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.
Honey
Posted by Natalie (Jacksonville, FL) on 12/28/2006
★★★★★
Today I told my mother about putting honey on her eczema. She applied some and left it on for ten minutes. She had been taking antibiotics for quite some time but nothing had stopped the itching. Immediately after applying the honey the itching was gone. Now we'll just have to see if it heals it completely.
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.
Vitamin C
Posted by Katt (La) on 01/17/2014
★★★★★
Apple cider vinegar baths work to get rid of the itching but I had it crazy insane itching burning after research, This is how to neutralize toxins and stop itching fast and naturally, I took megadoses of high quality vitamin C it worked right away I mean fast I could sleep. I continued taking high doses and after a three days the itching stopped, I ordered the nanaparticles vitamin C and just kept taking it for one month, The itching was similar to what I had when I took antibiotics and I had fungal overgrowth. I was put on a potent anti fungal and I went on the anti candida diet until it was under control then I went a natural candida elimination formula that the clerk said killed candida along with oxygen drop, Cell food, to ensure all candida overgrowth was killed
Vitamin C
Posted by Myway (Delaware) on 02/11/2015
Melanie, Did you remove sugar, dairy and processed food from your diet for a number of days to see if you had a food allergy - when I eat too many processed foods, I start itching like mad. Doing some dietary homework may be the key!
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee, Usa) on 11/12/2013
Dear Feelinhopeless from NV,
What a distressing situation!
The first two things that come to my mind are turmeric and garlic. They are both inexpensive and very effective for many things. I hope that they will help you.
Turmeric is great for healing skin problems and for itching related to bites. We have used this sucessfully. Take 1 teaspoon twice a day in milk or water. (Better in milk with some fat in it as the fat helps it to work better. So does some black pepper.) You can usually get bulk turmeric at an Indian grocery store or health food store.
Garlic in an anti-parasitic herb (and anti lots of other stuff, too.) Ideally, get a few bulbs of garlic. Four times a day, chop up one of the cloves (one section of the bulb) and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then spread it on some toast with some honey or butter. You will not smell the best while you do this.
Give the garlic and turmeric at least a week try before deciding if they are helping.
I would also add Raw Unpastuerized Apple Cider Vinegar to what you are doing. It will improve the PH of your body, which should be helpful. Try 1 Tablespoon in 8 ounces of water once or twice a day. (You can dilute it more if desired and just sip all day.)
1 cup of Epsom Salt in a very warm bath at night might be helpful for your sleep. You can add some tea tree essential oil if you have it on hand.
If I come across anything else that might help, I will pass it along.
Please keep us posted. I will be praying for your relief.
~Mama to Many~
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Mike 62 (Denver, Colorado) on 11/13/2013
Feelinhopeless: The problem began with the arrival of the new dog so a pathogen is probably involved rather than an allergy. The pathogen can maybe hide inside the body when ointments are applied. You can try healing from the inside. Online you can get hawaiin spirulina, black chia seeds, expellar pressed coconut oil, raw cocoa powder, nondenatured whey, and raw wildflower honey. These can supply the cells with all the best nutrients they require to function at peak performance and interfere with the pathogen. You can mix the coconut oil and honey with some water and apply to the skin. You can feed these to the precious pets also.
Essential Oils
Posted by Mama To Many (Middle, Tennessee, Usa) on 07/22/2013
Dear Mamie, Turmeric and Raw Apple Cider Vinegar might help the itching a lot. It has dramatically reduced the misery from tick bites for my family this summer. 2 turmeric capsules 2-3 times a day, internally. Externally, use a cotton ball to apply the vinegar to the bites 2-3 times a day.
I have heard that garlic (internally) will discourage fleas from biting, but if they don't like lavender and tea tree at work I doubt they will want you to smell like garlic. :( Brewer's Yeast, taken internally, I think is suppose to make you less desirable to biting insects.
Hope you get relief soon!
~Mama to Many~
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.
