Natural and Home-Based Itch Treatments
Below are some suggestions on how to control your itching. For persistent or severe itching, see your health care provider for a precise diagnosis and specific treatment instructions. In the meantime, you can take some steps to help deal with the generalized itching.

 For Body Itching

Maintaining healthy skin may relieve pruritus. Good skin care includes adequate nutrition and daily fluid intake, protection from the environment, and cleansing practices that don't dry the skin.

The following specific factors may help relieve itching:

·         Moisturizing creams and lotions. These water-containing products form films over the skin surface and encourage the production of moisture beneath the film. This prevents dryness, which can cause itching.

·         Powders, bubble baths, and cornstarch. These products should be used with caution because they can irritate the skin and cause itching.

·         Tepid baths. Baths that are moderately warm and last no longer than one half hour every day or every two days can help relieve itching. Frequent bathing can aggravate dry skin, and hot baths can promote itching.

·         Mild soaps. Mild soaps contain less soap or detergent that can irritate skin. Oil can be added to the water at the end of a bath or applied to the skin before drying.

·         A cool humid environment. Heat can cause itching. Your skin loses moisture when the humidity is low. A cool, humid environment may prevent your skin from itching.

·         Removal of detergent residue. Residue left on clothing by detergent and fabric softeners may aggravate pruritus. The irritation can be reduced by adding vinegar (one teaspoon per quart of water) to the laundry rinse cycle or by using a mild laundry soap that is sold for washing baby clothes.

·         Cotton clothing and bed sheets. Body heat, wool, and some synthetic fabrics can aggravate itching. It may be helpful to wear loose-fitting, lightweight cotton clothing and to use cotton bed sheets.

Interrupting the itch-scratch-itch cycle, an increase in itching that can result from the process of scratching may also help to alleviate pruritus. The cycle may be broken by applying a cool washcloth or ice over the affected area. Applying pressure or vibration to the skin may also help. Other methods that may be useful in relieving symptoms include distraction, music therapy, relaxation, and imagery techniques.

About Anal Itching

Initial treatment of simple itching is directed toward relieving the burning and soreness. It is important to clean and dry the anus thoroughly and avoid leaving soap in the anal area - but not excessively. Cleaning efforts should include gentle showering without direct rubbing or irritation of the skin with either the washcloth or towel. After bowel movements, moist pads should be used to clean the affected area, and toilet paper should be avoided. Many over-the-counter products, sold for the treatment of anal itching, are not very effective in the long term. These often contain the same drugs that are used for treating hemorrhoids. Products containing cortisones and antihistamines shouldn't be used for extended periods of time.

·         Irritation of the anal skin needs to be reduced. It is impossible to eliminate it altogether because the stool continues to be in contact with the inflamed skin.

·         Cleanse carefully, thoroughly and gently after bowel movements. Many times, people over-wipe which can damage the skin,

·         Wash the anus in a bidet or a bucket of lukewarm water. Moistened tissues or soft toilet paper are next best. Use aqueous cream, mineral oil or other soap-free cleanser. Avoid soap and rough toilet paper.

·         Ask your doctor to explain your options. Various different soothing preparations are suitable, including mild topical steroids and zinc paste. Strong steroid creams should not be applied for more than a few days.

·         Avoid constipation. Eat plenty of high fiber foods (cereals, fruit and vegetables). Straining at stool causes cracks in the anus which are irritable and harbor bacteria.

·         Don't over-indulge in spicy food, prunes, figs, orange juice, coffee or beer. Keep the area dry. Moisture can cause irritation as well as create an ideal environment for yeast infection.  Baby powder may be helpful for keeping the anal area dry.

·         Look out for lingering laundry soap. 'Traces of laundry soap in clothing can sometimes cause an itch. Run your clothes through an extra rinse cycle if needed.

·         Get the softness out. Some people are sensitive to fabric softeners. If you've been using them in your laundry, stop for a while and see if that reduces the itching.

·         Apply Assuage anti-itch spray as directed. If significant irritation exists, applying anything can sting – even soap and water. If severe irritation exists and you apply Assuage, the stinging from having a product on the area may lead to a stronger itchy sensation for a few moments.  If this happens, try some of these other tips until the skin in the area heals itself – then apply as directed.

·         And don't SCRATCH! We know it feels so satisfying, but scratching and rubbing is the main reason for the continuing pruritus ani.

THE ZEN OF ITCH
Try not to scratch your itch. Scratching damages skin and aggravates itchy nerve endings, making them more difficult to calm down. Before instinctively scratching, try being mindful of the sensation of itching... not thinking about it, just feeling the sensation on your skin. Does it change? Does it move? Does it come and go? Do emotions arise? Itching may come with a strong urge to do something about it. What does that urge feel like? What happens if you just acknowledge that urge? How long does it stay around? Make friends with your itch, and then let it go.

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