What is Itchy Skin and what causes it?
Itchy skin, otherwise medically known as pruritus, is a common skin malady that can be caused by very simple up to very severe conditions. Itchy skin is oftentimes described as a sensation of irritation and may be accompanied by redness and swelling of the affected area which makes it very tempting to scratch it. Rash may also accompany itchy skin. Usually, skin itching is caused by the irritation of the affected area either by insect bite, mild injury of the affected area (in case of scratches), an allergic reaction to a certain substance, or simple skin dryness.
Natural Remedies for Itchy Skin
There are a number of available natural remedies for itchy skin but the most effective for the various causes of itchy skin are the use of Natural Oil Remedies which are effective for 3 of the primary causes of skin itchiness. The following are the 4 best natural oil remedies for itchy skin:
• Oil Therapy: Examples of oils used in oil therapy for skin itchiness are Almond Oil, Sesame Oil, and Olive Oil
• Essential Oils: Examples of Essential Oils effective for skin itchiness are Thyme oil, Rosemary Oil, Peppermint Oil, Nettle Oil, Neem Oil, Lavender Oil, Jewelweed Oil, Geranium Oil, Clove Oil, Chickweed Oil, Chamomile Oil, Calendula Oil, Bay Leaf Oil, Basil Oil, and Agrimony Oil
• Coconut Oil which is usually available at most health food stores and online
• Castor Oil which is conveniently available at natural supplements stores and online
Comparison Chart for 4 Natural Oil Remedies for Itchy Skin
Castor Oil | Essential Oil | Coconut Oil | Oil Therapy | |
Cost | low | Low to very expensive | low | Low to moderate |
How to use | Can be applied directly on the skin or mixed with carrier oil. | Added to bath or added directly onto the skin. | Applied directly onto the skin, focusing on dry and itchy areas. | Rubbed and massaged lightly onto the hands and itchy parts of the body before shower. |
Ease of use | Easy | Easy to moderate, may have to know exact dosage to use properly | Easy | Moderate, and is a bit messy |
Additional product requirements | None to minimal | May necessitate the need for carrier oils which is an additional cost and might be difficult to procure. | None to minimal | None to minimal |
How long before it takes effect | A matter of minutes | A matter of minutes to hours up to a few days. | A matter of minutes to hours. | A matter of minutes to hours up to a few days. |
Other skin benefits |
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Side effects | None | Essential oils may cause more itching and irritation if not properly diluted with carrier oil. | Coconut allergy may cause an anaphylactic reaction if not checked prior to use.Can cause rashes in some people. | High risk of allergic reaction especially for sesame oil. |
Natural oil remedies are great for itchy skin as oils have a multitude of medicinal properties which benefits the skin. Choose which natural oil remedy best for your needs by using the table above as a guide and you’ll be on your way to itch free healthy skin.
Itchy skin can be caused by a myriad of skin conditions and other medical causes. For skin itchiness that stays for a few days or causes severe scratching that breaks the surface of the skin, it is best to consult a physician for your itchy skin.
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