How to Stop Scratching Irritated Skin

Last Updated: December 1, 2021 References

Dealing with itchy skin, also called pruritis, often depends upon the cause of the itch. In general, it’s best not to scratch an itch because you could worsen the underlying cause, irritate your skin further, or cause an infection. There are many ways you can treat itchy skin without scratching and resist the immediate temptation to scratch.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Resisting the Immediate Temptation

1
Keep your fingernails trimmed short. Short fingernails make it more difficult to scratch. If you prefer to your nails long, wear gloves to avoid scratching, especially at night.
2
Scratch or press around the area that is irritated but not on it. The gate control theory of pain suggests that applying pressure and stimulation to another area can distract you from the itch and actually alleviate some of the pain.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Snap a rubber band on your wrist when you feel the urge to scratch. Some people press an X into their skin near an itchy spot such as a mosquito bite. These are both examples of the gate control theory of pain at work to stop you from scratching.
Advertisement
3
Rub the inside of a banana peel on an itchy surface. Compounds in the peel are known to decrease the itch.^{[2]
X
Research source}
4
Use an ice cube or a cool, wet compress. A melting ice cube on an itchy patch of skin can provide cooling relief. A cold, damp washcloth can also sooth the site.^{[3]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Take a clean washcloth and wet it in cold water. Wring out most of the water, leaving the cloth damp but not dripping. Gently apply the cloth to your itchy spot and allow it to rest there as it provides some relief.
- Applying a slice of cucumber or a cotton ball soaked in apple cider vinegar also has the same cooling effect.
5
Find a distraction. Getting your mind off the itch is sometimes all you need. Mothers of children with eczema well know the benefit of having toys, video games, TV, physical activity, and even tickling as a way to keep their kids from scratching.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Squeeze a stress ball instead. If you like working with your fingers, try knitting or crocheting when you feel the urge to scratch. Keeping your hands busy is a good way to prevent scratching.
6
Pull a very soft cloth gently over the site. Use a soft clean cloth to gently caress the itchy skin without irritating the site.^{[5]
X
Research source} You can also cover the area with a nonstick bandage instead of a soft cloth.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Using a Home Remedy

1
Use clay. Bentonite clay, also called shampoo clay, has been shown to be effective in treating eczema and diaper rash and can be found in many natural health stores.^{[6]
X
Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source}
- Stir green clay with a bit of water into a peanut butter-like paste and apply to the skin. Let it dry then peel it off, taking away irritants that may have been making you itchy.
2
Take a lukewarm bath with uncooked or colloidal oatmeal. Oatmeal contains compounds that reduce inflammation and irritation.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Most pharmacies sell oatmeal preparations to add to your bath water.
- You can also add a bit of water to a cup of uncooked oatmeal, let it soak for a few minutes, then apply it as a paste to the irritated area.
3
Wear loose, cotton clothing^{[8]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Loose clothing prevents any friction irritation. Cotton is the friendliest and coolest of fabrics to wear over irritated skin as it won’t scratch and is breathable.
4
Apply peppermint oil. Many natural health shops sell essential oils such as peppermint, which often comes in a roller you can apply directly to the skin.^{[9]
X
Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source}
- Leaves can also be crushed and mixed with a small amount of water to make a paste to gently apply to your skin.
- Cool wet peppermint tea bags can also be applied directly to the skin.
5
Use hypoallergenic soaps without dyes and perfumes^{[10]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Hypoallergenic means that the item you are using has been tested to be free of chemicals such as scent or colour that would irritate the skin.
6
Avoid scented detergent. Also try putting your clothes through a second rinse cycle.^{[11]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Scented detergent often has chemicals that can further exacerbate already irritated skin.
7
Apply aloe vera. If you have a plant at home, just break off a tip of the plant and squeeze some of the natural aloe onto your skin and gently rub it in^{[12]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Be sure to not use your fingernails when applying the aloe or you could irritate your skin further.
8
Reduce stress and anxiety. Stress increases the cortisol level in your bloodstream, making your skin hypervigilant to infection and causing an inflammatory response.^{[13]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Talk to your doctor if you have chronic stress and anxiety. There are many ways you can naturally deal with stress.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Addressing the Cause

