The itch and discomfort from dry skin and eczema can be really uncomfortable, but that doesn’t mean that you always have to resort to creams and lotions containing high levels of chemicals and additives.
There are actually many things in your kitchen that you can use to relief the effects of the skin condition.
Baking soda
Baking soda is effective in battling itches of all kinds. Draw up a tub of warm water and add a cup of baking soda. Immerse yourself in it and soak for 30 to 60 minutes, then air dry or gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel. If you only have a small affected area to treat, make a baking soda paste by mixing three parts baking soda and one part water. Apply the paste to the itch but only if the skin is not broken.
Oatmeal
You will be surprised with how cooling and soothing oatmeal is on your skin. Simply add two cups of oatmeal to a lukewarm bath and soak to soothe your itchy and painful skin. Just warm water will do, not hot water, as the latter can irritate the skin and aggravate the itch and pain.
Lemon
Lemon is the common ingredient in many home remedy recipes to treat itchy skin. With the aromatic substance in a lemon containing anaesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties, it has been proved to help reduce itching. Just squeeze undiluted lemon juice on itchy skin and allow it to dry. Be cautious though. Lemon could be too strong for sensitive skin.
Basil
Basil contains high amounts of eugenol, a topical anaesthetic. Place half ounce of dried basil leaves in a one-pint jar of boiling water and keep it covered to prevent the escape of the aromatic eugenol from the tea. Let it cool down and dip a clean cloth into the tea and wipe down itchy skin as often as necessary.
Mint
Mint is a highly valued medicine by the Chinese folk. Abundant in menthol, mint has anaesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties when applied topically. Mint also contains high amounts of the anti-inflammatory rosmarinic acid which is readily absorbed into the skin. Just place an ounce of dried mint leaves in a pint of boiling water to make mint tea. Cover the tea and cool it. Similar to basil, dip a clean cloth in the tea and apply it to the itchy area when necessary.
Thyme
Another spice on the rack for anti-itch rinse is thyme. This herb contains large amounts of the volatile constituent thymol which has anaesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties. This means that other than numbing that irritating itch, it reduces inflammation caused by scratching. For a thyme rinse, start with half an ounce of dried thyme leaves in a one-pint jar of boiling water. Cover and cool, then apply to affected areas with a clean cloth. If dandelion root is in season, add an ounce of dandelion root and half ounce of dried thyme leaves into one quart of boiling water.
Cold water
Whenever you feel an itch or pain, simply head to the bathroom and let cold water run down your body. Since cold and itch travel along the same nerve fibres, the cold is able to jam the circuits and numb the itch. Ice packs can also be an instant remedy for your itchy skin. You might prefer hot water as it feels good, but it is only temporary and often leaves you feeling itchier later.
Coconut oil
Hydrating your skin is an important factor in eczema and an overnight spot treatment on these skin areas with coconut oil results in much improvement by the next morning. Soak yourself in lukewarm water until your fingers shrivel as this indicates a fully hydrated skin. Pat your skin dry, leaving it slightly damp and apply a thick layer of coconut oil on the affected areas. Wear socks, gloves and a long sleeved pyjama top if you need to and head to bed. You should have a peaceful itch-free night of sleep and improved skin in the morning. Coconut milk can also be used to reduce skin dryness. Just rub it onto your face and body and leave it overnight.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is better known for treating burns but not many know that it is also useful in reducing itches. Other than moisturising your skin, it will also form a protective layer that keeps impurities from entering your pores. So, snap off a leaf, slice it and rub the gel on the itch. You might want to put on moisturiser after applying aloe as it can leave your skin feeling tight.
Milk and honey
Not only are milk and honey good as drinks, they can also help to reduce itch. Pour some milk into a bowl, dip a clean washcloth into the milk and apply it to the dry itchy skin patch for five minutes. With the anti-inflammatory properties, it is very soothing for inflamed, dry, itchy skin. A milk bath once a month is also helpful. As for honey, simply heat two teaspoons of honey lightly and apply it to skin while the honey is still warm. Leave it on for 15 minutes and wash it off. It can help to lock in moisture besides having antioxidant and anti-microbial properties. That explains why it is widely used in over-the-counter skincare products.
Beeswax
For eczema patients, a mixture of honey, olive oil and beeswax is heaven-sent. Melt the beeswax in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Once melted, remove it from the heat and mix in honey, olive oil and stir well. The warm mixture should then be poured into an airtight container and stored in a refrigerator; it should be able to last for three months. For a longer shelf life and enhanced healing properties, add in a few drops of vitamin E oil.
Clove oil
Cloves contain eugenol to numb your nerve endings, so you won’t feel that persistent itch. You can buy a bottle of clove oil from some health food stores that stock imported products but if you have difficulty finding a bottle, you can make your own. To do so, crush four fresh cloves (or six if the cloves you have are old) and put them in a container. Pour olive oil into this container and leave it for a week to produce some clove oil good enough to cure your itch. Strain the oil before using it; dab some cotton into the oil and apply evenly on your affected areas.
