How to Stop Ankles From Itching

There are many reasons why you may be suffering from itchy ankles. These include illness, change in weather, skin problems and medications. If left untreated, your itchy ankles can become vulnerable to damage from your scratching. This can lead to an infection in the long run. By employing all the methods below, you can effectively relieve your ankles of itchiness.

Things You'll Need

• Ice pack
• Ginger
• Oats
• Calamine lotion
• Moisturizing lotion

Instructions

1. Stop the itching by applying a cold or ice pack to the affected area. Applying coldness to the itching areas can cool your skin, stopping the itch. It will also help you to fight the desire to scratch often. Apply the ice pack directly to the itching areas for 20 minutes and whenever needed.

2. Treat the itch by applying a ginger juice and oats mixture. Ginger includes a powerful substance called gingerol which can help reduce the redness, inflammation and itchiness of your ankles. It can also soothe any rashes that present in those areas. Add one peeled ginger root and one cup of uncooked oats in a blender and blend until a paste is formed. Apply the oats and ginger paste to your ankles twice a day and at the first sign of an itch.

3. Apply calamine lotion such as Caladryl to your ankles. This lotion is fast acting and can soothe your skin while reducing the itching and irritation in your ankles. Generously apply the lotion to the itching areas twice daily or as needed. Calamine lotion is available at your local drugstore.

4. Treat the itch by applying a moisturizing lotion with menthol. Menthol, together with the other active ingredients of a moisturizing lotion, can cool and soothe the itching of your ankles. It can also help prevent your skin from cracking and drying. Apply the lotion liberally to the affected areas when you start to feel itchy and before sleeping. You can purchase moisturizing lotions such as Aveeno Skin Relief moisturizing lotion with menthol at any leading drugstore in your area.

5. Consult a dermatologist to help stop the itching. A dermatologist can diagnose the cause of the itching and offer you advice and treatments to manage the itch.

Tips & Warnings

• You must consult your doctor before taking supplements and embarking on any self treatments for the skin.

References

• Skin Problems: Dry, Itchy Skin
• "The Complete Guide To Herbal Medicines," Juan R. Avila and Charles W. Fetrow, Publisher: Pocket Books, Aug 29, 2000

Resources

• Your Skin