How To: Make Your Own Anti-Itch Cream

From poison oak to allergies, irritants can cause an irritated area that can itch for hours. Itching is annoying and distracting, but you don't have to go to the store to find relief. You can make a topical cream to alleviate itching with things you have at home.

Stop the itch in its tracks by mixing a few simple ingredients.

You Will Need

• Antihistamine tablets
• ¾ cup hot water
• Packet instant oatmeal
• Baking soda
• Washcloths
• Aloe vera plant
• ½ oz. dried basil
• 2 oz. witch hazel
• 15 drops tea tree oil
• Spray bottle
• ½ oz. cloves (optional)

Step 1: Use Antihistamines

Crush several antihistamine tablets and add a few drops of water to make a paste. Spread the paste on the itchy area. Antihistamines contain diphenhydramine, which numbs the skin.

Step 2: Use Oatmeal

Mix the hot water with a 1½-ounce packet of instant oatmeal. Let it cool and spread it on the itch. Oatmeal has anti-itch properties and is effective for large areas, such as those affected by chicken pox, poison oak, and poison ivy.

Step 3: Mix Baking Soda and Water

Mix three parts baking soda with one part water and apply the resulting paste to the itchy area. The paste will harden into a crust and soothe irritated skin.

You can also make a solution of 4 tablespoons of baking soda dissolved in a quart of water and apply it with a washcloth.

Step 4: Use Aloe Vera

Snap off an aloe vera leaf, split it down the middle, and squeeze the gel onto the itch.

Step 5: Use Basil

Make a tea with ½ ounce dried basil and 1 pint of water. Cover the tea until it cools, and then apply it to irritated skin with a washcloth. Basil contains a natural anesthetic called eugenol.

You can substitute cloves for basil. Cloves are also high in eugenol.

Step 6: Mix Solution

Mix a solution of 2 ounces of witch hazel, 2 ounces of aloe vera gel, and 15 drops of tea tree oil. Put it in a spray bottle and spray your itch.