Buzz
Also known as pruritus, itching can be caused by various skin conditions such as allergies, insect stings, eczema, and rashes from poison ivy. If not treated, nighttime itching can lead to sleep disturbances; moreover, excessive scratching can result in infection and scarring. This article will suggest ways to manage and treat nighttime itching.
Steps
Managing Nighttime Itching
Use antihistamine creams or oral medication. Antihistamine creams and oral medications can help alleviate itching caused by allergies. Antihistamines work by blocking histamine from binding to cells, thus preventing the release of mediators responsible for allergic reactions (including itching).
- Apply Benadryl cream (diphenhydramine) or take oral pills/liquid before bedtime. In addition to its itching relief, oral Benadryl can also induce sleep, aiding in a better night’s rest.
- Opt for oral antihistamines rather than topical if your itching covers a large area of skin.
- However, only choose diphenhydramine in either cream or pill form. Never use both at the same time, as this could lead to an overdose of the medication.
- Always follow the instructions on the label and never exceed the recommended dosage.
- Other over-the-counter antihistamines you can try include Zyrtec (cetirizine) and Claritin (loratadine).
- Be sure to consult with a doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication if you have a medical condition, drug allergies, or are currently on other medications.
Apply corticosteroid cream to the itchy skin area. Corticosteroids are medications that control inflammation by altering the function of certain cells and chemicals in the skin. If your itch is caused by inflammation (such as eczema), consider trying corticosteroid cream.
- It is recommended to use a cotton cloth dampened with water and place it over the affected area after applying the cream. This will help the cream absorb into the skin.
- Low-strength corticosteroid creams are available over-the-counter; stronger versions require a doctor's prescription.
- If the itchy area is small, your doctor may prescribe a calcineurin inhibitor (such as Protopic or Elidel) instead of corticosteroid cream.
Use moisturizing cream or anti-itch cream. These creams can help alleviate mild itching, especially if you prefer not to use prescription or non-prescription medications. Apply a moisturizer before bedtime. For persistent itching, apply it at least twice a day until the symptoms subside.
- Try using moisturizing creams such as Cetaphil, Eucerin, Sarna, CeraVe, or Aveeno made with oatmeal.
- Calamine or menthol are also effective anti-itch products that can temporarily relieve symptoms.
- To create a protective layer on the skin, use moisturizers containing zinc oxide, lanolin (sheep fat), or petrolatum. Petroleum jelly is an affordable remedy that can improve mild itchiness and dry skin.
Apply a cool, damp compress to the itchy skin. This not only soothes the itch but also protects the skin and prevents unconscious scratching at night.
- Though you may feel the urge to scratch, try your best to avoid it. Repeated scratching can lead to skin abrasions, increasing the risk of infection. Keep your nails trimmed or wear gloves to bed if you can't resist scratching.
- Another option is to use plastic wrap to protect the itchy area and prevent scratching.
Take an oatmeal bath or a baking soda soak before bed. Oats contain a chemical called avenanthramide, which has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe itching.
- Grind oatmeal and slowly sprinkle it into your bath under running water. Soak in the oatmeal bath for at least 15 minutes before bed.
- You can also try using Aveeno oatmeal bath products, available without a prescription at pharmacies and easy to use.
- Alternatively, add one cup (240 ml) of baking soda to a warm bath and soak the itchy area for 30-60 minutes before bed.
- If the itchy area is small, make a paste with baking soda. Mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water and apply to the itchy skin. Only apply to areas without open wounds.
Wear loose sleepwear made of cotton or silk. Cotton and silk fabrics help reduce irritation. Avoid wearing fabrics that may irritate the skin, such as wool and certain synthetic fibers. It's also best to avoid tight clothing.
Avoid using accessories or chemicals that may irritate the skin at night. Some items that may cause irritation or allergies include jewelry, perfumes, heavily scented skincare products, cleaning agents, and cosmetics. Avoid using these products at night.
- Additionally, use fragrance-free laundry detergent when washing your sleepwear or bed linens, and rinse them an extra time.
