Itchy skin can be a highly discomforting situation to deal with. It could be a result of bug bites or having extremely dry skin. A visit to the dermatologist can help get to the root of the condition. You can try ice packs or a balm such as Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume to soothe the itching and improve skin health in the process.
What are the Ways to Treat Itchy Skin?
Some of the different ways using which you can soothe irritation and burning brought about by itchy skin are as follows:
Cold Treatment
Applying an ice pack or a cold, wet cloth to the skin area that itches could provide temporary relief. You can do this for about 5 or 10 minutes at a time. However, it is recommended that you wait at least an hour before going in for a repeat application, only if required. Be gentle with the application, do not tug or use intense pressure on the skin.
These packs can work because the cold temperature provides a numbing effect on the targeted area, which can help reduce inflammation and swelling. In addition, cold compresses are a reasonably safe way to treat itchy skin, more so if the itching is localized.
Use a Soothing Balm
Several balms and lotions available in the market today are mainly developed to treat itchy skin. For example, Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume has an anti-itching dermatological active ingredient, PEA. The ingredients in the balm ensure that the itching stops quickly, providing you relief.
It also comes equipped with a patented Skin Barrier Therapy that ensures your skin is protected once the itching stops. The product contains a healthy mixture of antioxidants, ceramides, and emollients that can help soothe, repair, and replenish your skin.
Ceramides help create a barrier that locks the moisture in and prevents itchiness, irritation, and dryness. Keeping your skin well hydrated with the help of a moisturizer that suits your skin type can go a long way in keeping conditions like itching at bay.
Oatmeal Bath
Oatmeal has been used for ages to treat various skin conditions like itchiness and dryness. According to studies, oat oil has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, the oil promotes wound healing and repairs the skin barriers.
You can fill the tub with warm water, mix a cup of oatmeal and immerse yourself in the mixture for about 30 minutes—post which you can rinse off with a lukewarm shower.
Visit a Dermatologist
Itchiness is a fairly common skin condition that people might deal with from time to time. For example, some people have a marine allergy. If you separate yourself from the cause and do not go swimming in the sea, the itchiness might reduce and go away in 2 weeks.
But if the condition persists over six weeks, the itch is considered chronic. There could be various skin conditions why your skin constantly itches, such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, or eczema. It would be best to visit a dermatologist and seek proper treatment for your underlying condition.
Also, if you have dry skin, a dermatologist can recommend products that can help better manage your skin.
Preventative Measures
According to AAD, here are some tips that can help prevent itching in the first place:
- Avoid using hot water for your showers. Use lukewarm water and keep the shower time under 10 minutes.
- When using skincare products, stay away from scented products. They could contain several chemicals in their ingredient list that could cause more harm than good.
- Ensure you are regularly using skin products suggested by the dermatologist. Apply your medications and keep the skin hydrated with a moisturizer.
Tips for Choosing the Right Soothing Balm
When looking for a skincare product to help with itchy skin, you should ensure the product is fragrance, paraben, and alcohol-free. With continued use of paraben-laden products, your skin could become brittle and be prone to developing other skin conditions. Paraben could also accelerate the skin aging process.
If you have sensitive skin, opt for hypoallergenic products as they reduce the chances of irritation and allergy. If you have oily skin and are prone to acne, look for a balm that is non-comedogenic. Such a balm would help get rid of dead skin cells and be much less likely to clog your pores.
You must not leave itchy skin untreated. You can use cold compressors or oatmeal baths for temporary relief. You could also use a soothing balm like Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume to effectively stop itching, repair, and build up your skin barrier. If the issue persists, pay a visit to a dermatologist.
