We all have the itch we have to scratch; we try everything to keep from scratching right to the bone. Whether its a bug bite, rash or poison ivy/oak.

When I was little I caught the Ol' Chicken pox virus, because back then they didn't have a vaccine like they do now for my child. Lucky him! I think my mother put me in just about every concoction she could think, and when you have people in your family that believe in house hold remedies, look out!

I took an oatmeal bath;was corn starch blessed, cold baths and was running around in my breeches. My sister had it at the same time and the funny thing is I had no scares but she does, only one and it's small. Warning to you kiddos out there, DON'T SCRATCH!

WHAT IS AN ITCH?

Itch is an irritation in the skin that causes the urge to scratch.

Itching is caused by many things, but the most common form of itching is psychological itching brought on by stress, anxiety, etc. Should you scratch your itch? NO, this could lead to a vicious cycle of itch-scratch, which causes irritation of the skin, redness, rashes, spread of the what may be causing the itch. Remember to always wash your hands should you break the skin of the irritation; you never know whom you can pass it to that could be allergic.

Cold Applications:

• cool water, either by running tap water over the affected area or placing a cold clean washcloth on the skin;
• cool showers; and
• ice packs, either the commercially available type or ice cubes in a plastic bag.

*Hot water, bad, can relieve the irritation for a short time period but may cause it to increase.

Products:

Cortizone (common) - Economy size. Relieves itch fast. Plus soothing Aloe. Maximum strength - Formerly prescription strength. Rash. Eczema. Psoriasis. Insect bites.

Benadyrll - for insect bites I take the oral medicine and the Benadryll Extra Strength Itch Relief Stick

Calamine Lotion - For the temporary relief of pain and itching associated with minor skin irritations. Dries the weeping of poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac.

Sarna - new product found while searching for new remedies.

Here is a great website I found that can help you with certain itches that may need to be seen by a physician.

Itch Treatment