Itching
Synopsis of Itching
Itching, or pruritus, is an uncomfortable sensation that triggers the urge to scratch. It may be localized (limited to a specific area) or generalized (widespread) and can range from mildly annoying to severely distressing. Itching is a symptom—not a disease—and may result from skin disorders, allergies, infections, systemic disease, or nervous system dysfunction.
Common causes of itching include:
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Dry skin (xerosis)
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Allergic reactions (to food, drugs, or substances)
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Eczema or dermatitis
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Hives (urticaria)
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Insect bites or stings
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Fungal infections (e.g., ringworm, candidiasis)
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Liver or kidney disease
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Parasites (e.g., scabies, lice)
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Hormonal imbalances or pregnancy
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Stress and anxiety
Associated symptoms may include:
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Redness or rash
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Dry, scaly, or thickened skin
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Blisters or bumps
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Open sores from scratching
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Swelling or inflammation
When to see a doctor:
If itching is severe, long-lasting, or accompanied by rash, fever, weight loss, or jaundice, seek medical evaluation. Chronic itching may require blood tests, allergy testing, or skin biopsies to determine the cause.
Natural remedies for Itching
Apply Cool Compresses or Oatmeal Baths: Soothes irritated skin and reduces urge to scratch.
Use Unscented Moisturizers: Helps restore skin barrier, especially after bathing.
Avoid Hot Showers and Harsh Soaps: These can worsen dryness and irritation.
Identify and Eliminate Triggers: Common culprits include detergents, fabrics, and certain foods.
Manage Stress: Emotional tension can intensify skin symptoms.
Ingredients
These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat Itching
aloe vera
alpha-pinene
myrobalan
beta-pinene
betel
bisabolol
chamomile
turmeric
Japanese sophora
licorice root
marshmallow
peppermint oil
purified silver
reishi mushroom
scrophularia root
slippery elm bark
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin E
zinc
bentonite
parthenium
chickweed
typhonium
ferula assafoetida
yarrow
amber
fern
sweetgums
oriental arborvitae
sheep's sorrel
wintergreen
camphor oil
fungal enzymes blend (proprietary)
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
10-Hydroxy-2-Decanoic Acid
Avens
Amber
Apple Cider Vinegar
Asoka
Acetic acid
Aloe Polysaccharide
Agastache
Arisaema erubescens
Aliphatic alcohol
Alpha-terpineol
Azelaic acid
Aloe Polysaccharide
acacia
Agrimony
Anamu
Abrus
Aloe vera
Almond Oil
Albizia (unspecified)
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
Abrotanum
Alsonia scholaris
African Basil
Aloe
allyl isothiocyanate
Alum
Argan nut oil
Ant
Amor seco
Arani
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Ash (unspecified)
Assam Indigo
Atlantic Cedar
Australian Sandalwood
Adsorbant
Belladonna
benzyl alcohol
Blue Flag
Babchi
Baliospermum
Baphicacanthus cusia
Buckthorn Plantain
Benzalkonium chloride
Black-Eyed Susan
Balsam
Betel
Balsam Poplar
Barleria
Bougainvillea
Brazillian peppertree
Bisabolene
Bisabolol
Benzoic acid
Birch (unspecified)
Blue Wiss
Balsam (unspecified)
Benzoin siam
Black Nightshade
Black Walnut
Bruteridine
Black Mustard
Black Hellebore
Cyperus (unspecified)
Calendula
Cream
Calotropis gigantea
Chenopodium Oil
Chrysanthemum maximum
Clerodendrum trichotomum
