Itch (cont.)
Should I scratch the itch?
Itching usually prompts scratching, which can sometimes lead to a vicious itch-scratch cycle. Scratching can initially feel so satisfying, but prolonged scratching just leaves you with irritated skin that can still itch and often causes itching itself! Since scratching provides only temporary relief and doesn't promote healing of the underlying problem, it is best to avoid scratching if at all possible. If scratching breaks open the skin, bacterial infection can set in. And if scratching continues for many months or years, the area that is scratched may develop thickened skin (lichenification) or pigmentation that darkens the area.
The best way to allow irritated skin to heal is to stop scratching it. However, will power often is not enough since the urge to scratch can be compelling. Here are some general measures to help control itch, regardless of the cause.
What are topical (external) itch treatments?
Cold applications: Because cold and itch travel along the same nerve
fibers, the use of cold can "jam the circuits" and deaden itch. Methods of
applying cold include
- cool water, either by running tap water over the affected area or placing a
cold clean washcloth on the skin;
- cool showers; and
- ice packs, either the commercially available type or ice cubes in a plastic bag.
Hot water (in the shower, for instance) feels good temporarily, but it
often leaves you feeling itchier later. Therefore, the use of hot water is not
recommended.
Anti-itch creams and lotions: Look for over-the-counter (OTC) remedies with
these ingredients:
- camphor,
- menthol,
- phenol,
- pramoxine,
- diphenhydramine, and
- benzocaine (or one of the other "caine" anesthetics).
You can apply these products over and over -- every few
minutes if needed. These preparations help numb the nerve endings and stop you
from a frenzy of scratching, which leaves the skin raw, sore, and even itchier.
Although hydrocortisone-containing creams and lotions are often promoted as
itch-reducers, this ingredient only helps an itch that is caused by a rash
responsive to cortisone, such as eczema and seborrhea. Since OTC
hydrocortisone-containing creams and lotions are weak (even so-called
"maximum-strength" products are only 1%), they aren't too helpful for itch even
in responsive conditions. When itching is caused by irritations of other sorts
(insect bites, for instance), hydrocortisone doesn't help much at all. If you
use hydrocortisone for 10 days and experience no improvement, you should see a
physician to help determine the cause of your itch.
Next: What are oral itch treatments? »
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