Table of Contents
- INTRODUCTION
- QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
- POPULAR REMEDIES
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Apple Cider Vinegar, Dietary Changes, Acidophilus
- Apples
- Baking Soda
- Borax Foot Scrub
- Borax, Hydrogen Peroxide
- Calcium Bentonite Clay
- Coconut Oil
- Detoxing the Liver, Selenium
- Fabric Softener or Hair Conditioner
- General Feedback
- Grandmother Guffy's Recipe
- Honey
- Ice
- Iodine
- Krill Oil
- Remedies Needed
- Severely Itchy Skin Remedies
- Shower Filter
- Table Salt
- Tea Tree Oil and Apple Cider Vinegar
- Tea Tree Oil, Chamomile Lotion
- Tea Tree Oil, Olive Oil, Dried Oregano
- Tomato Juice and Coconut Oil
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin E With Naturals
- White Vinegar
- Witch Hazel
Itchy Skin Cures
Natural Remedies to Cure or Treat Itchy Skin
Dry and itchy skin is about as common a condition as you can get, though drier climates and colder winter seasons can exacerbate the problem. Too much sun exposure, change in diet, medications, and any number of other influences can cause temporary itching as well.
Try to keep your home's humidity around 50% for overall health and comfort, be sure to drink plenty of water, and consider some of the remedies we've gathered here.
For better or worse, each person's skin is different and even in the same person different patches of skin can behave differently. Take the suggestions you find below, experiment, come up with your own routine, and with a little effort and some healthy skin habits, you can scratch that itch for once and all!
DISCLAIMER
Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.
POPULAR REMEDIES:
| Apple Cider Vinegar | 8 YEAS |
Apple Cider Vinegar Remedy for Itchy Skin
Soak a soft cloth in apple cider vinegar and place it on any patch of itchy skin for 15 minutes or more to soothe inflammation, itch, and pain symptoms. Additionally, vinegar’s nutrients and antibiotic potency can potentially remedy the underlying cause.
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[NAY] 06/19/2011: Sharon from Nickerson, Ks: "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"
Replies06/20/2011: Linda from York County, Maine replies: "Hi Sharon - the back of my scalp itched for almost three years; I've been taking probiotics and can honestly say that the itch stopped soon after beginning..... Might be worth a try for you! Linda"
06/21/2011: Jeff from Mckinney, Texas replies: "Hi Sharon - I had some itchy spots and I mixed some Baking Soda with water and wiped it on the spots. It soothed the spots for me. I also tried Milk Of Magnesia on the spots and it seemed to do the same thing. I hope this helps."
06/25/2011: Cathyw from Encino, Ca replies: "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"
[YEA] 06/26/2011: Lola from Philadelphia, Pa replies: "I also use pure cornstarch daily to help with my skin itch. The cornstarch has also help to heal my rashes."
07/01/2011: Megan from Glastonbury, Ct, Usa replies: "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."
07/05/2011: Julie from Springfield, Mo replies: "I've had good luck with it clearing up skin issues such as you describe, 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."
11/25/2011: Pietbas from Cape Town, South Africa replies: "Hi my instant solution after 10 long itchy years was 10mg Trepiline every night - slightly subdues the nerves pinched due to compression of the cervical cutaenous in the neck area. The symptoms of this condition are symmetrical itching on neck and arms with no rash, especially at night. Hope that works for you all as well!"
12/19/2012: James from Los Angeles, Usa replies: "hi, i've been itchy for about 6 months now and have taken all sort or Meds. But, still no cure and now my itchiness has left from bad to worse... I dare not walk when its sunny else I itch like am going insane. I just wondering if you could make me any home prescription! Thanks"
01/10/2013: John from Dallas, Tx replies: "Hi itching is not fun but I experience it when I grow up. I realise our diet, water n our enviroment cause itching. I have itching on my feet n hand for more than 10 yrs. Actually I don't like vegitable I eat alot of meat. I start eat fruits n vegitables n drinks alot of water will clear up my system good. My itching gone for good n clear up my skin. I did a little research about health n ACV is good for detox your body(add two teasp of ACV with 8 oz of filter water drink it 2 or 3 time a day. Morning , mid morning n afternoon). Have oatmeal n orange juice for breakfast. Prayer n fasting for 3 days work! Never give up get more information n learn about health. Be bless!"
[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 07/15/2009: Victoria from San Diego, CA: "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."
07/28/2009: Kiti from San Diego, CA replies: "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."
[YEA] 03/23/2011: Esprit64 from North Yarmouth, Maine replies: "For temporary relief of itching, scratching with your own fingernails doesn't seem to help. I don't know why this works, but scratching with a hair brush having sufficient "bite" seems to calm the itching. How do you choose the right brush? The brush needs to feel harder rather than softer on your skin, but, always comfortable. I found one horse brush that was just stiff enough to do the trick. If you choose a brush too soft, it'll have no effect. Too hard, and you'll wince each time you use it. If you choose the right brush, it will "feel just right.""
[YEA] 07/13/2009: Marsha from Pittsburgh, PA: "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 with ___ ___, was also gone. I don't know if it should have been diluted, but I was desperate."
[YEA] 01/30/2009: Sue from Ontario, Canada: "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!"
