How To-55: "How to Deal With an Itch That Occurs Throughout the Night"

How to Deal With an Itch That Occurs Throughout the Night

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In the summer, you are prone to heat rash, molloscum, as well as many other terrible and unbearable rashes (that seem to get worse in the night). Here is how to decrease the itch.

Steps

1. Take a cold shower. This will tend to cool the skin and decrease the sensitivity of the nerves temporarily. Wash the affected area thoroughly with a mild soap, but avoid using too much "scrubbing" which may increase the itch.
   
2. Take some aspirin or ibuprofen. These may decrease the sensitivity to an itch caused by inflammation, as well as helping you to relax. Wait 15-20 minutes to see if condition gets better.
   
3. Look closely at possible causes of the itch. The following are a few commone sources of itching, and basic techniques for dealing with them.
   
   • Allergic reactions
     
     • Poison Ivy, Oak, or Sumac: Try using calamine lotion. Gently apply enough to completely cover the area, and allow it to dry. A topical cream with an antihistamine like Benadryl, or a 0.1% hydrocortisone ointment can be effective in decreasing discomfort, as well.
       
     • Generalised skin allergies: Again, a 0.1% hydrocortisone ointment or antihistamine cream can offer some relief. For allergies of any type, an oral, over-the-counter antihistamine can offer relief, and many cause drowsiness, which can help you fall asleep dispite the itch.
       
     • Insect bites: Apply denatured alcohol, rubbing alcohol, or witch hazel to bites. If bites appear irritated or inflamed, use an antibiotic ointment like neosporin to treat possible infection.
     
     
   • Heat rash: Dust thoroughly with talcum powder. A medicated powder will cool and dry the area, usually improving symptoms immediately. Leave area uncovered, if possible. Avoid using ointments and creams on heat rash.
   
   
4. Apply a spray like Solarcaine, which can be found at any pharmacy or drug store. These products have an analgesic ingredient which may reduce the sensitivity of the nerve cells to the itch.

Tips

• Listen to relaxing music or something to help you fall asleep.
  
• Lay off the caffeine. It will keep you up and itchy.
  
• A good long-term solution is Vipassana Meditation.
  
• The best thing for severe itching is Capsaicin. Products with at least 0.75% work the best.

Warnings

• Make sure you do not take too much aspirin, apply too much cream, or use too much SolarCaine.
  
• SolarCaine is not for internal use. If an accident happens, try to wash it out and call a poison control center immediately!

Things You'll Need

• Aspirin
  
• SolarCaine
  
• Skin lotion and cream (such as cortizone)

Related wikiHows

• How to Comfort a Sore and Itchy Eye
  
• How to Sleep Comfortably on a Hot Night
  

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Wikipedia article on "Itch":

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Itch

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