Homemade Itch Remover

Even regular ivy can cause an allergic and itchy reaction for some people.

Whether they arise from poison oak or poison ivy, from a wasp or other stinging insect, from a poisonous plant, or from any unknown source, skin rashes can drive a person crazy with itching. Numerous commercial products are available to stop the itch, and in the worst cases, a doctor might prescribe steroid shots. But there are also numerous home remedies that the sufferer can try for immediate relief.

Things You'll Need

• Wet wash cloth
• Ice pack or bag of frozen peas or corn
• Oatmeal
• Coffee grinder, electric mixer, or blender
• Cornstarch
• Meat tenderizer

Instructions

Apply Something Cool to Small Skin Areas

1. Place a cool wet cloth next to your skin.

2. Apply an ice pack or a package of frozen vegetables on top of the cloth. Keep ice on for only 15 to 20 minutes to protect the skin from damage.

3. Apply a cool wet cloth again as needed.

Take an Oatmeal Bath

1. Grind 1 to 2 cups of oatmeal in a blender, a coffee grinder, or a mixer.

2. Sprinkle the oatmeal in a lukewarm bath.

3. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes.

4. Pat yourself dry. Rubbing with a towel will aggravate your skin.

Take a Cornstarch Bath

1. Add 1 cup of cornstarch to a lukewarm bath.

2. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes.

3. Pat yourself dry so as not to aggravate your skin.

Use Meat Tenderizer for Mosquito Bites

1. Mix 1 tsp. of meat tenderizer with water to form a paste.

2. Apply the paste to the bite.

3. Leave on for two to three minutes.

4. Rinse with water.

Tips & Warnings

• Peas, corn, or other small vegetables are best for frozen vegetable ice packs, as they can easily mold to fit an arm or a leg.

References

• Hodgson Mill: Corn Starch Tricks
• New York Times: Q&A--Mosquito Bite Cure
• Medline Plus: Itching

Resources

• WebMD: Insect Bites and Stings and Spider Bites - Home Treatment
• Solveyourproblem.com: Try An Oatmeal Remedy for Itchy Skin