Health Tip: Soothing Itchy Skin

(HealthDay News) -- Itchy skin can be a major annoyance, whether it stems from an allergy, an irritant or plain old dry skin.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these suggestions for managing itchy skin:

• Don't scratch; trim your fingernails short to avoid the temptation and help prevent infection.
• Sleep in lightweight, loose and cool pajamas.
• Soak in a lukewarm oatmeal bath, and follow up with a rich moisturizer.
• Place a cold compress on itchy skin.
• Avoid exposing skin to too much heat and humidity, such as a lengthy hot shower.
• Use an over-the-counter antihistamine such as Benadryl (but this could make you drowsy), or apply a hydrocortisone cream.