Replies01/17/2010: Michele from Madison, Ct replies: "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.
[YEA] 02/27/2008: Mario from London, United Kingdom: "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."
[YEA] 02/24/2008: Trish from Kansas City, MO: "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."
[YEA] 11/18/2007: Tim from Kent, WA: "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."
02/26/2012: Lou from Tyler, Tx replies: "I was allergic to Omeprazole too. I believe it was red dye in the medication (a known carcinogen)."
[YEA] 05/27/2007: Joe from Philadelphia, PA: "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."
Replies[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 03/11/2011: Karin from Leeuwarden, The Netherlands replies: "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!!"
03/12/2011: John from Portland, Or, Usa replies: "Hi Karin, the Dutch name for baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is Natriumbicarbonaat."
Apple Cider Vinegar, Dietary Changes, Acidophilus
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[YEA] 12/14/2009: Deb from Washington, Dc: "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
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[YEA] 05/12/2011: Sheila from San Diego, Ca, Usa: "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
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[YEA] 06/08/2007: Lisa from Bellevue, USA: "BAKING SODA! It really helps itchy skin. If you put just a little bit (1/4 cup) of baking soda into a warm bath, it can really decrease your urge to itch! I've done this for years!!"
Replies[YEA] 10/15/2008: William from Las Vegas, NV replies: "(YEA)It works. Add 1 teaspoon of water to 1/2 tsp. baking soda..mix it and then rub it on the skin. The itch go away quick. Itching could be caused by acidic body."
Borax Foot Scrub
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[YEA] 12/19/2007: Jessica from Forest, VA, USA: "I'm insulin resistant, so I have alot of the same problems that diabetics do, including rough feet. I've tried so many scrubs and files and lotions in hopes of softening my feet. I suspect that I also have a systemic Candida infection, so I thought Borax would be good for my itchy feet. It worked wonderfully! My feet were so soft after I got out of the shower and have not been itching since. Once you get your feet nice and soft, you'll want to follow with a good moisturizer: that's where my next project lies."
Borax, Hydrogen Peroxide
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[YEA] 02/05/2012: Luvjoypc from Beaverton, Oregon: "Borax, Hydrogen peroxide!
Whew. What a relief! I have been perplexed as to me and my children's ailment for over a month now. Started with intense itching after getting into bed one night. Then my children started exhibiting signs. Took them to dr first, as my dermatologist was booked until Feb 7. Their doctor said "folliculitis" and then took daughter again for a cough, doctor said "impetigo. " Then when I showed her my hand, she said "could it be fleas or scabies?" I freaked out! I really hoped it wasn't. To make a long story short, checked house and cleaned for fleas. No response with a home remedy check for fleas. Tonight while researching, found this info. Kids are asleep, but I mixed borax with hy. Peroxide. Mixed in a bowl and poured over body. Total relief. I have also been using tea tree oil mixed with coconut oil for a few weeks now, so I think that's why it wasn't getting worse, but wasn't getting better either! Tomorrow, my kids get the bath and we will continue to do mounds of laundry! Can't wait for this to be over!!!! There is relief in site for those of you looking. All the best! "
Replies09/25/2012: Watcher from Digby, Nova Scotia replies: "How much borax to how much H2O2 ?"
03/02/2013: Lou from Tyler, Tx replies: "I used about a cup of each (borax and h202). Seabucktorn oil is good for the scalp (although, I don't have scabies, something similar). Pycnogenol cream on the face works great. Rinse scalp with ACV diluted 1 part ACV to 4 parts water."
Calcium Bentonite Clay
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[YEA] 04/28/2008: Janice from Seminole, Florida: "My grandson is eleven years old and came visiting Saturday with a very bad case of chicken pox. He was extremely uncomfortable and itching himself allot, I hydrated a batch of calcium bentonite clay and smeared it all over his pox marks. I gave him a jar of it to take with him and told him to apply it whenever he starting itching. He had immediate relief. My son took him to the doctor's office monday morning and the doctor wanted to know what he had used to heal him so fast. He is all healed that fast and no scarring at all!"
Coconut Oil
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[YEA] 08/23/2008: Mark from San Diego, California: "I have had a really bad itch on my forearms for the last 4 or 5 years, every time the weather warms up. It is something that effects me on a daily basis. Since using the virgin coconut oil, it has basically gone away. The one day I didn't use it though, I itched a bit, but as long as I put it on my arms daily, no itch."
Replies09/24/2008: d.d. from Keokuk, IA replies: "coconut oil: i have the same problem of itching/rash only on my forearms. please email me more details on how much, does brand matter etc... Dr's are all stumped while i still itch!"
[YEA] 03/23/2011: Esprit64 from North Yarmouth, Maine replies: "If your skin is breaking out in red, itchy rashes (particularly underarms, folds of skin, etc. ), bumps and welts, the likely sources are Candida overgrowth and/or allergies. I cannot recommend coconut oil highly enough, both for ingestion and for topical use for both conditions. Recommendations for coconut oil intake vary, I've seen 1 tsp to 1 Tbsp/3x daily. Not only will you cure or greatly relieve your current skin problems, but if you use coconut oil on your face and other skin areas, too, your youth and skin's vitality will be restored."
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