Dry Itchy Skin Home Remedies

Take A Lukewarm Oatmeal Bath

Sure, an oatmeal soak is far less luxurious than a steamy bubble bath, but it might help soothe your itchy skin, says Dr. Kanchanapoomi Levin.

Colloidal oatmeal has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities that can rehydrate your skin and dial down the intensity of an itch, per a small study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology.

Not a fan of baths? Colloidal oatmeal is also available in a number of OTC creams and lotions, like Aveenos Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion.

What Is Dry Skin

Dry skin is when your skin dries out because it doesnât have enough moisture. It isnât usually serious, but it can be irritating. If your dry skin is severe, you should see a doctor.

There are many causes of dry skin — from the temperature outside to how much moisture is in the air — and many types.

Natural Home Remedies For Itchy Dogs

Jillian Dara is a fact checker for The Spruce Pets, reviewing articles about pet care and pet products for factual accuracy and consistency. She has more than five years of experience in lifestyle editing and media and has been published in a variety of prestigious outlets.

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• Frequently Asked Questions

When a trip to the vet isn’t possible, you can treat a dog’s itchy skin with a home remedy. Colloidal oatmeal baths, coconut oil, and baking soda are among the items you can use for home remedies. And though you can offer some relief and lessen the urge to itch, it’s important that you eventually treat the underlying cause, whether it’s an allergy, flea bites, or an autoimmune disorder.

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Consider A Fruit Enzyme Cleanser Or Exfoliant

Fruit enzymes can be lifesavers during dry-skin season. These alpha-hydroxy acids are great for gently exfoliating the superficial layer of dulling dead skin cells on the face and body, says Shainhouse. She recommends using a fruit-enzyme-infused wash or mask twice per week. Some good fruit enzymes to look for include pineapple, pumpkin, and papaya.

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Cool Water To Relieve The Itching

One of the simplest ways to deal with itchiness is to use cold water. Because the sensations of itchiness and coolness affect the same nerves, applying cold to the affected area brings almost instant relief.

Im sure that you know how to use cool water for itchiness by running cold water over the sensitive place, but Im going to offer you two other ways to use it.

Necessary ingredients:

Notes: Avoid hot water. It takes moisture out of the skin and will probably irritate your skin. Whats more, it will make the itch worse than before.

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Chamomile And Green Tea Soaks

Chamomile and green teas are well-known for their soothing, anti-inflammatory effects in humansâbut they work just as well for dogs, too. If your dog is dealing with hot, itchy patches of skin, try giving it a soothing soak in a chamomile or green tea bath.

Here’s how to do it: Fill your bathtub or sink with lukewarm water and let several tea bags steep for three to five minutes. Then, remove the tea bags and let your dog soak in the mixture for at least five minutes. If you want to spot treat your dog’s skin, steep a tea bag and let it cool completely before applying the tea directly to affected areas.

Oatmeal For Itchy Skin

If youve had the chicken pox, you may have taken an oatmeal bath to soothe your itchy skin. Oatmeal contains chemicals called avenanthramides and phenols, which have anti-inflammatory properties, Morgan explains.

Pets with skin allergies and superficial infections get immediate relief from oatmeal, says Khuly, who is a general veterinary practitioner. Its especially helpful for dogs with really itchy feet. Plus, its 100 percent non-toxic and delicious, too.

To create your own remedy, Morgan suggests grinding the oatmeal to a fine powder and mixing it with water to apply as a poultice on hot spots or inflamed areas. If your dog tolerates baths, you can add the oatmeal formula to warm water, and let your dog soak for five to 10 minutes.

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Home Remedies For Dry Skin 10 Ways To Fix Your Dry Skin Problem

To treat dry skin you need not always rush to a doctor. If you are wondering how to treat dry skin on face or anywhere else on your body, here are some great remedies you can use as an effective dry skin treatment at home.

Olive oil is one of the best oils for skin and the best of natural dry skin remedies during the colder months. Olive oil works as a natural cleanser and moisturizer. The best part about this remedy is that it wont strip off the natural oils from the face and leaves your skin moisturized.

Using rose water as a toner will balance your skins ph levels. This is the best remedy for dry skin if you are facing itchy skin. Simply dab rose water on your face to keep it hydrated from within, making it look and feel smooth and gentle.

This is one of the evergreen natural dry skin remedies. Massaging your face every day with coconut oil before you take a shower and before going to bed helps remove dryness, fine lines and wrinkles. This is because coconut oil has emollient properties, which create a smooth surface and fills in the gaps in the skin cells. It works primarily well in winters as it protects your skin from the direct impact of hot water.

Apply Coconut Oil Before Bedtime

Coconut oil becomes a solid at room temperature, so use it as a moisturizing cream at bedtime or anytime, recommends Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at SkinSafe Dermatology and Skin Care in Beverly Hills, California. For chapped heels and hands, apply the oil, then layer with thick socks or nonlatex gloves.

