Itchy Skin Cures

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 08/06/2010

Hi Lily. Thanks for your comment regarding soy. I don't knowingly use the stuff as it gives me GI tract problems, but I will definitely be more diligent about reading labels and avoiding foods that list it as an ingredient.

Krill Oil

Posted by Lily (Brisbane, Australia) on 08/04/2010

Hi, Shary, I had this same rash and found out it was caused by soy. On study I found that soy was in just about all processed foods, even bread. I am still learning what to eat. I hope you find the cause of the rash and maybe you can try (hard to do) to eliminate soy and see if that is the problem. My rash was also around the middle and only on the torso. Good luck with this. Lily.

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 Terri (Waymart, Pa) on 07/28/2010

If you don't mind my asking, what did your grandmother do for her face? Thanks Terri

Grandmother Guffy Remedy

Posted by Cat (Austin, Tx) on 05/10/2010
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Grandmother Guffys Method for forever soft, clean, ageless skin.

My grandmother Guffys skin was as soft and smooth as a babys butt till the day she died at 94. One day, when I was a younger woman constantly on the go, she noticed how dry and ashy my skin was and elected to tell me about her method of bathing. It was the only thing she said she did to keep her body clean and soft. First, she never took long baths (and NO, she did not smell). She said bathing dried out skin. Second, she never used hot water on her skin. Third, she never needed lotions. I listened; yet, despite the evidence before me, I did not take her advise. Hot showers were invigorating, I exclaimed. Who ever heard of not bathing, I secretly thought. Why do not the young listen! For years now I have suffered with extremely dry and itchy skin. FINALLY! I recalled my grandmother Guffys bathing method for clean, itch-less, soft, ageless skin. Here it is:

1) Massage 2-3 tablespoons of (antibacterial, anti-fungal) coconut oil over your entire dry, naked body, but not your face. Be sure to include your private areas and feet - get utterly greasy with it! Let it soak 5 minutes.

2) Take a clean, white, DRY bath cloth, folded in fours and scrub your entire body. When one side of the cloth gets cruddy, refold to a clean side of the same cloth. Don't forget private areas.

3) Shower/rinse in very lukewarm to cold water and ONLY wash your private areas with diluted baking soda and water or an organic non-soap or as I sometimes do, diluted ACV.

3) Get out of the shower and barely pat dry.

Believe! This works! People who touch my skin always exclaim at how soft it is AND my husband who has scratched my back many a time has taken to gently rubbing my arms a lot. Just try it! It is not real expensive or hard to do and results are quick. If you are allergic to coconut oil, switch to a light olive oil or sesame oil. Soon you will do as I did - throw away all your bathing soaps and bottles.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Michele (Madison, Ct) on 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.

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.

General Feedback

Posted by Kyra (Cortlandt Manor, Ny, Usa) on 09/03/2009

I would not suggest soaking in bleach, I would however suggest eliminating soap and using some borax, epsoms or sea salts, baking soda, peroxide, and tea tree oil in your bath regularly. Trust me you will be amazed at the difference in your skin. It has done wonders for my children's and my skin. I would also suggest using extra virgin coconut oil as a moisturizer. The initial reaction of people is that it is too oily, but you will find that your skin will absorb it very quickly. Taking the oil internally will also help to combat the itchy and dry skin. Good luck!

General Feedback

Posted by Jc (Milpitas, Ca) on 09/03/2009

Fill up the bath tub with water add 3/4 cup of bleach soak for 1 hour every day for 2 weeks, You should start to see big improvements if you really do have eczema... You might have Psoriasis

Zinc works very well on eczema......

General Feedback

Posted by Rebecca (Grand Rapids, Mi) on 09/01/2009

I have the same intense itch, no rash, that i believe you're talking about. It just started one day and i thought it was just sensitive skin. When it didn't go away after a couple of weeks I changed to hypoallergenic soaps, detergents, anything I could find. I even use all natural cleaning agents for the house. I stopped shaving because I thought that was the culprit. I wake up in the night (and wake up my partner) itching, in tears, trying to stop and having very little self control. Im told that if I can just stop the cycle, then it will go away. The only thing that seems to make it better is the steroid creme I use on my eczema outbreaks (which I try not to use but when it helps so much it's hard to stop). I don't wear shorts anymore because I'm ashamed of the scars and scabs all over my legs. Any ideas would be appreciated!!

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Kiti (San Diego, CA) on 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Dianna (Austin, TX) on 03/20/2009

stop using soap. i used to be itchy every time i took a bath or shower until i stopped ALL soap. what i do now is bathe in a solution of 1 or 2 cups of epsom salts and a tub full of water. i scrub with a loofah and after i get out while my skin is still damp i rub virgin coconut oil all over my skin. then towel dry off the excess. since i have stopped using soap my skin isn't dry and i can even skip the coconut oil if i want to.