Severely Itchy Skin Remedies
Posted by Jean (Northland) on 12/28/2017
Thank you! I rushed straight to my cupboard to get my Lugol's solution which is a form of edible iodine - something I used to take all the time for energy levels. I really hope it works as the itching has bothered me for a long time and is getting worse at the moment.
General Feedback
Posted by Scratchitch (Houston, Tx) on 09/18/2011
I'm not sure if I finally have this under control but I'm hoping with all my might that it's finally going away.
Back in May I visited a friend and we went to her lake house. When I came back home I started getting these "bites" on my torso. At first I thought they were chiggers as we were out in a woody area but as time went on these little bites started moving around my torso. It wasn't very itchy but I was worried about bugs so I went to my dermatologist's PA who didn't think it was chiggers but gave me Peremthrin just in case. I applied one application and didn't think much about it. Slowly the itchiness increased and spread from my torso to my arms. And I didn't think much about it until one morning I started feeling itchy on the skin around my pubic bone. The next day my vagina was swollen and was incredibly itchy along with my anus. I had a few yeast infections before and recognize the feeling and knew this could not be a yeast infection.
I saw my gynecologist who also didn't think it was a yeast infection but took a culture just in case. That came back negative. The husband and I started researching what it could be and feared scabies pinworms given that the itch was worse at night. My GP prescribed Abendazole for the pinworms (at my request) and Prednisone to help alleviate the itching. Prednisone temporarily relieved the itching but I started taking more than one tablet a day (as prescribed) because the itching began to return faster.
I saw another dermatologist who determined it was scabies and gave me more Permethrin. My husband and I both applied it that night. For one evening I didn't itch and assumed it was scabies (gross). The next day the itch came back with a vengeance. At this point, I'm losing sleep and my mind trying to fight the intense urge to itch.
I found this site: https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/scabies.html and began reading about how others have the same symptoms and their holistic remedies. I started to bathe in Borax, hydrogen peroxide, clove oil, orange oil and eucalyptus oil. After getting out I would mix clove oil with a carrier oil and apply it to my skin. It burned in areas where I scratched my skin raw but the burn was a nice departure from the urge to itch. Anytime the intense urge came back I would apply more clove oil mixture as a preventative to scratch. I began to cone myself like a dog by wrapping plastic food wrap around my arms and torso so I couldn't unconsciously scratch my skin at night. At this time I thought I was treating scabies and every night it was a fight to not tear my skin off.
I'm a home maker (thank goodness because I don't think I could go to work with this sort of miserable itching) and spent all day cleaning my house and washing sheets in fear that I might have an infestation of mites. One night it was so bad I scheduled a internal medicine doctor, 3rd dermatologist and return GP appointment the next day. I was prescribed Atarax by my GP, more Atarax and Prednisone by my Internal Medicine doctor and Hydroxyzine and Allegra by my 3rd Dermatologist. Both my Internal Medicine and dermatologist ordered a battery of lab work. All came back normal. So frustrated at this point. But my 3rd dermatologist, a former army doctor, said that he saw scabies all the time in the army and what I had was not scabies. He gave me the Allegra and Hydroxyzine to treat the symptoms of itching and asked me to come back in three weeks. I only took the medicine that he prescribed however the relief was so temporary I scheduled an appointment with an allergist - determined to find out a cause or a solution to this problem. The allergist was thorough in asking about the timeline, doctors I saw, symptoms I felt and a wide arrange of questions to really understand my problem. He said he would have ordered the same lab work as what my dermatologist and internal medicine doctor ordered. He prescribed Zyrtec to take in the morning and a double dose of Hydroxyzine at night. I asked him what could cause this and he suspects it might be the "scratch-itch cycle" (my GP also thought it might be this at the time of my second visit). I hoped the drugs would be enough but I still felt strong urges to itch and was still miserable. I hoped that given enough days maybe this would finally work but when every minute feels like days it doesn't take long for you to get really frustrated with waiting.