Consider trying natural remedies
Apply lemon juice to the itchy skin area. Lemon contains aromatic compounds with numbing and anti-inflammatory properties. Applying lemon juice to the skin before bedtime may reduce itching and help you sleep better.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice onto the itchy area and allow it to air dry before bedtime.
- However, lemon juice may sting and cause a burning sensation on scratched skin, so be cautious when applying it.
Try using juniper berries and cloves. With their anti-inflammatory properties, the volatile compounds from juniper berries combined with eugenol (which numbs nerve endings) from cloves may help relieve nighttime itching.
- Create a mixture by melting 85 grams of unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons of beeswax in separate pans.
- Combine the melted butter with the beeswax.
- Add 5 tablespoons of ground juniper berries and 3 teaspoons of ground cloves to the mixture and stir well.
- Let it cool and apply it to the itchy skin area before bedtime.
Try using herbs like basil, mint, and thyme to reduce itching. These herbs contain compounds that have numbing and anti-inflammatory effects to help soothe itching.
- Make herbal tea by adding dried mint, basil, or thyme leaves or tea bags to hot water. Cover the pot to trap the aromatic oils, then let it cool and strain. Soak a clean cloth in the tea and apply it to the itchy skin area before bed.
Apply aloe vera gel. Aloe vera is a popular remedy for burns, but its anti-inflammatory and swelling-reducing properties can also help relieve itching.
- Apply aloe vera gel to the itchy skin area before going to bed.
Take fish oil capsules. This supplement contains essential fatty acids that can help moisturize the skin. Taking fish oil daily may be beneficial if your itching is caused by dry skin.
Treat specific types of itching
Treat rashes caused by poison oak, poison ivy, or poison sumac to reduce nighttime itching. The oils from these plants can irritate the skin and cause itching.
- Apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to the affected area before bed.
- You can also take antihistamine pills before bed or apply cream to the skin.
- If the reaction is severe, a dermatologist may prescribe a steroid ointment for the skin or oral prednisone.
Treat insect bites. Insect bites are a common cause of itching, especially during the summer months. Minor bites can be treated by washing with soap and water, then applying anti-itch cream before bed.
- If the bite is painful or swollen, apply hydrocortisone, anesthetic cream, or antihistamine to the affected area before bed.
- Apply a cold compress to the affected skin overnight to prevent scratching.
Treat eczema. Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a skin condition that can cause itching and other symptoms. You can try the following treatments to relieve nighttime itching caused by eczema:
- Prescription or over-the-counter corticosteroid creams or ointments.
- Oral antihistamines like Benadryl.
- Prescription topical creams such as Protopic and Elidel can help heal the skin. These medications should be used only when other treatments have not been effective due to potential side effects.
Treat swimmer's itch. This is a type of rash caused by an allergic reaction to tiny parasites found in contaminated water. Try the following treatments for nighttime itching caused by swimmer's itch:
- Apply a cool compress to the affected skin area to reduce itching.
- Take an Epsom salt, baking soda, or oatmeal bath just before bed.
- Apply corticosteroid ointment or anti-itch cream to the affected area.
Tips
- In addition to the methods above, you can take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen to alleviate nighttime discomfort.
- Try using calming teas or sleep aids to help you fall asleep more easily.
Warnings
- Consult a doctor if you have any concerns or if your condition does not improve within a few days. Besides helping to relieve itching, a doctor can also identify the underlying cause and treat the condition that is causing the itch.
- Always follow the directions for any over-the-counter or prescription medications, and never exceed the recommended dosage.
- In rare cases, itching may be a symptom of an underlying systemic condition such as liver dysfunction or thyroid disorders.
- Consult your doctor if you are unsure which medication to take, if you have any underlying health conditions, if you are allergic to certain substances, pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other medications.
Items You Will Need
- Corticosteroid ointment and/or antihistamine cream
- Oral antihistamines
- Cold compresses
- Oatmeal or baking soda for baths
- Cotton or silk pajamas
- Fish oil supplement capsules
