Itchy skin is a common phenomenon that everyone experiences every so often. Also known as pruritus, itching skin varies in the extent of coverage on the skin and degree of discomfort.
Pruritus has many causes but is not dangerous for the most part. However, the itching sensation enhances your urge to scratch, and scratching itchy skin can cause bumps and rashes that worsen the situation. Scratching often leaves your skin with blemishes that may take forever to heal.
Using home remedies to soothe the itch away is a better idea to avoid worsening the situation. Below are the top effective home remedies for itchy skin:
CBD Cream
CBD is arguably the most popular natural remedy for plenty of health issues. Given its almost all-cure status, you may have some reservations about using it for itchy skin, but the cannabinoid effectively manages skin health. So, grabbing CBD products like oils,CBD Pills, tinctures, and CBD cream when you need instant relief from a skin itch is a good idea.
Dry skin is among the most common causes of itchy skin. However, slathering high-quality CBD skincare products on your skin locks in moisture, helping prevent rapid moisture evaporation that causes dry skin.
Another root cause of itchy skin is inflammation, and CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, countering skin inflammation. The cannabinoid works by interacting with the endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS) CB2 receptors that modulate immune responses, including inflammation.
CBD’s mechanism of action in countering skin inflammation is reducing interleukin activity and preventing more pro-inflammatory immune cells from migrating to the inflamed site. Interleukins are body proteins that facilitate cell-to-cell communication, including immune response stimulation. So, by blocking the interleukins, CBD inhibits inflammation, preventing dry skin and itching.
Colloidal Oatmeal
CBD may not be on everyone’s grocery list, but oatmeal is a pantry staple beloved for its low-calorie, rich fiber characteristic, among other nutrition benefits. Many health-conscious individuals believe that oatmeal is the new breakfast of champions.
However, most people do not know that besides its benefits inside the body, oatmeal is also beneficial when applied topically. Colloidal oatmeal provides effective relief for itchy or irritated skin.
The word “colloidal” may put you off, but it is not much different from regular oatmeal. Colloidal oatmeal is fancy for finely ground oats (including bran) mixed with liquids like water and MCT oils to form a salve. So, you can make a batch at home and use it directly or mix it with other skincare products to tackle itchy skin.
Oatmeal contains an alkaloid called avenanthramides, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to restore damaged skin and counter itching. Oatmeal is also rich in fiber, and it contains a natural fiber called beta-glucan, proven to be a humectant. Humectants are compounds with water-retention properties, meaning the beta-glucan in oatmeal delivers skin-deep hydration.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is also a helpful home remedy for itchy skin. Dabbing some apple cider on the itchy portion of your skin with a clean cotton ball will reduce the itching and counter other itchy skin symptoms like swelling and redness.
Researchers conducted a study to investigate apple cider vinegar’s (ACV) microbial properties against common microbes, including Staphylococcus aureus (notorious for causing skin infections) and E. coli. The study results concluded that ACV has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties with potential clinical therapeutic implications.
Microbes like bacteria and fungi are also primary causes of itchy skin. So, ACV’s mechanism of action in tackling itchy skin entails weakening microbes, preventing them from multiplying, and then killing them.
However, organic ACV (the cloudy kind containing sediments) is better for therapeutic purposes. The cloudy sediment, also called the “mother,” is healthy bacteria, proteins, and enzymes from apples that give ACV its healing properties.
Aloe Vera

Aloe vera may look like your average succulent plant, but it has numerous healing properties, including soothing irritated skin. According to one study, the succulent plant is a potent anti-inflammatory agent and is effective whether consumed orally or used as a topical.
The skin contains arachidonic, a fatty acid that promotes skin inflammation. Aloe vera contains a natural anti-inflammatory agent called C-glucosyl chromone that blocks the arachidonic pathway.
Another study also concluded that aloe vera is a powerful antioxidant, protecting skin cells from oxidative stress and allowing irritated areas time to heal. Therefore, besides enlivening your space with greenery, aloe vera is also helpful in soothing your skin and keeping it healthy.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is another phenomenal remedy for managing conditions that cause itchy skin, including eczema. Moreover, coconut oil is the most popular medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil.
MCT oils contain lauric acid, a saturated fatty acid proven to have antiviral, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties. Moreover, coconut oil has the highest lauric acid concentration of all MCT oils, making it effective in tackling microbes that cause itching.
An MCT oil, coconut oil has a delightfully light texture that is easy for the skin to absorb, facilitating fast relief. The oil also functions as a moisturizer, replenishing dry skin and preventing moisture loss.
Ice Pack
An ice pack is a modest yet effective remedy for itchy skin. Anecdotal evidence suggests that pressing an ice pack against a patch of itchy skin for 10 to 15 minutes relieves the itching. The process is called topical cooling or ice therapy.
Although the jury is still out on how lower temperatures relieve itching, one theory is that an ice pack causes blood vessels along the affected area to contract. The vasoconstriction reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines flow to the affected area.
Conclusion
Nature seems to be the best resource, providing numerous remedies for itchy skin. However, note that while itchy skin is often superficial, it can also be a symptom of a bigger issue. So, visit a health professional if the itch incapacitates you or persists beyond two weeks.
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