1
Relieve dry skin. Dry skin is common in the winter, especially when the heaters are on and the moisture is being sucked out of the air. Moisturize unbroken skin with a thick cream to relieve itchiness at least twice a day, especially right after bathing.^{[14]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Keep baths and showers short and not too hot to reduce further drying of your skin.
2
Monitor for allergic reactions. Soaps and household chemicals, certain fabrics, and cosmetics can elicit allergic reactions that cause your skin to be itchy. If you suspect one of these culprits, change or eliminate them one at a time to determine which is irritating your skin.^{[15]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Environmental allergens such as grass and pollen, plants such as poison ivy, and pet dander can cause skin irritation and you may want to discuss allergy testing with your physician.
- Food allergies can also manifest as skin irritation. If you suspect you have a food allergy, begin a food journal where you write down everything you eat, and make an appointment to see your doctor to discuss allergy testing.
3
Assess rashes and skin conditions. Dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, scabies, lice, and chicken pox are common skin conditions from which you get itchy.^{[16]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Scabies is particularly common in children and is often overlooked as a diagnosis. Also called the itch mite, the scabies parasite burrows under the skin and its bites mimic an allergic reaction.^{[17]
  X
  Research source}
- Your doctor can recommend treatment for all of these conditions. Be sure to act promptly for greatest relief and to prevent spreading.
4
Know that itchiness is common if you have any internal or nervous system disorders. If you know you have celiac disease, anemia, a thyroid disorder, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, shingles, cancer, or kidney or liver disease, consider that the itchiness might be a result of your illness.^{[18]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Itchiness as a result of these illnesses usually affects the entire body.
5
Think about your medications. Itchiness is a common side effect of many medications. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are concerned about the medications you are taking.^{[19]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Antibiotics, antifungals, and narcotics commonly cause itchiness.
6
Know that itchiness is common in pregnancy. If you are pregnant, you might be particularly itchy across your abdomen, breasts, thighs, and arms, as your skin accommodates the new life growing inside.^{[20]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
7
See a doctor. Be sure to connect with your physician particularly if your itching persists more than two weeks and is not eased by home remedies or life-style changes.^{[21]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- See a doctor sooner if your itch is associated with redness, fever, swelling, sudden weight loss, or extreme fatigue.
- Talk to your doctor if you have vulvar itching. Yeast infections and vulvar psoriasis and eczema can be difficult for you to distinguish yourself and you need proper medical treatment via prescribed creams and oral medications.^{[22]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Harvard Medical School
  Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public
  Go to source}
- Males with jock itch may need antifungal medication. Men can get yeast infections, too. See your doctor for a check up.^{[23]
  X
  Research source}
- Anal itching can be a result of dietary irritants, hygiene, dermatological conditions such as psoriasis, pinworms (common especially in children) or hemorrhoids. See your doctor for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.^{[24]
  X
  Research source}

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Satisfying the Itch Medically

1
Take medications as prescribed. If your cause is allergies, your doctor may prescribe antihistamine medications, or allergy pills. If you have an underlying illness, such as kidney disease, your doctor will prescribe different medications to take.^{[25]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- You may be prescribed a topical corticosteroid cream to put directly on the irritated area, depending on the site and cause. If your itching is severe, your doctor may prescribe an oral steroid or other oral or topical medications.
2
Try phototherapy. Your doctor may recommend you have sessions of exposure to ultraviolet light, wherein certain wavelengths can control itching.^{[26]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Phototherapy is a common treatment for itchiness related to the jaundice caused by liver diseases such as cirrhosis.
3
Use a non-prescription cream. 1% hydrocortisone creams are available over the counter at most pharmacies and can be helpful on a short-term basis while the underlying cause is being treated.
- Do not use topical anaesthetics such as benzocaine on a regular basis without consulting a physician, as side effects can occur. Do not use topical anaesthetics on children.
- Calamine lotion is commonly used to relieve the itch of poison ivy and chicken pox.^{[27]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American Academy of Dermatology
  Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
  Go to source}
4
Explore other medical options. If you cannot get your itch satisfied through conventional medical or home remedy means, discuss with your doctor the less common causes of itching related to pinched nerves, mental illnesses such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, or genetic illnesses such as epidermolysis bullosa.^{[28]
X
Research source}
- Your doctor may even occasionally prescribe an antidepressant to help the itching.