Ways Of Treating Hell's Itch
Hell's itch is a common name for the terrible itching and burning that can accompany a severe sunburn. It is also sometimes called devil's itch or fire ant itch, and it can be agonizing enough to prevent sufferers from sleeping. Many pale-skinned individuals have had this unfortunate experience after spending too much time in the sun. While it is not considered to be a serious condition, individuals who suffer from it are usually desperate for relief. The only way to cure hell's itch is to stay indoors and wait for it to heal. In the meantime, there are ways to reduce the pain and get through the next few days and nights. Get to know them now.
Apply Baking Soda Paste
A simple at-home solution to itching is to apply baking soda paste. To make baking soda paste, put two tablespoons of baking soda and six tablespoons of water in a bowl and mix them together. Slather the paste over any sunburned skin. When it has dried and the intensity of hell's itch has subsided, simply rinse it away with warm water. Another option is to take a baking soda bath to relieve pain and itching. First, fill the bath with lukewarm water, then dump in about a cup of baking soda and stir it around until it dissolves. Finally, get into the bath and soak. This method provides temporary but powerful relief from hell's itch.
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Try Some Peppermint Oil
Another thing that might help with hell's itch is to try some peppermint oil. Many ointments and lotions available on the market contain peppermint oil. These are often marketed as treatments for insect bites. If individuals prefer, they can also use peppermint essential oil mixed with a carrier oil such as coconut oil. This is a good option for individuals with exceptionally sensitive skin because they may have reactions to ingredients in some commercial products. Whether the chosen remedy is store-bought or homemade, individuals can feel free to slather it on as often as needed. The peppermint oil will cool off the burning and itching sensations.
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Take An Oatmeal Bath
If the baking soda bath did not work out, the next thing to try is to take an oatmeal bath. Before doing this, it is important to get the right type of oatmeal. For an oatmeal bath, individuals want to use something called colloidal oatmeal. Individuals can either buy this or make it at home using whole oats from the grocery store. The homemade variety requires grinding the whole oats in a blender or in a food processor until they turn into a powdery substance. This powder should blend into the water and turn it white. Colloidal oatmeal baths work best with lukewarm water. Put about a cup of it into the bathwater. Once it has dissolved, individuals should get in the bath for at least ten minutes, but should not stay in too long or else their skin will become dry. The oatmeal powder will absorb into the skin and reduce inflammation, which in turn reduces the hell's itch.
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Take A Hot Shower
Oddly enough, even though hell's itch burns like fire, one thing that helps a lot of patients is to take a hot shower. Even those who are skeptical find the shower provides instant relief. Typically, individuals can stay in the shower as long as they like or until the hot water runs out when they begin to reap the rewards from this treatment. If it does not help at all, individuals can simply hop right out of the shower and try a different method to quell the hell's itch. Patients who wish to try this method should not use scalding water, as this will likely make things worse, but should instead find a balance between somewhat hot and lukewarm. An alternative some individuals find helpful is to take a cool shower instead.
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Apply Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is a completely natural remedy well-known for its soothing properties. Apply aloe vera gel all over the affected skin for natural itch relief. Aloe vera gel is taken from the aloe plant, and it has been used for centuries for all kinds of wounds, bug bites, and burns, including hell's itch. In addition to being a natural painkiller, aloe is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. It is also hypoallergenic, meaning being allergic to it is practically unheard of. This makes it the perfect remedy for individuals with sensitive skin. Aloe vera gel to treat hell's itch and other conditions can be applied as frequently as necessary.