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Tips For Healthy Skin

The following are some tips to keep your skin healthy:

• Excessive exposure to sunlight can lead to sun tan or wrinkles. Hence, use sunscreen every day, even if you are indoors to prevent skin damage.

• Lack of water content in the body can lead to skin inflammation, blemishes, aging, dehydration and so on. Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily to keep your skin hydrated and plump.

• Cleansing helps remove excess dirt, opens up clogged pores, and gets rid of pollutants from the skin. Massage your skin gently for about 20 minutes with a skin care product that suits your skin.
• Eating healthy foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals like spinach, salmon, almonds, and berries can boost your immune system and also improve the texture or quality of your skin.
• Skin exfoliation removes dirt and helps in reducing the appearance of wrinkles. It helps promote the process of skin renewal, thereby making the skin healthy and fresh. Therefore, make sure to exfoliate your skin daily to improve overall skin texture.

Vitamin E Oil For Healthy Skin

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps fight aging, says Dr. Judy Morgan, a holistic veterinarian based in New Jersey. While your dog couldnt care less about maintaining her youthful glow, she can still benefit from Vitamin E oil. Morgan says it adds protection against UV radiation, which is especially beneficial if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors.

It can also be used to moisturize your companions dry skin. Morgan recommends massaging Vitamin E oil on your dogs coat. Vitamin E capsules can also be broken open and used on warts, calluses, or dry spots, she says, adding that there is no cause for concern if your pet licks off the small amount of the oil.

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Home Remedies For Dry Skin On Legs

Dry skin might occur for various reasons, including cold weather, excessive hot baths, or genetic composition. The condition can be troublesome, leading to flaky or cracked skin on your legs. Dry skin can also prompt itchiness. If you scratch your legs too often, you may aggravate the dry skin, causing an unsightly redness across your complexion.

The first step to treating the dry skin on your legs involves getting rid of the aggravators. Start by avoiding hot baths, harsh antibacterial soaps, and products that contain fragrance. These culprits contribute to the water loss in the outer layer of your skin, ultimately causing dryness. Instead, you can restore the moisture with various skin rejuvenation treatments at Beauty Med.

In addition, there are different ways to help alleviate skin dryness, simply by using common household ingredients. Try one of these home remedies for dry skin on legs:

What Are Skin Disorders

Your skin shields you from the environment around you. It helps keep disease and toxins from your body. Skin performs vital functions. Nerve endings in your skin make it feasible to feel sensations, such as hot and cold or pain.. Additionally, it makes it possible to maintain constant body temperature. Though your skin plays a special role, in addition, it faces some unique threats. Among the biggest dangers to the skins health is skin cancer. Few individuals have flawless skin free of any scars, bruises, moles, or other marks. Skin problems include:

Fungal, viral, or bacterial infections, such as shingles, boils, ringworm, warts, cold sores, and athletes foot.

Conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea.

Symptoms from food allergies, drug allergies, and other allergies. Symptoms include rashes and hives.

Skin cancer, such as melanoma, basal cell cancer, and squamous cell cancer.

Skin conditions are no fun to deal with if it is a moderate allergic reaction or something more severe, such as eczema or psoriasis. Various factors may result in the growth of skin conditions that make the origin of the problem hard to pinpoint. Fortunately, many natural remedies may be utilized to ease pain, burn, or itching and even cure many of these conditions.

See: Foods for clear healthy skin

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What Remedies Should You Avoid

There are some remedies that may seem like a good idea but should be avoided in favor of any of the remedies listed above.

Moisturizers with fragrances

As Dr. Khetarpal pointed out, fragrances and dyes in moisturizers can cause more irritation for some than soothing those dry, itchy patches.

Aloe vera

While aloe vera can be soothing for sunburns, you shouldnt rely on it for dry, itchy skin. It generally has fragrances and preservatives for a longer shelf life that can cause more trouble, says Dr. Khetarpal. And theres not a lot of scientific data that shows it actually helps itchy skin. Its more for temporary relief for sunburns.

Apple cider vinegar

While you may come across apple cider vinegar as a potential home remedy in web searches, its one to avoid, says Dr. Khetarpal. Vinegar is acidic and can actually make things a lot worse

Vitamin E Oil For Dry Skin

Ingredients: Vitamin E oil, as per requirement

How it works: Massage the oil gently on affected areas. Leave it overnight and rinse with lukewarm water in the morning.

Frequency: Daily

Why it works: Vitamin E is essential for maintaining the skins health. It hydrates, moisturizes as well as nourishes the dry skin. It softens and smoothens dry flaky skin. Vitamin E oil is a rich source of antioxidants and repairs the damage caused to the skin. Since it maintains the skins moisture levels, it also boosts the healing process and leaves you with supple and glowing skin.

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Remedies For Dry Itchy Skin

Again, lets start out with some basic tips on caring for your skin so that it doesnt become dry and itchy.

