Article: Regardless of the cause, itchy and irritated skin is never helped by scratching it — it may feel good initially, but it almost always makes the condition worse. As such, refrain from scratching your itchy skin and try some of the remedies mentioned below, which can help relieve the urge to scratch. If the urge is too irresistible, cover the itchy area of your skin with breathable clothes or light bandages.  Keep your nails cut short, even, and smooth to avoid causing more damage to your skin when you do scratch it. Scratching can draw blood, break blisters and lead to infections. Consider wearing thin cotton gloves, latex gloves or socks over your hands to prevent from scratching irritated skin. Try patting or tapping the itchy area of your skin, rather than scratching it. In addition to covering your irritated skin from the sun and making it more difficult to scratch, loose cotton (or silk) clothing is more comfortable, softer on the skin and more breathable than artificial fibers. So stick with cotton and silk clothing and avoid wearing itchy wool and man-made fabrics such as polyester that don't breath and lead to perspiration and more irritation.  Consider wearing loose cotton or silk robes with roomy sleeves while in your house. Then switch to light and loose bedclothes at night — flannel works well in winter months. During warmer months, stick with your thin cotton or silk pajamas, and just use a sheet for covering so you don't over-heat. Avoid tight fitting or clingy clothes if you have itchy and irritated skin. The more room for your skin to breathe and evaporate sweat, the better. A variety of additives in soap, shampoo and laundry detergents can further irritate itchy and irritated skin, and in some cases, be the direct cause of your condition. As such, avoid using perfumed soap, shower gel, shampoos or deodorants — look for natural alternatives with minimal ingredients (the fewer chemicals listed in the ingredients the better) or ones that claim they are hypoallergenic.  Rinse all the soap completely off your body so no residue remains. After washing, apply an unscented moisturizer to protect and soothe your skin. Use a mild, unscented laundry detergent when washing your clothes, towels and bedding. Use the extra-rinse cycle on your washing machine to get as much detergent as possible from your clothes and bedding. Dry your clothes and bedding with natural, unscented dryer sheets to help prevent skin irritation. Changing your bathing habits can also help trigger itchy and irritated skin, or soothe it if you've already developed it. In general, don't bathe too often (no more than once daily or your skin will dry out) and don't use water that's too hot or too cold — extreme temperatures can further irritate skin. Hot water, in particular, can scold skin, dissolve away natural oils within skin and lead to dehydration and flakiness. Instead, bathe with lukewarm or cool water and keep your showers and baths to less than 20 minutes at the most — 10 minutes or less is ideal.  Adding natural oils, moisturizers or baking soda to your bath water can soothe skin and reduce itchiness. Consider adding uncooked oatmeal or colloidal oatmeal (a finely ground oatmeal that's made for bathing) to your bath water for its soothing and anti-inflammatory effects.  Buy a shower filter that filters out chemicals that can irritate your skin, such as chlorine and nitrites. Once you're finished washing, dab or pat your skin dry, rather than rubbing it. Use soft, freshly washed towels and not older ones that have gotten a little crusty. . Concerns about your finances, employment, school, relationships and social life often lead to stress, which can contribute to a variety of itchy skin conditions. The chemicals and hormones released within your body during times of stress can lead to rashes, blemishes and irritated skin. Reducing or managing your daily stressors promotes healthier skin and well-being. Don't be afraid to make significant life changes to avoid stressful situations.  Be realistic about your obligations and responsibilities. People often get stressed because they are over-committed or over-scheduled. Think about reducing contact with people who bring lots of stress to your life.  Manage your time better. If always being late causes you stress, leave for work or school a little early. Plan ahead and be realistic. Use exercise to handle stress. Be active and go exercise when stressed out. Talk to friends and family members about your stressful issues. Venting about your issues can help. If no one is around, write your feelings down in a journal.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Avoid scratching whenever possible. Wear smooth-textured, loose cotton clothing. Choose mild soaps without dyes or perfumes. Take lukewarm baths and showers. Reduce your stress levels