These 10 tips effectively relieve itching

• Cold as immediate relief for itching

Place a cold pack or a chilled beverage can on the itchy area. The cold overrides the itch so the brain perceives the sensation less strongly. Important: never put ice directly on the skin — protect it with a thin cloth.

• Menthol- and peppermint-containing creams

Creams containing menthol or peppermint mimic the cooling effect and thereby relieve itching. Store these products in the refrigerator when possible to enhance the cooling sensation on application.

• Special ointments for itching

Creams with antihistamines, polidocanol or capsaicin distract from the itch by slightly irritating pain fibres and creating a cooling sensation. If the skin is broken or particularly sensitive, consult a dermatologist before use.

• Heat treatment for insect bites

For small wheals and insect bites, a targeted heat treatment can help. Special devices briefly warm the skin to around 50 °C. This causes histamine to break down and the itch to ease.

• Light, skin-friendly clothing

Wear loose, breathable clothing made from natural fibres such as cotton. Tight or synthetic fabrics can irritate the skin and worsen itching.

• Avoid triggers of your itching

If you know what causes your itch, consistently avoid contact with those triggers. Examples include frequent washing, very spicy food or allergens.

• Regular moisturising care

Use emollient creams and lotions regularly, with ingredients like urea, glycerin or lactic acid. These provide moisture and help stabilise the skin’s natural acid mantle.

• Avoid extreme showering and bathing

Very hot water, excessive showering or long baths as well as sauna sessions can dry out the skin and worsen itching. Shower or bathe in lukewarm water instead and shorten the duration of baths and showers.

• Use relaxation techniques for stress-related itching

Exercises such as yoga, autogenic training or progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce stress and thereby decrease associated itching.

• Protect your skin at night from scratching

Short fingernails and wearing cotton gloves during sleep prevent you from unintentionally injuring yourself at night and making the itch worse.