Winter itch: With the onset of winter, our bodies often experience increased dryness, leading to rough and itchy skin. This dryness is not limited to the face but extends to the hands and feet, causing discomfort. The cold weather takes a toll on our skin, making it appear dry, lifeless, and eventually itchy, sometimes resulting in rashes. If you’re grappling with itchy hands and feet during the winter season, here are some home remedies to find relief.
Why Do Hands Itch in Winter?
As temperatures drop, many of us resort to hot water baths, inadvertently stripping our skin of its moisture. This loss of moisture is a key contributor to the onset of itching and irritation. To combat this issue, consider applying moisturizer, oil, or body lotion to your skin before bathing. This layer of protection ensures that soap or hot water doesn’t strip away the natural moisture, keeping your skin soft and itch-free.
Tips to Combat Dry Skin in Winter:
Avoid Bathing with Extremely Hot Water
While warmth is comforting, excessively hot water can rob your skin of moisture, leaving it rough and dry. Opt for lukewarm water for bathing to retain your skin’s natural softness.
Limit Exposure to Room Heaters
Overuse of room heaters can contribute to the loss of body moisture, resulting in dry and lifeless skin prone to itching. Ensure adequate clothing to stay warm and reduce dependence on heaters.
Moderate Use of Soap
Harsh soaps and alcohol-based skin care products can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and itching. Choose mild, fragrance-free cleansers for washing your skin.
Home Remedies to Relieve Itching
Neem: Neem leaves possess antiseptic and antibiotic properties, making them effective in alleviating itching. Boil neem leaves in water, let it cool, and then pour the infused water on your hands and feet.
Mustard Oil: If you prefer natural alternatives to moisturizers, mustard oil is highly beneficial during the winter season. Massage your entire body, excluding the face and neck, with mustard oil before bathing.
Baking Soda: Create a paste with baking soda and apply it to the affected areas to reduce itching and swelling. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before washing it off for relief.
Hot Water Soak: Soothe itchy hands and feet by immersing them in warm water. Add a pinch of rock salt or alum for added relief from swelling and itching.
Use the Right Cleanser: Opt for a mild, fragrance-free cleanser to wash your skin, avoiding harsh, alcohol-based products that may irritate your skin further.
Choose Skin-Friendly Clothes: Opt for soft, breathable fabrics like cotton to minimize friction and irritation on your skin.
Cover Hands and Feet: Prevent itching by keeping your hands and feet covered, especially in cold weather. Wearing gloves and socks can shield them from exposure, reducing the likelihood of itching.
As winter takes its toll on our skin, incorporating these remedies into your routine can help combat dryness and itching, ensuring your skin stays nourished and comfortable throughout the season.