How to Ease Menopause Itching Now, Naturally!
Everyone’s heard of hot flashes but this irritating problem doesn’t get much attention. Actually before, during and after the menopause itching isn’t unusual – and when you’re dealing with skin you’re desperate to scratch, you can’t think about much else.
The Australian Menopause Association say that itchy skin can strike as soon as ten years before the menopause actually begins. Ten years! And it could continue afterwards, setting sufferers up for a long spell of irritation.
Since you could be dealing with the menopause and itching brought on by those changes for a while, I thought I’d round up a few easy to try, all-natural home remedies to get that irritation in check.
What’s Happening to You Skin – and How to Fix It
According to the Australian Menopause Centre, there’s a name for this condition – pruritis. It’s related to paresthesia or itching tingly skin. You may find yourself dealing with itchy crawly skin that feels as if ants are running across the surface.
Irritating, distracting, and once the skin’s broken the problem only gets worse. Throw in the self-consciousness of scratching, or trying not to, when you’re with friends or at work, and this is a midlife hassle you could really do without.
Before you do anything else though, check your clothing labels.
The NHS recommend cotton and silk as the least likely to cause irritation. Tight-fitting clothes, some man-made fabrics and even wool are on the list of offenders which could make itchy skin worse. Interesting and easy to accomplish!
Now, let’s see what all-natural remedies people are recommending for itching and menopause related skin issues.
As with any unexpected change or symptom you should always speak to your healthcare provider to make sure it’s not anything untoward, and seek a professional to advise you on any remedy you want to try.
Drink the Simplest Solution of All
Eileen Durward for A. Vogel Itchy Skin
A. Vogel’s Eileen Durward has come up with a simple remedy by asking, why does the menopause cause itching?
Durward says it’s all due to a fall in estrogen levels, and that uncomfortable skin is made worse by stress and dehydration.
One of the solutions she suggests is almost too simple – drink lots of water every day and dial down your stress levels.
I’m sure this isn’t the first time you’ve heard the advice to drink more water, but if there’s one remedy that’s easy to try? You guessed it, it’s this one.
The stress levels might be more challenging to deal with depending on your lifestyle, but why not try taking Durward’s advice and taking a little time to unwind if you can.
She also recommends drinking nettle tea – let’s check it out…
No Sting in This Nettle Tea
ehowbeauty Nettle Tea Rinse
You might have heard of this unlikely remedy for irritated skin before – this plant famously packs an unpleasant sting, and conversely it’s a common home remedy for similar ailments.
LiveStrong say it works as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic, with a study by the National College of Naturopathic Medicine showing that nettle could help with itching, eczema and rashes, and allergy-related issues.
And if you decide to give this solution a try for yourself, there’s a chance it could ease other menopausal issues. Though it doesn’t seem to be conclusively proven, nettle is used as a traditional remedy to bring down blood pressure, prevent acne, help with weight loss and promote hair growth.
Health and beauty specialist Dawn Gallagher has come up with one way to prepare nettle tea as a hair rinse, so those teabags can work overtime.
Boil two cups of water, then pour over two nettle teabags and leave to steep for ten minutes. Add a couple of drops of peppermint essential oil and pour over hair and scalp. Massage into your scalp, and while you’re at it you can comb it through your hair to use as a hair treatment too.
Bring Down Inflammation with Apple Cider Vinegar
eHow Ahuva Gamliel Apple Cider Vinegar video
Naturopathic doctor Ahuva Gamliel is just one of apple cider vinegar’s cheerleaders. It shouldn’t sting, and it’s easy to get hold of. So, how could it help your skin? Gamliel says it’s anti-inflammatory and antiseptic, which can help clear up the problem and prevent infection.
Apple cider vinegar is also recommended as an acne treatment, as a traditional remedy and by the likes of Dr Oz.
Good to know if you’re unfortunate enough to suffer from acne brought on by menopause, and you may even be able to use it for hair loss – more on that here.
