How to Relieve Itchy & Swollen Skin

There can be a host of different reasons why your skin can become itchy or swollen. Many times it can be an allergic reaction, a change in climate or an underlying medical problem. However, whatever the cause, there are a few different methods you can try to help relieve problem.

Things You'll Need

• Moisturizer
• Hydrocortisone
• Antihistamine
• Prescription Steroids

Instructions

1. Try a daily moisturizer. The first step to helping relieve itchy or swollen skin is using a daily moisturizer. Moisturizing the skin will help relieve the dryness that can often contribute to the itching and swelling of the affected area.

2. Try applying hydrocortisone cream. Hydorcortisone can help stabilize the lysosomal membranes of the skin, helping to bring down swelling, relieve the itching and protect the skin cells from further damage.

3. Try antihistamine tablets. Histamine is a product that is naturally released during an allergic reaction in the body. The result can be the itching and swollen skin. Antihistamines work by blocking the histamine receptors which keeps them from reacting on the skin tissue. This will help relieve both the swelling and itching on the skin.

4. Ask your doctor for prescription-strength medication. If the combination of antihistamines and hydrocortisone does not help the problem, then you may want to speak to your doctor or dermatologist about the possibility of a stronger strength prescription steroid or a prescription level dose of antihistamine pills.

Tips & Warnings

• If using a steroid-based cream to treat your itchy or swollen skin, do not continue treatment for more than one or two weeks without approval from your doctor. Extended exposure to the steroid cream can result in the thinning of the skin or other serious skin problems.

References

• Skin Problems Information