We all know how maddening the itch is during an eczema flare up. Many of the eczema sufferers rather endure pain of having torn and bleeding skin than the itch. This situation is worse in small children. Antihistamins are effective short term relief, something which many of us resort to out of no choice. However, there are more alternative ways to stop the itch. The effect many not be as fast as antihistamins, but they are much safer and have no side effects. What can you do to stop the itch?

1. Increase your Vitamin C intake. Vitamin C is the best natural antihistamine for your body. Take more fresh juices from fruits rich in Vitamin C. I would prefer natural sources of Vitamin C than taking synthetic supplements.

2. Try soaking in Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate). Epsom salt is known for its antibacterial properties and promote healing.

3. Another alternative is using sea salts or bath crystals. Make sure it is from organic source to get the best results.

4. Soaking in colloidal oatmeal bath is another excellent way to relieve the itching. The oatmeal referred here is different from the oatmeal we usually take for our breakfast, rather it is the refined version of the breakfast oatmeal. It is so fine that it acts as a colloid. When it is added to water, it creates a milk-like substance, which moisturize and protect the skin. You can buy colloidal oatmeal in any organic or wholefood stores. If you want something easy and fast, Aveeno Anti - Itch Concentrated Lotion with Natural Colloidal Oatmeal works great.

5. Drink chamomile before you sleep if you are not allergic to it. Its anti itch relief properties work quite well with some.

6. Apply Calendula Oil on affected skin. This soothing and gentle oil is great for very dry and damaged skin.

7. Try lavender Oil, prepared by infusing crushed lavender flowers in olive oil, is known to calm irritated skin and relieve itchiness.

8. Aloe gel is traditionally used to relieve eczema symptoms. It has anti-itch properties and promotes healing of the skin. I especially like Aubrey Organics - 100% Pure Aloe Vera Gel.

9.Cold or cold wet compress are effective in providing relief to severe itchiness. The affected part should be wrapped with thick soft cloth. The cloth should be moistened with cold water every 15 to 30 minutes for two hours at a time. The bandage should be left intact to keep the cloth cold.

10.Talc free powder applied to clean skin is yet another means of itch relief. A Very Special Baby Powder, All Natural Organic works well for my son. It contains calendula, chamomile as well as baking soda which all have anti itch properties.

11.Oil of oregano is found to be effective to stop eczema itch to some people. Wild Oregano Oil is best. It is anti-fungal and anti-bacteria and is excellent in treating parasites and candida. The concentrated form is found to be more effective in treating eczema. However, you have to be caution that oil of oregano may burn the skin a little. Therefore if you are using it for young children, make sure it is of lower concentration or dilute it with olive oil before you apply on the skin. Apply the oil each time after shower for best results.

12. Davinci - Borage Seed Oil has been used traditionally to treat many skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis, with positive results. It contains very high concentration of gamma linolenic acid (GLA). Borage oil is especially beneficial to eczema as it soothes the skin and reduces inflammation.

13.A baking soda bath is another good way to relieve itch. Add one cup of baking soda to a tub filled with lukewarm water and soak for 30 minutes to an hour. Use a cup to pour the water over any part of the body that isn’t submerged. Pat dry and apply moisturizer. African Shea Butter Cream (100% Pure & White ) is recommended by many for its skin healing benefits.

14.One of my favorite remedies is to add several tablespoons of Nutiva - Coconut Oil Organic Ext Virgin to a bath. Get in, soak, relax - you will feel tremendous relief immediately. Before you go to bed, rub on coconut oil generously all over your body. You can get one of the finest and purest coconut oil here: Virgin Coconut Oil.

15. Take fresh carrot and apple juice is found to be helpful for some people in relieving itch. Do try it. Carrot and apple has detoxifying properties and will help to heal eczema overall. It works very well with my son. I like to add a little beet for its cleansing properties.

16.Try the Burt’s Bees Herbal Defense Ointment as a spot treatment to those specific itchy areas. This item contains the zinc for boosting the immune strength and to fight against infection; as well as containing some of the anti-itch herbs I mentioned above. I would apply the cream and then wrap it loosely with a cotton gauze at night to provide that barrier against scratching.

17.This is an advice from old folks and to some, it works great for some people. So you got to try it yourself to know if it works on your eczema. First, apply cornstarch on the affected area liberally and then cover with Vermonts Original Bag Balm. The cornstarch is used to dried up the moisture and then the Bag Balm acts as a barrier on the skin. A mother has used this method on her 3-month-old son for every changing and before naps and bed time. She noticed her son’s skin is glowing and smooth within a couple of days.

There you go. 17 natural ways to stop the itch. Please bear in mind that not all methods works for every one. You have to try them out to see what works best for you. I hope you find them helpful.