Top 9 Home Remedies For Dry and Itchy Skin

Having dry and itchy skin has never been comfortable for anyone. In fact, according to NEA - National Eczema Association, individuals who experience itchy skin may have difficulty sleeping. While dry or itchy skin is a common complaint among many people after time to time, they cause symptoms such as irritation and scratching. But if you have a dry/itchy skin problem, don't worry about it. There are numerous home remedies for dry skin. In this article, we discuss the top home remedies for dry and itchy skin. The good news is that all these remedies are affordable and readily available in your local store.

What Is Dry And Itchy Skin?

Dry skin, also known as xerosis, is a skin condition characterized by a lack of moisture on the skin. If the condition is left untreated, dry skin can cause itchiness and crack. It can also lead to red patches, bacterial infection, and in other cases, bleeding. 

Causes Of Dry And Itchy Skin

Dry and itchy skin can be caused by several factors. The most common causes of this condition are heat, arid climates, low humidity, harsh soaps, and hot showers. Other causes of dry/itchy skin include;

Insect bites, stress, allergies, and skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

1. Soap

Soap as an emulsifier can remove excess oil on the skin, ultimately resulting in dry or itchy skin. It's better to apply a good moisturizer to manage the condition. Remember, however, that some moisturizers can worsen the situation. Please use a natural moisturizer.

2. Some Clothing Materials

Clothing materials such as wool or synthetic fibers can trigger itchiness or worsen dry skin.

3. Medications

Dry skin can be triggered by a medical condition. For instance, medication for conditions such as high cholesterol, allergies, high blood pressure, and acne are common sources of skin conditions.

[Also Read: Causes of acne on cheeks and forehead]

4. Aging

Aging is also one of the factors for dry and itchy skin.

5. Internal Diseases

Itchy skin can be consumed by an internal disease such as kidney failure, liver disease, thyroid problems, iron deficiency anemia, and cancer such as lymphoma and multiple myeloma.

6. Psychiatrist Conditions

They include depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

7. Allergic Reactions Due To Cosmetics

Some cosmetics may also cause allergic reactions to the skin and hence makes the skin dry and itchy.

8. Pregnancy

It's common for some women and not others.

Overall, all the causes of dry/itchy skin cannot be exhausted. Furthermore, some reasons can't even be determined. Make sure you visit a dermatologist, especially if you are not sure what's causing the condition.

Home Remedies For Dry And Itchy Skin

If you are experiencing a dry /itchy skin due to common causes such as harsh soaps, then you can easily manage the condition using your kitchen ingredients. Following are some common and effective home remedies for dry and itchy skin;

1. Essential oils

Essential oils are some of the most effective home remedies for skin ailments, including dry and itchy skin. Some great essentials oils that can be used as home remedies include;

Sunflower Seed Oil

In most cases, dry and itchy skin is caused by dehydration. A research carried out on sunflower seed oil in 2013 showed that it’s effective in improving hydration on the participant's arm.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil also works well to treat dry skin. It increases the number of lipids on the surface of the skin while improving skin hydration. It contains saturated fatty acids that make the skin smooth. A study in 2014 suggested that coconut oil is as effective as petroleum jelly in managing dry and itchy skin.

2. Cooling The Itch

The best way to treat itchy skin is to cool the itch. According to the American Academy of Dermatologists, the best way to treat an itchy skin is to apply an ice pack or a cold/wet cloth to the affected area for 5 to 10 minutes. Cooling reduces the inflammation that can result in itchiness.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

For decades, apple cider vinegar has been used to manage and treat skin ailments because of its natural antiseptic and disinfectant properties. Also, according to NPF - The National Psoriasis Foundation, it is effective in relieving an itchy scalp. However, do not apply pure apple cider vinegar on your skin- it can worsen the itching effect. Dilute it with water with a ratio of 1-to-1. Don't use vinegar if you have cracked skin - it can cause a burning sensation.

4. Baking Soda

According to research, baking soda is an effective treatment for many types of fungal conditions, including itching. To prevent itching, consider adding ¼ cup of baking soda to a warm bath and soak in a bath of baking soda for 30 to 60 minutes.

5. Oatmeal Bath

Another effective ingredient for dry/itchy is oatmeal. Just add powdered oatmeal to your bath or use an oatmeal moisturizer to relieve dry itchy skin. According to a study carried out in 2015, oatmeal contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which are excellent in treating dry skin.

6. Milk

Consider adding milk on your diet if you want to get quick relief from dry/itchy skin. According to research, drinking milk could manage dry skin. Milk contains phospholipid fat that improves the skin barrier when added to the diet.

7. Honey

Honey is another effective remedy that has been used for decades for numerous conditions, including the skin. Honey contains moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties that are essential in treating dry and itchy skin. Honey is also 100 % natural and can be applied directly to the skin.

8. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is another popular home remedy for skin conditions, especially acne. As well, it has moisturizing effects and can be used to relieve dry skin. Additionally, aloe Vera forms a protective layer that prevents impurities from entering the pores, thereby protecting the skin against infections. Just slice a piece of Aloe Vera and squeeze out the gel. Apply the gel to the itchy skin. Allow it to rest for a few minutes and then wash it off. You can also use an Aloe Vera moisturizer.

9. Water

Because dehydration is among the most common causes of dry skin, it's crucial that you hydrate well. Drink at least 8 glasses of water or more if you still feel thirsty. Also, water can help remove toxins from the body through the skin or urine. Toxins can also cause skin drying and itching.

While these home remedies are effective in treating dry and itchy skin, they won't help you if the condition is caused by severe problems such as an underlying disease such as skin cancer. Therefore, visit a doctor immediately if the condition persists or if you suspect the condition to be serious.

Prevention Tips For Dry And Itchy Skin

The best way to prevent dry or itchy skin is to stay hydrated and moisturizing the skin regularly, especially after bathing. Also, avoid any other factors that can trigger skin drying and itching that includes;

• Shaving with a blunt razor
• Scratching the skin
• Bathing more than 3 times a day
• Skin exposure to extreme cold or hot water
• Using drying moisturizers and alcoholic lotions
• Wearing tight clothes
• Using harsh detergents
• Staying in windy environments
• Fragranced skincare products
• Wearing wool and synthetic fibers
• Stress

Conclusion

I hope this article has shed some light on how you can easily manage an itchy and dry skin - just use the various home remedies for dry and itchy skin. You are also not limited to these remedies; make sure that whatever you use is natural to avoid irritating the skin. Also, remember to visit the doctor if the condition persists.