Chronic Itch – A Conversation with The Green Divas
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, homeopathic 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.
http://thegreendivas.com/2015/05/26/wondering-about-natural-chronic-itch-relief/
Read MoreGoodbye Polar Vortex
Kiss My Itch Goodbye® Says Farewell to the ‘Polar Vortex’ and ‘Winter Itch’: All-Natural, Organic and Made in USA Relief for Chronic Itch
Kiss My Itch Goodbye®, an all-natural and organic skincare product formulated to provide relief for sufferers of chronic itch, announces its ‘Farewell to Winter Itch’ campaign. This cause is a part of a broader effort to raise awareness about seasonal itch and related skin conditions.
According to research performed by several independent doctors and scientists, including studies associated with the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, winter itch is the result of a combination of factors such as: Cold, dry air, which prevents skin from retaining moisture; strong winds, which further dry the skin (the forehead and area around the eyes are most vulnerable, when going outside); excess indoor heating, which dehumidifies a room; hot showers and baths, and the use of certain shampoos and cosmetics, which also lead to dry skin; and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, which damage the skin (the lips and chin are sensitive to strong amounts of sunlight).
The National Center for Health Statistics estimates that nearly 26 million Americans have some form of seasonal allergy, where the most common symptoms are itchy skin, clear watery discharge from the nose, watery and bloodshot eyes, and sneezing.
“As the Northeast continues to endure record low temperatures and more snowfall, winter itch is a serious health concern for millions of people. These individuals deserve an option besides prescription medications like steroid-based creams and ointments. Kiss My Itch Goodbye® offers consumers a more holistic and potentially more effective means of fighting this disorder,” says Merry Richon, Founder of Kiss My Itch Goodbye®.
About Kiss My Itch Goodbye®
Headquartered in Washington, DC, Kiss My Itch Goodbye® is a safe, over-the-counter lotion for alleviating chronic itch. Made in America, Kiss My Itch Goodbye® contains no artificial ingredients or harsh additives. For more information about Kiss My Itch Goodbye®, please visit www.kissmyitchgoodbye.com.
Chronic Itch – article just published on Inspiyr
This article provides great tips for those who are suffering from chronic itch: http://inspiyr.com/chronic-itch/
Read MoreChemicals and skin absorption
We don’t often give this much thought, but please keep in mind that chemicals can be absorbed by the skin. More and more data is appearing that links perfumes and cosmetics that contain formaldehyde to dermatitis, chronic itch, rashes and blisters. It is very important to know exactly what is in the products you use daily from cosmetics to cleaning products.
Photo – Allen Richon (January 2015)
“Treat Chronic Itch” was just posted
Check this latest article on itch that just appeared in Natural Solutions Magazine
http://www.naturalsolutionsmag.com/treat-chronic-itch
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