coconut oil
Colloid
Carvacrol
Cape Aloe
Cream
Cinquefoil
Cocoa Butter
Carry Me Seed
Cornflower
Commiphora gileadensis
Cajuput
Camphor
Commiphora (unspecified)
Castor
Cowhage
Catechu
Citral
Cedar
Centipeda minima
Chrysanthemum (unspecified)
Chamomile (not specified)
cypress
Camphor
Carrot oil
Calamus
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Cynanchum otophyllum
Copper
Chamomile
Cosmos
Cyanthillium cinereum
Chlorine
Castile Soap
Chamomile (unspecified)
Castor Oil
Carthamus
Copaiba Oil
Cicada
Citronella
Caratuberside
Chondrus
Dye Indigo
Didymocarpus
Dragon's Blood (unspecified)
DIVI-DIVI
Diatomaceous Earth
Docosanoic acid
Daphne
Dogwood (unspecified)
Dwarf Nettle
Davilla rugosa
Dichrostachys glomerata
Dendramine
Epidermal Growth Factor
European Elder
Erodium cicutarium
Evodia
Embelia ribes
English Ivy
Emu Oil
English Plantain
European Vervain
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
Euphorbia (unspecified)
European Golden Rod
Eugenol
Flueggea?suffruticosa
Fuchsia
Fomes fomentarius
Fang-Feng
Fleabane (unspecified)
Fruit acid (mixed)
Fern-leaf yarrow
Fringed Pink
Fumaritory
Fritillary (unspecified)
Glycolic acid
Glyceryl monolaurate
gamma-terpinene
German Chamomile
Gallesia
Giant Blazingstar
Gardenia jasminoides
Geranium
Golden Shower Tree
Honeysuckle
Horn
Halitum
Hyacinth (unspecified)
Himalayan Fir
Homalomena
Houttuynia
Honey loquat syrup
Hydrocolloid
Henna
Hydrogen peroxide
Hairy Fig
Indian Nightshade
Iridoid glycosides
Isopropylmyristate
Isobutylamides
Isopropanol
Ivy (unspecified)
Insect wax
Jewelweed
Japanese Apricot
Jojoba Oil
Jack-in-the-pulpit
Japanese Mint
jojoba
Japanese camphor
Jessica's Sticktight
Ledebouriella (unspecified)
Lemon Eucalyptus
Lesser speargrass
Lichen (unspecified)
Lichen Oil
Lophira lanceolata
Lanolin
Lanolin
Lycopodium (unspecified)
Labrador Tea
Lantana camara
Leptospermum scoparium
Lily
Lubricant
Lysimachia
Linalool
Labdanum
Masson Pine
Missouri Snakeroot
Myrcene
Mustard (unspecified)
Marsh Tea
Mallow
Moroccan oregano
Marshmallow
Malva sylvestris
Matico
Mountain mahogany
Marshmallow
Matapalo Tree
Mahonia (unspecified)
Montmorillonite
Marking Nut Tree
Macaranga indica
Naphthoquinones
Nonionic surfactant (unspecified)
Nut Grass
Oak (unspecified)
Ornamental Jewelweed
Orris
Onosma bracteatum
Oak Bark
Orchid tree (unspecified)
Octyl Glycerate
Peppermint leaf
Pagoda Tree
Pulsatilla
Praying mantis
Pepper Bark Tree
Polypodium (unspecified)
Plant oil (unspecified)
Pine
Pellitory
Paraffin wax
Provence Rose
Prickly Ash (Unspecified)
Plumbago zeylanica
Parthenium
Polygonum (unspecified)
Prickly Chaff Flower
Pine (unspecified)
Plectranthus amboinicus
Potentilla (unspecified)
Polygodial
Phodymprhenia pertusa
Pyrophyllite clay
Quassia
Quisqualis
Quillaja
Rue
Rubus (unspecified)
Rugose Rose
Red Sandalwood
Roman Chamomile
Rhus glabra
Spotted Geranium
Sabadilla
Spilanthes
Speedwell
Spanish Needle
Salicylate (unspecified)
Self-Heal
Sweet Annie
Spikenard
Salvia (unspecified)
Sensitive Plant
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Stabilizers
Sanguisorba
Small-Flowered Willow-Herb
Southernwood
Spanish Oregano
Silver
Slippery Elm
sage oil
Sagebrush
Semiaquilegia
Soapberry
Stearoyl vanillylamide
Sphaeranthus indicus
Savory
Sandalwood
Spanish Thyme
Scabrous Gentian
Sweet Goldenrod
Sapindus mukorossi
Summer Savory
Sumac
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Sulfur
Sweet Bay
Storax
Sandy Everlasting
Stone Root
Styrax balsam
Scurfy Pea
Sword Bean
Sedanenolide
Sulfur compounds (unspecified)
Sulphur
Sweet Orange alcohol
Tannins (mixed)
Terpinen-4-ol
Tyrosinase
Tropical Almond
Tamarix (unspecified)
Thiosulfanate
Thymol
Tannin
Tansy
Tea Tree
Tea Tree Oil
Three-Leaf-Caper
Terpinolene
Thuja plicata
Teri Pod
Urea
Vervain
Vitamin A (retinol)
Vitamin A (mixed)
Vitricin
Water Plantain
Water Lily (unspecified)
Wrightia tinctoria
Witch Hazel
White Oak
White Peony
Wax
Western Mugwort
Wild Thyme
White Mustard
Wool
Waltheria ovata
Winter Savory
Yarrow
