Written by Green Diva Merry

What’s causing that itch? Chronic itch can be a serious problem…

I recently talked to Green Diva Meg about about why natural itch remedies are so important. Listen to this Green Divas Health & Beauty episode then read on for more….

Itch is more than a seasonal phenomenon; it is more than a minor irritation caused by insect bites, exposure to poison ivy or an effect related to food allergies. The latter is itself a critical matter, for which consumers can (thankfully) find a variety of gluten-free products to lessen the health risks associated with a particular illness.

Still, tens of millions of Americans (13 million with dermatitis, 31 million with eczema, 7.5 million with psoriasis and 16 million with rosacea) endure the discomfort and poor quality of life that is an inseparable part of chronic itch.

Sites such as the National Eczema Association, the National Psoriasis Foundation® and the National Rosacea Society have a wealth of data about these respective conditions and the many research programs devoted to these subjects.

Indeed, itch is such a major concern that two centers—one at Temple University in Philadelphia, the other at Washington University in St. Louis—have teams of respective researchers searching for the causes and potential cures for various conditions, where itch is a primary or related symptom of a more serious illness.

I both sympathize with—and I have empathy for—those individuals seeking relief from this condition. I am one of the many battling this daily problem.

Psychological complications…

According to Harvard Health Publications: “The bond between skin and mind has deep roots, going back at least as far as skin-to-skin contact between newborn and mother, and is beyond the scope of this article. But communication through the skin is thought by many to be central to the development of feelings about the self and the world. Little wonder that our emotions might affect our skin—and that the relationship is likely to be complex.”

The broader impact, due to absences from work, reluctance to participate in social activities and generalized anxiety disorders, exacts a substantial economic and personal toll.

More natural solutions?

The availability of more holistic treatment options is positive news, particularly for pregnant women and patients who want an alternative to prescription medications that may have severe side effects.

At a minimum, look for plant-based products that, individually or collectively, have the potential to reduce the intensity or frequency of itch. These agents include: Grape seed oil, which has moisturizing properties; shea butter, a fatty acid extracted from the nut of the African Shea tree, which serves as a skin moisturizer and conditioner; and Ananas Comosus extract, which (according to clinical trials) has anti-inflammatory benefits involving rashes, dermatitis and other forms of skin irritation.

With this knowledge, and thanks to this discussion, we can better prepare ourselves to deal with chronic itch.

Bonus:

Listen to this Green Divas Health & Beauty podcast for some great tips on eating for healthy skin…

Listen to the latest Green Divas Radio Show—and other green and healthy living podcasts—daily on GDGDRadio.com (or get the GDGD Radio app)!

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Merry Richon is an entrepreneur and the Founder of Kiss My Itch Goodbye®, an all-natural, organic and holistic means of alleviating the itching sensation caused by variety of external factors.

~ Asst. Ed. Green Diva Christine | Skin image via Shutterstock