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.
Cayenne Pepper
Posted by Mario (Dallas Tx) on 06/13/2014
★★★★★
To Vitoria from San Diego who posted in the ACV section:
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..."
I have similar itching like you, the only thing that work temporarily is get cayenne pepper powder, the strongest you can get, over 100 H.U "HOT UNITS". You can find this on the internet... with a little water, make a paste, and apply locally. Sometimes you have to repeat the next day or hours but it eliminates the itching. I find relief for a year now.
Essential Oils
Posted by Dee (Illinois) on 12/04/2021
If at work or any location infested with fleas/bugs use this to naturally harmlessly kill the pests. Diatomaceous Earth. Sprinkle lightly around. Go to baseboards and these areas. Get food grade! This way if any pet would happen to lick or get on feet and lick no harm. The DE will kill the pests. Use care as u don't want much down or don't breath the dust! Just barely Sprinkle. May also be used internally for pets to rid them of fleas and internal parasites IE worms. Use canned pet food and Sprinkle a small amount proportionally to amount of food. IE 1 heaping tsp spoon of can food use about 1/4 tsp DE for bout a wk.
Severely Itchy Skin Remedies
Posted by Beth (Lexington, Kentucky) on 04/25/2013
I have been having itchy skin and a rash on and off for almost a year now. It started several months after I broke my leg, (have a titanium rod and screws). I'm almost insane because of this and very fatigue from lack of sleep do to the itching. I'm a 48 year old female (perimenapausal). I have been to the dermatologist multitudes of times, but no relief. I have had many blood test done, not sure what they all were. I had two skin biopsies which said I was negative for fungal forms. Lab report said I had vascular changes and mixed cell dermatitis with focal fibrin, also hypersensitivity which can be secondary to drug or anthropod bite reaction and possibility of urticaria vasculitis. Basically the lab report wasn't clear on a specific diagnosis. The Dr said that I didn't have urticaria vasculitis. I had allery test done which showed that I'm allergic to mold and cockroaches. I have tried different steroid creams and shots. I was prescribed allergy medicines including hydroxyz.
The remedies I have done on my own are oatmeals baths, aloe vera, drinking APV which I stooped after getting mouth ulcers. Baking soda paste which helped temporarily plus applied adv directly to skin which helped very little. I've used tea tree oil and coconut oil, my skin feels soft but still itching. Four days ago I started borax peroxide baths and scrubs. I have checked my mattresses for insects and nothing. I vacuum my mattress and cloth furniture on a regular basis. Yesterday I cleaned my sofa and chairs with borax peroxide mixture which has helped a little. I clean my bedding weekly.
I have an indoor cat and I check and clean his ears on a regular basis. I don't bath him often, but I never see him scratching and his fur looks healthy. My dog comes in for a few minutes in the evenings. She looks healthy as well.
My itching started on the leg I broke. It then went to my lower back shoulders breast and abdomen, also my hips but there is never a rash there. I have showed the rash to several other doctors and they don't know what I have. I wonder if this could be some sort of parasite. I have stopped several of my medicines including bio identical hormones to see what happens and so far nothing. I eat a lot of sugar so that's a concern. I am running out of ideas and don't I can live like this. Please help. Any suggestions would be deeply appreciated.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Presouz (CA) on 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.
Shower Filter
Posted by Candy (Ofallon, Mo) on 09/18/2010
★★★★★
I found if I use a shower filter that filters our water it stops my skin and scalp from itching like crazy. If you think about it, look at the shower doors and how they build up all the gunk from the water, so does our skin. Perhaps you should have this listed as a remedy. It really makes a difference.
Hot Water
Posted by Cleveland_boy (Kelowna, British Columbia) on 08/11/2010
If anyone is looking to relieve an annoying itch I have the solution. When the itch is really intolerable, put it under hot HOT water from the sink tap or bath tub depending where infection area is, start with warm and gradually turn the tap hotter and hotter, the feeling is incredible. A million times better than actually relieving the itch by nail scratching, you actually get goose bumps from the relief.
