Itching

The besttreatmentfor itching depends on the cause. You may be able to relieve itchingand reduce the risk of skin damage caused by scratching with some simple self-help measures.

If necessary, your GP or pharmacist can offertreatments that may help relieve an itch.

General tips

• keep your nails clean, short and smooth
• try patting or tapping the itchy area, rather than scratching it
• wear cotton gloves at night to prevent damage from scratching in your sleep
• hold a cold compress, such as damp flannel, over the affected area to cool it down
• avoid spicy foods, alcohol and caffeine, as these can affect the blood flow in your skin and make itching worse

Bathing

• use cool or lukewarm water, rather thanhot water
• keep baths to less than 20 minutes
• try to reduce how often you have a bath or shower if possible
• avoid using perfumed soap, shower gel or deodorants;unperfumed substitutes are often available from pharmacists
• use unperfumed moisturising lotions and emollients after bathing or showering to help prevent your skin becoming too dry
• dab or pat your skin dry, rather than rubbing it

Clothing and fabrics

• avoid clothes that irritate your skin, such as wool and some man-made fabrics
• wear cotton or silk whenever possible
• avoid tight-fitting clothes
• use mild laundry detergent thatis less likely to irritate your skin
• use cool, light, loose bedclothes

Medication

Some lotions, creams and medications available over the counter from pharmacies or on a prescription from your GP can help reduce itchiness.

Common treatments recommended include:

• an oily moisturiser or emollient if your skin is dry or flaky
• creams containing menthol to cool your skin or anti-itch ingredients such ascrotamiton
• mild steroid cream (usually for only a few days) for small inflamed areas hydrocortisone cream is available from pharmacies over the counter, or your GP can prescribe a steroid cream for you
• antihistamine tablets to help control allergic reactions check with your pharmacist or GP before usingtheseas they are not suitable for everyone

Some antihistamine tabletscanmake you feel drowsy. This may be helpful iftaken at nightto help you sleep, butit's important not to drive, use power tools or operate heavy machineryafter taking them.

If you have itching in hairy areaslike your scalp, lotions are available specifically for these areas so you don't have to use sticky creams.

There are also somemore powerfulmedications, such as antidepressants, which may be recommended if the above treatments don't help and your itch is particularly long-lasting.