General Feedback

Posted by C.S.M (VERO BEACH, FL) on 03/19/2009

These symptoms are most likely from the use of hot water and from dry skin:

Cholinergic Urticaria (Physical Urticaria, Sweat Allergy, Heat Hives)

Here's a good link:

Go halfway down the page to "Itchy Leg After A Shower":
http://www.healthhype.com/itchy-legs-causes-and-treatment.html

Bottom Line:

Cholinergic Urticaria (Physical Urticaria, Sweat Allergy, Heat Hives)

Urticaria (hives) are red, swollen bumps or patches appearing on the skin due to allergic reaction to some substances or, as it is the case in cholinergic urticaria, physical stimuli like exercise, heat, sunlight, cold, pressure, vibration, water, spicy food, or emotional stress.

Try prevention first. Avoid the use of hot water. Use lukewarm water instead. (I know that is not a fun suggestion--Sorry!) Consider moisturizing the skin with a light coating of a natural oil--like coconut, jojoba or olive oil after showering. Other treatment involves medicines--Benedryl etc.

Best Wishes. Hope you feel better!

Fabric Softener or Hair Conditioner

Posted by libby (pleasanton, ca) on 03/18/2009
★☆☆☆☆

WARNING!

Both of these products can contain very allergenic chemicals so be careful. a lot of people's skin might be way too sensitive even if they are watered down.

Tea Tree Oil, Olive Oil, Dried Oregano

Posted by Libby (Pleasanton, CA) on 03/18/2009

how much dried oregano do you use? what type of olive oil? thanks!!!

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.

General Feedback

Posted by Sonsa (Phoenix, AZ) on 02/18/2009

Not all soap causes this reaction. I started making my own soap because my skin is so very sensitive. All natural, handmade soap is vastly different than the commercial variety. Shea butter, lavender and other skin soothing and moisturizing ingredients can be included. I make soap for friends and family too. If you would like more information, please contact me.

General Feedback

Posted by Mary (Chicago, IL) on 02/15/2009

I would stop using soap altogether. I bet that is part of the problem. Just use it on your private parts. Arizona is really dry, so you need to hydrate your skin inside and out. Might help if you drink more water, take omega 3s and stay away from soap!

General Feedback

Posted by Dianna (Austin, TX) on 02/15/2009

my skin used to always feel dry and tight after a shower with soap. however, since i have stopped using soap on my skin it no longer feels as dry or itchy. what i do now is soak in an epsom salt bath (1 to 2 cups epsom salts and 9 drops of lavender oil) and i just scrub my wet skin with a loofah or scrub brush. afterwards i put virgin coconut oil onto my still damp skin. soap is not really necessary unless you are extremely greasy or dirty. i have been doing this for years and i've also found that since i stopped washing my underarms with soap that my sweat smells less stinky - i could probably go without deodorant! but i use a crystal deodorant stone just in case...
good luck

General Feedback

Posted by Judy (Mesa, AZ. USA) on 02/15/2009

My skin itchs, after a shower, i have tried shower filter, all kinds of soaps, lotions. I have no rash, just an intense itch, as soon as I turn the water off which last for about 15 minutes. Any help would be a appreciated. Thank You, Judy

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!

Witch Hazel

Posted by Paul (Tucson, AZ) on 01/04/2009
★★★★★

I don't that witch hazel can be a cure but it is great for stopping an itch of the skin. I had a bad rash on my hands years ago and when they would itch I would pour witch hazel on my hands and the itch would stop right now and it did me no harm at all.

Fabric Softener or Hair Conditioner

Posted by Sue (Bismarck, ND) on 12/29/2008
★★★★★

Winter has arrived and so has itchy skin. The remedies I am trying are using hair conditioner or clothing fabric softener. The clothing fabric softener worked the best when I rubbed a diluted tablespoon amount on my skin then rinsed it off. I searched the internet for warnings of use on the skin and found none.

The hair creme rinse or conditioner also worked but did not last all day and night as the fabric softner did. I apply the watered down tablespoon-size excess from my hair and rub it on my skin. I would use a teaspoon rubbed together in my hands to cover both my legs. Then rinse off.

I read a post on another site that suggested using hair conditioner rather than shaving creme for women's legs.

Vitamin E With Naturals

Posted by Gwen (Denver, CO) on 12/26/2008

Wow I know this is kinda late, but Ted's remedy for mange on dogs got rid of the no-see-em's I struggled for months with. I think it is also recommended for Morgellan's. Check it out. Borax has been a miracle worker in my life & it will also remove fluoride in your water. God bless & good luck......

Vitamin E With Naturals

Posted by Gwen (Denver, CO) on 12/26/2008

Baking Soda

Posted by William (Las Vegas, NV) on 10/15/2008
★★★★★

(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.

Coconut Oil

Posted by d.d. (Keokuk, IA) on 09/24/2008

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!

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.

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.

Coconut Oil

Posted by Mark (San Diego, California) on 08/23/2008
★★★★★

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.