If you want to try apple cider vinegar for yourself, all you’ll need is apple cider vinegar, fresh clean water, and cotton wool.
According to LiveStrong, the best way to use it directly on your skin is to dilute with water. Use a cotton wool ball to wipe it over the itchy area, and of course, discontinue use if you find it’s causing any added irritation.
Cool and Calm Skin with Aloe Vera
DanielleBeautyBliss How to Extract Aloe Vera Gel for Skincare
Wellsprings Health suggest applying a soothing aloe vera gel to your skin. You can buy plain aloe vera gel, all ready to use – look for one without a bunch of additives.
Or if you have an aloe vera plant of your own, they suggest cutting one of the chubby leaves lengthwise and extracting the gel yourself. Just apply it to the itchy area and leave it to work – a few minutes should do.
It’s a popular solution for all kinds of skincare problems, including menopause itching – is it backed up by science? The Mayo Clinic say that aloe vera hasn’t been extensively proven to help with itchy skin but research is starting to happen.
Lock in Moisture with Shea Butter and Coconut Oil
This cream is designed to fight eczema and dermatitis, but the ingredients are all commonly recommended specifically for menopause itching. And the creamy consistency of this home remedy makes it satisfyingly luxurious.
I don’t know about you, but I like the idea of a solution that feels lush – if you’re already self-conscious about a less than elegant itchy skin, sometimes you want a treatment that’s disguised as a treat.
What you need:
¼ cup shea butter
¼ cup coconut oil
5 drops tea tree essential oil
15 drops lavender oil
Hand mixer
Double boiler (or pot and appropriate Pyrex style bowl)
#1. Set Up Your Home Healing Station
Set up a double boiler – there are ready-to-use ones available, or as Natural Treatment Methods demonstrate you can also put together your own.
If you’re using a bowl over a pot of water on the hob, put safety first – check that the bowl is suitable for use with heat, and that it won’t overbalance.
Have you done a lot of home baking? Then you’ve probably know that this is a convenient way to melt things that might otherwise burn or overheat in the pan – and nobody wants toasted lotion.
#2. Melt the Lush Cream Base
Melt the shea butter and coconut oil together. According to Natural Treatment Methods, this creamy combination can help fight off viral infections.
You might be interested to know that Boots specifically recommend shea butter for dry skin brought on by menopausal changes.
Coconut oil is also said to help keep skin moisturised, with a 2004 study finding it to be effective and safe to use as a moisturiser for people with dry, itchy skin.
And the International Journal of Dermatology agrees, with a 2014 study into coconut oil as a dermatitis treatment showing that it really could offer a solution.
#3. Tea Tree and Lavender to Fight Bacteria (and they Smell Great Too!)
Once your base is melted, remove the mixture from the heat and you’re ready to add a few drops of your essential oils, tea tree and lavender, to the mix.
The US National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health have carried out studies and found there’s a chance tea tree oil could kill bacteria, though more research is needed. Sometimes it can case a reaction though, so look out for signs of irritation.
So what about the super-popular and relaxing lavender? Apart from adding that distinctive fragrance, it’s said to be antiseptic and anti-inflammatory which could come in useful if you’ve not been able to resist a quick scratch.
#4. Whip It All Up
You’ll need a hand mixer (I like this one [aff link]) for the next part – and if the melting stage didn’t remind you enough of baking, the last step will!
Whisk everything together in a bowl until it’s “light and fluffy” like the creators’ version. The final product should blend together to make a well-whipped cream that looks something like cake frosting – it’s then ready to apply.
Have You Found a Skin Solution?
The texture looks really appealing, and with a bit of luck (and those nourishing ingredients) the shea butter and coconut oil cream could help with itchy skin.
Of course, not every home remedy will work for everyone and you should always take professional advice and stop using anything that causes a negative reaction. But if you want to try out a home remedy, these solutions are natural and easy to prepare.
Have you tamed menopause itching naturally using one of these remedies, or maybe you’ve found another indispensable answer?
Let us know what worked for you!
