Health Tip: Soothing Itchy Skin

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In: Skin Care

(HealthDay News) — Itchy skin can be a major annoyance, whether it stems from an allergy, an irritant or plain old dry skin.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these suggestions for managing itchy skin:

  • Don’t scratch; trim your fingernails short to avoid the temptation and help prevent infection.
  • Sleep in lightweight, loose and cool pajamas.
  • Soak in a lukewarm oatmeal bath, and follow up with a rich moisturizer.
  • Place a cold compress on itchy skin.
  • Avoid exposing skin to too much heat and humidity, such as a lengthy hot shower.
  • Use an over-the-counter antihistamine such as Benadryl (but this could make you drowsy), or apply a hydrocortisone cream.