The latest addition to the American Academy of Dermatology’s “Video of the Month” series, posted to the AAD website and YouTube channel, demonstrates tips for how to relieve itchy skin.

โ€œThere are many reasons for itchy skin,โ€ explains board-certified dermatologist Hassan Galadari, MD, FAAD, who maintains a private practice in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in the video, according to a media release from the AAD. โ€œIt could be the result of a skin condition, such as eczema, shingles, hives or psoriasis, or it could be a sign of a contagious disease, like scabies or ringworm.โ€

To help soothe itchy skin, Galadari recommends the following tips in the video, per the release:
โ€ข Apply a cold, wet cloth or ice pack to the skin that itches. Do this for about 5 to 10 minutes or until the itch subsides.
โ€ข Take an oatmeal bath. This can be very soothing, especially for blisters or oozing skin due to chickenpox, hives, poison ivy, or sunburn.
โ€ข Moisturize your skin. Always choose a moisturizer free of additives, fragrances, and perfumes.
โ€ข Apply topical anesthetics that contain pramoxine.
โ€ข Apply cooling agents, such as menthol or calamine. You could also place your moisturizer in the refrigerator to help achieve this cooling effect.

โ€œWhile treating your skin, try to avoid scratching, as this will further irritate your skin and could increase your risk for a skin infection,โ€ Galadari states. โ€œItโ€™s also a good idea to take steps to help prevent your skin from itching.โ€

To help prevent itching, Galadari recommends the following tips in the video, the release continues:

โ€ข Bathe with lukewarm โ€“ not hot โ€“ water. Try to limit your bath or shower to just 10 minutes.
โ€ข Always use โ€œfragrance-freeโ€ lotions, soaps, and detergents to minimize irritation. Be wary of products labeled โ€œunscented,โ€ as they might still have chemicals that can irritate your skin.
โ€ข As directed by your dermatologist, apply medications before moisturizing. Then, apply your moisturizer to all areas of your skin, including areas treated with medication.
โ€ข Wear loose-fitting, cotton clothes. Wool and other rough-feeling fabrics can irritate your skin, causing intense itching.
โ€ข Avoid extreme temperature changes. Maintain a relatively cool, neutral-humidity environment in your house. Use a humidifier during winter if you are prone to dry skin and eczema.
โ€ข Reduce stress, as stress can make your itch worse.

โ€œIf your itch does not go away with home treatment, see a board-certified dermatologist,โ€ Galadari adds. โ€œSome people have more than one reason to scratch, and a dermatologist can work with you to find the cause and relieve your itching.โ€