Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Try these tips to help relieve itching from a rash. Put cloths soaked in ice water on the rash a few times a day. Too much wetting and drying will dry the skin, which can increase itching. Heat makes itching worse. Or you can try an oatmeal bath product, such as Aveeno. Scratching leads to more scratching. Cut nails short or wear cotton gloves at night to prevent scratching. Don't wear wool and synthetic fabrics next to your skin. Examples are Basis, Cetaphil, Dove, and Oil of Olay. Use as little soap as you can. Don't use deodorant soaps. Try using ones like CheerFree or Ecover. Rinse twice to remove all traces of the soap. Don't use strong detergents. Dry skin may make itching worse. Carefully read and follow all label directions on the medicine bottle or box. Take several breaks during the day to do a relaxation exercise if stress appears to cause your itching or make it worse. In particular, do it before you go to bed. Sit or lie down, and try to clear your mind. Manage your stress by relaxing every muscle in your body, starting with your toes and going up to your head. Doing this may help your symptoms. You may be able to prevent itching from getting worse. Heat increases itching. If you are taking a bath, use a skin cleanser at the very end. Then rinse off with fresh water. Gently pat your skin dry with a towel. Apply a moisturizer or calamine lotion to the skin while it is damp. Rinse twice to remove all traces of the cleaning product. Avoid strong detergents when you have a rash. Scratching leads to more itching and may cause a skin infection to develop. Cut nails short or wear cotton gloves at night to prevent scratching. Put mittens or cotton socks on the hands of babies and young children to prevent scratching. If home treatment doesn't relieve the itching, you may want to try taking an over-the-counter medicine. Don't use the cream on children younger than age 2 unless your doctor tells you to. Don't use it in the rectal or vaginal area in children younger than age 12 unless your doctor tells you to. If the itching is severe and it interferes with sleep or other activities for more than 2 days, call your doctor to discuss your symptoms. Current as of: November 16, 2023 Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff Current as of: November 16, 2023 Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff Clinical Review Board This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit webmdignite.com. © 2024 Ignite Healthwise, LLC. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Ignite Healthwise, LLC.Topic Contents
Itching Relief
Overview
To keep itching from getting worse
Over-the-counter medicines for itching
Related Information
Credits
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Current as of: November 16, 2023 Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff Clinical Review BoardItching Relief
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.