Krill Oil
Posted by Shary (Centennial, Co) on 07/31/2010
★★★★☆
Along with various other health issues, I've had chronically itchy skin for the past 2 years. The area affected is mainly around my torso. This is not a dry-skin itch. Scratching makes it worse. Sometimes there are tiny bumps or pimples, but often there is nothing noticeable at the site of the itch. I've switched soaps, shampoos, lotions, laundry detergents, the food I eat, etc. I shower with luke-warm water and don't use soap at all on that part of my body. I've also tried Apple Cider Vinegar, witch hazel, tea tree oil, you name it and I've tried it. Nothing really helped. Then about a month ago I started taking krill oil because it's supposed to be good for muscles and joints. Supposedly it has properties that ordinary fish oil doesn't have. I haven't noticed any difference with my joints, but within just a few days of starting the krill oil, almost all the itching and pimply rashes around my waist disappeared. I haven't stopped taking the oil so I don't know if it just medicates or if it eventually cures the problem. Either way, it's a big sigh of relief to get rid of the itch without using topical drugs. Take one krill oil softgel twice a day. Be sure to get 100 percent krill oil. Some brands are better than others. Check the list of ingredients on the bottle to make sure it isn't mostly fish oil.
EC: Excerpts from Wikipedia's entry on Krill Oil here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krill_oil
"Several studies have shown toxic residues in Antarctic krill and fish..."
Ecological Concerns
..."The harvesting of antarctic krill is relatively new. At present, no limits have been placed on the amount of Krill that can be harvested. This has caused a number of Marine biologists to express concern over the lack of research into the effect that such exploitation of Krill may have, not just to the long term survival of several species of baleen whales and the Adelie Penguin; but also in terms of other animals further up the food chain. In this regard, Antarctic Krill is fundamental to the survival of almost every species of animal that lives in the Antarctic or sub-Antarctic waters and island groups .[5]
Grandmother Guffy Remedy
Posted by Sharon (Salt Lake City) on 12/06/2021
I love that story. I have been using Dr Bronners baby soap and I add Grapefruit seed extract, Tea Tree oil because I had MRSA three times on my face and am so afraid of getting it again so I wash my face with it twice a day. And I then follow with Aloe gel and my own face cream. I make my aloe gel stripped from my own aloe plant. But my face gets itchy and I get worried so I keep using it. But it causes dryness which I know is part of the itchy. Thank you. S
Apple Cider Vinegar, Dietary Changes, Acidophilus
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.
Ice
Posted by John (Los Angeles, CA) on 04/08/2009
★★★★☆
Plain old ice applied to the area will give temporary relief and allow you to fall asleep. usually about five or six minutes is long enough. Its no cure but at the moment it can be a blessing.
General Feedback
Posted by Libby (Pleasanton, CA) on 03/18/2009
Someone said to use soap only on your "privates" but this is actually a very bad idea. These areas are even MORE sensitive than the rest of your body and several sources say not to use any soap at all unless you already know that it doesn't irritate you (you've been using it without a problem for years). It sounds weird but usually warm water and a washcloth is sufficient as long as you do it every day, obviously. Most "feminine" products actually have chemicals in them that can be very harsh and irritating. Personally I won't use anything that isn't 100% natural because I am so ridiculously careful about it.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jennifer (Sevierville, Tn) on 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
Vitamin E
Posted by Suzanne (Abbotsford, BC) on 08/25/2008
★★★★★
When my young son had chicken pox, he was covered with the itchy bumps and it was driving us all crazy. I tried calamine lotion, oatmeal baths, etc. before finally poking a vitamin E capsule and applying that. The itching stopped instantly! Now, whenever we have itching worth mentioning, we reach for the vitamin E. Make sure it is D-Alpha, though, not the synthetic DL-Alpha. The synthetic E is useless. Don't waste your money buying it.
Vitamin E With Naturals
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 12/11/2007 489 posts
★★★★★
Shari, I should have mentioned another solution to your itchy problems - a product that I found locally at Dollar Tree called Vit.E with naturals supplied by Fruit of the Earth - It comes in Aloe Gel, Vit.E with Natural Gel, Vit. E cocobutter, etc. This Vit. E with Naturals get stuff is fantastic-the only thing that I have ever found that will stop the intense itching caused by that confounded plant called poison ivy/oak -not only stops the itching but dries it up -the naturals in it are herbals like calendula, burdock, etc. Anything that stops that horrible itching of poison ivy should help with any itching also. The only place I have found it here is mentioned above but I suspect it can probably be found in health groceries (probably much higher than the $l price in above mentioned store) When I found this [product stopped the itching & also dried the rash up within 3 days I look for more every time I go through their store and have a good supply in my bathroom.