• Apply moisturize every day or even twice a day if you are over 40. Apply immediately after showering or bathing when your skin is still a little damp. Do not scrub skin dry.
• Choose a lotion brand that has petroleum jelly or lanolin high on the ingredients list.
• For super-dry skin, use olive oil. Rub it in prior to a bath or shower. You may substitute peanut, sesame or sunflower oil.
• Avoid steaming hot water or lengthy immersions, which will strip your skin of its natural oils. Dermatologists suggest taking shorter baths or showers in warm water. If you have severe dry skin problems, keep your showers to no longer than 5 minutes and use lukewarm water.
• Use a mild, glycerin-based soap. And stay away from hair or skin-care products that contain any forms of alcohol, which are drying agents.
• Wash gently. Vigorous scrubbing can further irritate sensitive skin. Gently clean around the fold areas of your skinunderarms, neck, and groinand feet. Use very little, if any soap, on your trunk and limbs.
• Dont go outside in any season without using SPF of at least 15 on your face and hands.
• To soften dry skin, add 1 cup powdered milk to your bath.
• Try adding lemon juice or vinegar to your bathwater. Soap, being highly alkaline, may make your skin feel itchy.

Oatmeal Bath for Itchy Skin

If you have itchy skin, try a soothing oatmeal bath.

Homemade Oatmeal Scrub

Chickpea Facial

Oils For Flea Prevention

If you are reluctant to use conventional flea prevention products, you might have looked into natural options. There are a lot of recipes out theresome good, some bad, Morgan says. Essential oils can be very effective, she says, but must be diluted so they do not cause harm to the animal.

Morgan likes coconut oil, which you can either give your dog orally or apply externally on his coat. The higher the lauric acid content in the oil, the more effective it will be, she says. Many inferior coconut oils have very low lauric acid content. Coconut oil can also be used as a carrier oil for essential oils.

After using a dog flea comb daily to help remove fleas from a dogs coat, Integrative Veterinarian Dr. Carol Osborne recommends bathing your canine companion with a natural pet flea shampoo. Start, for example, with a pint of organic oatmeal shampoo, and then add two tablespoons of either neem or tea tree oil, shake well and begin bathing. Pets may be bathed weekly or as needed. Keep in mind that improper dilutions of tea tree oil and other essential oils can be toxic for pets, so consult with your veterinarian first. And while natural options like these may help repel fleas, they are unlikely to solve a full-blown infestation on their own.

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Home Remedy #: Milk And Honey For Dry Skin

You should avoid taking long hot baths for healthy skincare. However, you can still enjoy a relaxing bath set at a warm, moderate temperature. Best of all, you can add milk and honey to the bath as a method of treating skin dryness.

Milk can nourish your skin, exfoliating it to remove those flaky dead skin cells. Similarly, honey has moisturizing and antibacterial properties. Together, they have beneficial effects on the severe dry skin on your legs. Pour half a cup of honey into a bowl and insert some boiling water. Next, introduce one cup of milk and mix well. Add the mixture to the water of your bath, and soak in it.

How To Prevent Itching

The following measures can help in preventing itching:

• Wear loose-fitting, cotton clothing.
• Use a humidifier to keep your surroundings humid and prevent your skin from drying and turning itchy.
• Keep your nails trimmed.
• Keep your stress levels under control.
• Limit or avoid intake of caffeine and alcohol.
• Drink lots of water and keep yourself well hydrated.
• Keep your skin moisturized â use a good moisturizer.
• Check for allergic reactions to certain foods like milk, eggs, peanuts, fish, mushrooms, etc., and avoid them.
• Change out potentially chemically harmful household products such as: laundry detergent/softener, dryer sheets, shampoo, soap, lotion etcâ¦to more natural, chemical, and fragrance-free products.

In some cases, the itching can become intense and last for a long time. If you notice any of the following symptoms, you must consult your dermatologist immediately.

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When Does Itchy Skin Become A Serious Problem

At what point does is your itchy skin, though, the sign of something more serious? For Dr. Khetarpal, these symptoms are definitely worth speaking to your doctor about.

• Generalized itching: if your itching is felt all over not just in specific spots and felt at all times regardless of the season or time of day.
• Extended itching: if its been more than four weeks of trying these home remedies and theres still not relief.
• Visible rash: if your rash is red and scaly, more than just dry skin.
• Bleeding and pain: if your skin is cracked and bleeding and causing enough pain to wake up during the night.

If youre experiencing one or more of these, reach out to your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Whip Up An Olive Oil Cleanser To Soothe Dry Skin

A great natural oil to use is olive oil, which works as a natural cleanser and moisturizer, says Brandy Crompton, a licensed aesthetician and former manager of LeBliss Salon and Spa in Louisville, Kentucky. “Just rub the oil into your skin and drape a warm, damp cloth over your face until it cools,” Crompton says, “then wipe away the excess oil.” Olive oil is a good choice as a cleanser because it won’t strip your skins natural oils, but it will clean your skin, she adds.

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