subject: Itching And Its Remedies [print this page] Itching is a symptom of several conditions of the skin such as eczema, scabies, ringworm, allergies, etc. When the skin is inflamed, the nerves in it become hyperactive. This increases the irritation at the region, which we try to remove by itching. Several times itching is mild and the sensation goes away after a while. Itching can be induced by a number of conditions, but the most common is Eczema. There are a numerous creams, lotions and medications to get temporarily relief from the itchiness of Eczema.
Causes:
It can be allergy related eczema, such as diet, detergent or any other medical condition.Trying a new shampoo or soap can lead to eczema as they are made from harsh chemicals that can react badly to an allergic skin. Not only that your diet can also induce Eczema. Nut allergy is a very common disease that triggers eczema.
Some of the most common factors that cause eczema are fabric softeners, fatty foods, caffeine, and certain types of materials. It is a good idea to take these into consideration as well as laundry detergent and other cleansing products.
Remedies:
Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Itching
1. Babul (Acacia arabica)
The bark of the babul is effective in controlling skin problems. It is most beneficial in the treatment of itching caused due to eczema.
2. Butea (Butea monosperma)
The seeds of the butea have excellent effects in controlling itching caused due to a variety of skin diseases such as ringworm, scabies and eczema. It can also cure boils, pimples and swellings that itch. For better results, these seeds are ground and mixed with lemon juice and used as an external application on the affected part.
3. Cassia (Cassia fistula)
Cassia leaves are used for treating all kinds of irritations of the skin. In case of severe itches from ringworm, its juice or paste is applied as a dressing on the affected part.
Dietary Treatments for Itching
There are no specific dietary indications for controlling itching. However, oily foods must be avoided. Spicy foods and salt are also not good for itchy skin.
Ayurvedic Treatments for Itching
Without knowing cause,no treatment would be efficient. Based on the cause, the following Ayurvedic medicines can be prescribed:-
1. Seasonal rashes and prickly heats are due to pitta constitution of the body. This can be treated using Pravala pishti in small doses.
2. If the itching is due to eczema, then Ayurvedic doctors will prescribe Paradadi balm to be applied locally on the skin. For severe eczema, there is Rasa manikya that can be used. Shuddha gandhaka is an internal medicine complementary with the external agents.
Home Remedies for Itching
a. Boil about 25 grams of babul and mango barks each in one liter of water. Allow a fomentation of these vapors directly onto the affected part of the skin. When the fomentation is done, dab the region with ghee. The itchiness will slowly disappear.
b. Mix linseed oil in equal parts of lemon juice. Apply this on the region where itching is severe. This remedy works for treating almost all types of itching.