Also for another wart remedy, I have had patients tell me that piercing a Vit.E capsule and squeezing it onto their warts 2-3 times a day made them disappear.
Vitamin E With Naturals
Posted by Chocbear (Costa Mesa, CA USA) on 06/15/2009
I think its the same thing I had a few years ago. My Dr. offered me prescription ointment which she said had a lot of chemicals, but also said that I could instead apply Vick's vapor to the body would also cure it. I was hesitant about the vapor rub but applied it right before bed and by the second night I was cured. Something in the vapor rub kills these bugs.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lou (Tyler, Tx) on 02/26/2012
I was allergic to Omeprazole too. I believe it was red dye in the medication (a known carcinogen).
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by CFitz (Georgia) on 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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Karin (Leeuwarden, The Netherlands) on 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!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Valerie (New York, NY) on 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
Tea Tree, Olive Oil, Oregano
Posted by Deanna (Cincinnati, OH) on 02/25/2007
★★★★★
I have chronic itching. I have tried the "very expensive" prescription that my MD gave me, but my mother told me to try:
1 part tea tree oil,
2 parts olive oil
and
dried oregano.
I spray it on and not only does it calm the burning and itching but it moisturizes my skin. I haven't had to use my expensive skin cream or take Benedryl in a long time.
Tomato Juice and Coconut Oil
Posted by Fran (Rocky Face, GA) on 02/12/2007
★★★★★
Use half tomato juice and half coconut oil to stop itching...This is nothing new as the Bible has said nothing new under the sun...This was used back many years ago..way before our time do your home work God Bless you,
Wet Wrap
Posted by Jacqueline (Mumbai, Maharashtra) on 02/08/2024
Use Aloe propolis cream after spraying with Aloe First.
Geranium Essential Oil
Posted by mari.ana (Sydney ) on 02/23/2023
★★★★★
New Zealand Skin Cream
Posted by Michael (New Zealand) on 08/19/2022
Hello Louise of DC,
The "Chronic Itch Relief" you mention is made here in NZ by a trained herbalist: Malcolm K. Harker M.H.D. of "Harker Herbal Products Ltd" www.malcolmharker.com.
He calls it "Formula number 988" and contains (among many other ingredients) cinnamon, camphor and peppermint - "A soothing lotion for irritated and dry, itchy skin" OR "A soothing, cooling, moisturizing lotion to help relieve dry, itchy skin conditions".
My wife is happy with it, so there's an endorsement of consequence, as she is not easy to impress!
Malcolm Harker also makes a product to help one sleep better but we will see how that one pans out - early daze yet and I will no doubt be reporting back in due course.
Maybe you could check out his website?
I hope this is helpful.
Cheers from Down Under (where the storms are currently raging)
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!
Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil
Posted by Karen (Calgary Alberta, CA) on 06/05/2014
I tried everything under the sun for an extremely itchy skin condition that started out in what appeared to be hives. Suffered 6 months until a skin specialist in a retail health/ beauty store told me that I should use Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil on the affected areas. She said it would also fade the scars over time. She said they would fade naturally anyway in 1-2 yrs. This is what finally helped me. The itchiness started to be relieved right away. She said that I can also mix some of the seed oil with another oil or with skin cream to make it last longer. Also safe for kids. Can be used internally. Good for all types of skin conditions like rosacea, dermatitis etc. This has been a lifesaver. Important: Make sure to use the sea buckthorn SEED OIL for skin conditions. NOT the sea buckthorn fruit oil.
Check for Soap Allergies
Posted by Chris (California ) on 05/28/2014
Any one have weird itchy or rashes on skin? Under arms, on sides, around legs where socks are? Try looking into your laundry soap and body soap. The more smells n colors, the more likely the irritation. I use almost everything that is perfume n dye free it has helped..not completely though. I have to switch my body soap to different brands and also my laundry soap as well. Definitely no fabric softener because it is added at rinse cycle n is designed to stay in the clothing, make loads smaller that way they rinse well. I use my wife's deodorant..powder scented n. anti-perspirant.
Check for Soap Allergies
Posted by KT (Usa) on 05/29/2014
Make sure the rinse water is clear, then try adding a cup of white vinegar to the final rinse.
