infections and other ailments. So I tried it and within an hour ALL ITCHING STOPPED!!! I was SO RELIEVED I couldn't stop smiling!!!!! Right now I am itch free and will take apple cider vinegar daily.

Replied by Karin
(Leeuwarden, The Netherlands)
03/11/2011
★★★★☆

Hi, Ive had exzema for years and use cortisol lots.. Im a Lab technician. Cortisol works for a bit but it always comes back. I was feeling really tired my neck muscles where stiff, exzema vlammed up and even a bit down. I typed in exzema cure on u tube there was this boy talking about EC. I went there and start reading. He sounded so serious and honest. After reading all the notes, ive buyed a bottle organic ACV and jar of coconut oil. Started drinking according to the receipt 2 spoons on a glass of water with a bit of honey. I feel like I just took a redbull..! My face is glowy and my neck stiffness seems almost gone! My head feels clear and my mind too! I will continue to drink and see how I feel and if my skin get better. whith these 2 ''new'' old remedies.

I already used tea tree 100% from chi to keep the bacteria/yeast/fungus away from my itchy red patches in my elbows. Its cooling, kills bacteria and anti iching. Will try ACV too (diluted)

I am dutch can anyone tell me where to get baking soda in our stores? Or what the product name is in the netherlands?

TYVM EC for providing this info!!

Darlingrosepink
(Canada)
12/01/2023

Try looking for bicarbonates or sodium bicarbonate!

Replied by John
(Portland, Or, Usa)
03/12/2011

Hi Karin, the Dutch name for baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is Natriumbicarbonaat.

Replied by Valerie
(New York, NY)
03/28/2023
2 posts

To answer the ending question of a Dutch person from the Netherlands asking what baking soda is called in the Netherlands: Natriumbicarbonaat en azijn.
In the UK it's called: Bicarbonate of soda

Apple Cider Vinegar, Dietary Changes, Acidophilus

5 star (1) 
  100%
Write a review
Posted by Deb (Washington, Dc) on 12/14/2009
 ★★★★★

Thank you. Your site helped me. I used an application of apple cider vinegar to reduce skin inflammation, and my rash 1) stopped itching, 2) shed skin in the healing process 3) reduced inflammation and redness 4) started to grow new skin. I improved my diet, took acidophilus and ate more leafy green veggies. My skin has been itchy for months. I did not realize how tired the itchiness was making me. I was not able to sleep through the night due to the itchiness. Although, I'm still in the healing process, I can tell I'm going to get 100% better as long as I continue to eat well. It's wonderful to feel good again.

Apples

5 star (1) 
  100%
Write a review
Posted by Sheila (San Diego, Ca, Usa) on 05/12/2011
 ★★★★★

What I'm experiencing right now could be contact dermatitis, a reaction to ACV or iodine/dide, detoxing results, or a diamine oxidase deficiency/food allergy/histamine intolerance. A ER doctor Dx'ed my skin condition as being contact dermatitis of unknown origin or cause, so I listed the other possibilities of my dry, itchy skin. I'm currently on the tail-end of my symptoms. I'm also trying to stick to natural remedies, staying off any Rx.

What has worked so far for itchiness is eating an apple. I've done this thrice now and each time has eased my itching so that I don't have the urge to scratch for several hours. The organic, red delicious apple has definitely helped the skin on my eyelids and my neck and chest. I only buy organic produce due to pesticides -- I definitely have reactions to pesticide-treated fruits. (for the diamine oixidase/histamine intolerance, I've started a eating journal and eating low histamine foods)

Baking Soda

5 star (5) 
  100%
Write a review
Posted by EB (England) on 12/29/2022
 ★★★★★

I have been irritated and itching for weeks and have tried all sorts of creams. Eventually went to dr, got canesten, helped a bit then itching came back. Suffered every day. Had baths with acv/baking soda/ sea salt. Itching always returned

Last night I applied a paste of 50-50 baking soda and water. It BURNED TERRIBLY, washed it straight off, thought omg that was terrible thing to do.

BUT today was the first day when I had no feeling of itching or irritation all day! Cannot believe it and would do it again, being ready to wash off the paste when it burns. It obviously did something to neutralise the itch!!

Baking Soda
Posted by joanofark06 (S.Carolina, USA) on 12/07/2021
 ★★★★★

For itchy skin,

Pour as much baking soda as you want in a bath of warm water, and soak. Your skin will turn softer the more you do this.


NEXT 
1 2 3 4 ...6 Next Page
Advertisement

Please note that we use cookies necessary for the functioning of our website, cookies that optimize the performance. To learn more about our cookies, how we use them and their benefits, please read our Privacy Policy