Tips for Relief

Reducing Itch Without Medication

Manage My Itch, Tips for Relief

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We have all experienced the urge to scratch, a sensation that is usually very hard to resist. Whether it’s all over your body or confined to a specific body part, itchy skin is an uncomfortable, but common, symptom for a number of health conditions. If you have itchy skin, listen to your body and talk to your doctor about your symptoms. For those instances that do not require medical attention, here are five ways you can reduce itch without medication:

  1. Keep Your Skin Clean – Did you know that harsh soap and cleansers can wreak havoc on your skin, stripping it of essential moisture and natural oil? As the outer layer of your skin loses moisture, your skin becomes sensitive to harsh irritants such as fragrances, house cleaners, harsh weather conditions, etc. If you are experiencing itch, consider using low-pH balanced products, and, for more sensitive skin, try to avoid perfumes and dyes, including laundry and dish detergents.
  1. Stay Hydrated – The easiest way to improve your skin is to increase your daily water intake. Experts recommend drinking at least six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day to remain hydrated. Drinking enough water not only reduces itchy skin symptoms but also improves overall health.
  1. Moisturize Your Skin – Using a topical moisturizer can help keep your skin moist, which is crucial to reducing irritation and redness. Look for moisturizers that contain ingredients such as shea butter, dimethicone and ceramides.
  1. Eat Healthy Fats – Low-fat diets can often impact the amount of natural oils needed to keep your skin moisturized from within. Talk to your physician about the types of fats that are good for maintaining healthy skin to ensure you are making the right dietary choices to meet your specific needs.
  1. Reduce Stress – Research shows that stress can aggravate itch. Yoga and exercise, meditation, and/or counseling and therapy are excellent ways to relieve stress and its physical manifestations.

Sources:

American Skin Association. Dry Skin. 2012. http://www.americanskin.org/resource/dryskin.php.

WebMD. Why is it important to drink enough water? 2014. http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/drinking-enough-water-topic-overview.

National Psoriasis Foundation. Stress and psoriatic disease. 2015. https://www.psoriasis.org/life-with-psoriasis/stress.

Photo credit: Tanya

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“Every day my patients ask me how they can prevent wrinkles and brown spots. My advice is to first and foremost protect yourself from the sun and UV rays.” –Dr. Gigler

Steroids in Skin Creams – Yay or Nay?

Steroids in Skin Creams – Yay or Nay?

Manage My Itch, Tips for Relief ,

When you see the word “steroid,” what do you think? 

Steroids are naturally occurring substances that are produced in our bodies to regulate growth and immune function. There are many different kinds of steroids, including corticosteroids. Corticosteroids have several functions – one of which is helping to control the inflammation that may cause itch.

There are many topical steroids available for itch, and they differ in potency and formulation. Many skin conditions are treated with steroids, but evidence has shown that they are really only appropriate to treat a small number of conditions (such as eczema and psoriasis). Therefore, you may not need a product containing a steroid.

So – how can you tell if a product contains steroids? Your best bet it to read the ingredient list as you are skimming your drugstore shelves. Groups like the National Eczema Association also provide a list of product names that contain steroids. Also, as the saying goes – there’s an app for that! If you have a smart phone, there are several phone apps that can help you sift through product ingredients simply by scanning a barcode.

While products containing steroids can be effective, there can be side effects, including drying/cracking of the skin, acne, burning and changes in skin color. For that reason, you may want to opt for a more natural way to treat itch. There are several steroid-free treatments available in your drugstore. Home remedies, like cool compresses and lukewarm baths can also help.

References: National Eczema Organization/topical-corticosteroids, AAFP.org/Choosing Topical Steroids

 

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Skin Tip #1

“Every day my patients ask me how they can prevent wrinkles and brown spots. My advice is to first and foremost protect yourself from the sun and UV rays.” –Dr. Gigler

Prep for Success: How to Talk “Itch” with Your Doc

Prep for Success: How to Talk “Itch” with Your Doc

Manage My Itch, Tips for Relief ,

If you are experiencing an itch and have decided it’s time to call in the professionals, there are several things you can do to help prepare yourself for your doctor’s appointment.

“There are numerous causes of pruritus, from bug bites to internal disease to other chronic conditions like eczema or psoriasis,” says Vishakha Gigler, M.D. a dermatologist at Comprehensive Dermatology Group in Encinitas, CA and a member of the Cosmederm Bioscience Scientific Advisory Board. “Because of this, it’s important to come armed with information to provide your doctor so they can more accurately diagnose your condition.”

So either the day before or the morning of your appointment, take 15 minutes to write down the following:

  • What is likely causing my symptoms? (Think back: did you use a new cosmetic, cleaning or laundry product or eat something you were allergic to? Were you outdoors recently? Are you wearing a new piece of jewelry or clothing?)
  • How long have I been itching? (Think back: did it start recently or have you been scratching for weeks? Can you pinpoint the date you started itching?)
  • Do I have other health problems the doctor should know about? (Remember: itchy skin is sometimes associated with other conditions or medications you’re taking, so be open and honest with your dermatologist)
  • Where does the itch occur? Everywhere (generalized) or in limited areas?
  • Do I see a rash or does my skin basically look “normal”?

Your doctor also may ask you what you have been doing or trying to help quell your jitters, so you should also be prepared to list any home remedies or over-the-counter treatments you’ve tried. Be prepared to answer the following:

  • Have your symptoms changed at all over the course of your itchiness?
  • What treatments have you tried or are currently taking?
  • Does anything improve (or worsen) your symptoms?

Itchiness may be out of your control, so prepping for the appointment is a good way to take your health back into your own hands.

 

References: Mayo Clinic/ Preparing for your Appointment

 

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Skin Tip

Skin Tip #1

“Every day my patients ask me how they can prevent wrinkles and brown spots. My advice is to first and foremost protect yourself from the sun and UV rays.” –Dr. Gigler