While it may not seem like it, oatmeal is actually very healing and healthy. Oatmeal for itching is just one of its many uses. In general, oatmeal is jam packed with vitamins, minerals, and protein! Oatmeal for itching is great for skin issues and relief due to different skin conditions such as eczema, bug bites or stings, sunburn, and more. When dealing with any skin irritation, oatmeal should be considered as it is a great alternative to chemical filled medications and creams.
Oatmeal Baths for Itching
Oatmeal baths are not only great for itching, but who doesn’t love a relaxing bath?! For this, it is best to use organic oatmeal. This is not the same as the oatmeal you eat. Using a kitchen utensil or machine, blend and grind the oatmeal until it is in a powder form. You can also pick up colloidal oatmeal which is already in the powder form. This helps the oatmeal mix more easily with the bath water. When getting the bath ready, the best way for the oatmeal to be evenly distributed is by pouring it in slowly under the running water as the tub is filling up. One cup of oatmeal should do the trick!
Keep in mind, when taking oatmeal baths make sure the water is warm. Hot water isn’t recommended as it causes the skin to become more itchy. This is because hot water tends to dry out the skin. The recommended time to soak in the oatmeal bath is between 15-25 minutes, no more. Soaking longer could cause the skin to dry out, in turn, more itching. This time frame gives your body the right amount of time to soak in all the goodness from the oatmeal.
Oatmeal Spot Treatments for Itching
Oatmeal spot treatments can be done for sunburns, bug bites or stings. This is best used for smaller areas of the body as opposed to widespread rashes, eczema etc. Using the powdered oatmeal, mix it together with cool water to create a paste. Apply this paste directly to the affected areas as needed allowing it to dry. Once the paste has dried up, soak it off gently. The oatmeal helps draw out the toxins from the itchy problem areas as well as deliver many of its healing effects directly to the areas needed.
After an oatmeal treatment, it is best to use a fragrance free moisturizer. This helps retain the moisture in the affected area(s) so that itching and irritation doesn’t continue or get worse. Also, when buying oatmeal, remember that it should be whole and uncooked as well as organic. That is if you’re not already buying colloidal oatmeal. If there is a sensitivity to gluten, find an oatmeal that is not processed in a facility with other grains as many contain gluten.
Oatmeal for Itching Recipes
Bath for Eczema and Itchy Skin: Take 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup of oatmeal. Mix together and pour it slowly under running bath water.
Sunburn Treatment Bath: Pour in 1 cup of oatmeal to running bath water. Add in 1 cup of whole milk and 1 tablespoon of honey.
Bath for all Itchy Skin Conditions: Mix together 3/4 cup oatmeal, 1/2 cup baking soda, and 10 drops each of lavender and chamomile essential oils. Pour this mixture slowly under running bath water.
Oatmeal for itching is a great alternative to creams. Especially if someone likes the natural route and is not a fan of using chemical based products. Other skin conditions oatmeal can be used for are Dermatitis, Dry Skin, Psoriasis, Hives, Chicken Pox, Shingles, Poison Ivy, and Rashes. Definitely try and give this treatment a go if you are ever in need some instant relief!
WANT TO READ MORE?
Check out this article on FINDING HEALING FOR ADULT ECZEMA.
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Sources: The Healing Power of Oatmeal – Simple Home Remedies for Itchy Skin ,
Oatmeal Baths for Itchy Skin