I started looking back at my planner and seeing what was going on around the time this started. Last November I had jaw surgery and had my mouth wired shut for six weeks. At that time I could not take Levoxyl and afterward forgot to resume to take it. So this April I returned to my Endocrinologist because I was feeling horrible again and she tested my blood and confirmed my thyroid was working overtime. I went back on Levoxyl 50 mcg and started feeling so much better. But then a month later the "bites" started. I then Googled "Levoxyl" and "itching" and found if you take more than you should people started feeling bad symptoms including itching around their labia. I know I shouldn't go off medication without consulting my doctor but I had to test the theory if Levoxyl was causing this - so I stopped taking it five days ago. I'm not 100% back to normal but the intense urge to itch ha been reduced to a mild nuisance of tingling. I prefer this over the former. Today I'm feeling so much better but I'm not entire sure as to what it can be attributed to. Either it's (1) I'm off Levoxyl (2) I'm taking Prednisone now (3) it's finally rained after months of drought in Houston and maybe it was something in the dry air that was agitating my skin or (4) the high dose of Turmeric I took - a natural anti-inflammatory. I just want this done and over with. If it is scratch-itch cycle I hope to break it soon because this itch is debilitating. Good luck everyone else and I hope you find the relief/solution to your discomfort.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Cathyw (Encino, Ca) on 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
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jacqueline (Mumbai, Maharashtra) on 02/08/2024
Use Aloe propolis cream after spraying with Aloe First.
Krill Oil
Posted by Priya (Beaverton, Or) on 06/21/2012
My one and a half year old baby has the same problem, itchy skin. Even myself and my husband has this itchy skin which started around 2 or 3 months back. The only thing that works for us is homeopathic calendula lotion. It does wonders for us. We bought it at new seasons store and it is made by a homeopathic company called Boiron. My childs itching seems to have reduced a lot. I did a bit of research on calendula and it seems like it is the best soothing stuff ever, good for every thing, last day I accidently got a cut on my finger, applied calendula and it healed so quickly. now I use it for any cuts wounds and burns and find it so soothing, cant do without it honestly.
Krill Oil
Posted by Tom (Rocker, Montana) on 08/06/2012
In June I suffered a bad scrape on a leg and during the curing process the leg itched big time and 3 months later it still is itching, vinegar helps relieve the condition but be sitting down when you apply it to the skin as it will burn where you have scratched.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lou (Tyler Tx) on 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.
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 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 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 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......
JC
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.
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 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......
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kelly (Auckland, Nz) on 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%
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Tia (London) on 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.
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 Darlingrosepink (Canada ) on 12/01/2023
Try looking for bicarbonates or sodium bicarbonate!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by John (Portland, Or, Usa) on 03/12/2011
Hi Karin, the Dutch name for baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is Natriumbicarbonaat.
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,
White Vinegar
Posted by cpix (Houston, TX) on 12/11/2006
★★★★★
For decades, I have had periods of severe itching and I have tried everything to relieve it. Finally, by accident, I applied some white vinegar to an area for another purpose and found that the itching stopped there for at least 24 hours. Now before I take my regular evening shower, I take a white vinegar shower to stop the itching. I leave the vinegar there for several minutes before taking my regular shower with soap. After my regular shower most of the vinegar odor is gone. Anyway, what is a slight odor compared to severe itching?
Alcohol
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.
Borax
Posted by S (Indiana) on 01/20/2024
I read a comment on your website concerning Borax as a remedy for itchy scalp. There was no mention of how it was used, so I would like some advice on how to use, please.
Geranium Essential Oil
Posted by mari.ana (Sydney ) on 02/23/2023
★★★★★
New Zealand Skin Cream
Posted by Louise (DC) on 08/19/2022
★★★★☆
Hi Michael...I am suffering from whole body itch...is the product you mentioned, "Chronic Itch Relief", go by another name in the USA...thank you for helping me...Liz
