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Numbness means loss of feeling or sensation on the skin, and tingling refers to a prickling feeling or sensation of sharp pointed objects pricking the skin. Numbness accompanied by  tingling sensation is medically referred to as paresthesia. Numbness and tingling on the face can arise from various reasons. The main reason behind it is damage, irritation, or compression of a nerve in the face. Nerve damage can happen from different causes such as an injury, deficiency of vitamins like vitamin B and niacin, some infections like shingles (an infection of the nerves caused by varicella zoster virus that cause fluid-filled tiny bumps on the skin attended with pain, itching, burning, numbness and tingling on the affected skin area), diabetes, etc. Nerve damage can also be caused by an autoimmune condition known as multiple sclerosis. In this condition, the immune cells damage the protective covering of the nerves out of a misdirected response. It can cause numbness and tingling on the face along with other symptoms such as numbness and weakness in the limbs, unsteady gait, blurred/double vision, vertigo, fatigue, slurred speech, lack of coordination, mood swings, and urinary bladder and bowel problems.

Nerve damage is also seen in cases of Bell’s palsy. Bell’s palsy is a condition that occurs from an inflamed nerve of the face resulting in sudden weakness of one-sided facial muscles causing drooping on one side of the face. Another reason behind facial numbness and tingling could be trigeminal neuralgia. It refers to severe one-sided facial pain along the course of the trigeminal nerve due to irritation, damage or compression of this nerve. It causes severe shooting or electric shock-like facial pain and it can be preceded by numbness or tingling on the face. Another cause can be migraine. Migraine refers to one-sided headache usually pulthe sating type that in most of cases is attended by nausea and vomiting. In some cases, headache is preceded by an aura phase in which numbness and tingling on one side of the face can appear. This type of migraine is known as hemiplegic migraine. Further, in some cases of epilepsy, numbness or tingling on the face may occur during a seizure (a fit). Facial numbness and tingling can also occur in cases of anxiety, or panic attack or can be a side effect of a medicine. Medicines for treating high blood pressure and fluoroquinolones may cause side effects. Lastly, facial numbness and tingling can also indicate a serious condition called stroke. A stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical help. Stroke refers to the interruption of oxygen supply (either due to blockage or bursting of a blood vessel) to the brain that results in death of brain cells and loss of brain function.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathic medicines are very effective in managing numbness and tingling on the face. These medicines are highly suitable for persons of all age groups. These medicines aim to treat the underlying cause behind the health issue to bring great relief. Along with this, homeopathic medicines can also manage any associated symptoms such as pain, itching, fatigue, headache, vertigo etc. Homeopathic medicines are purely of natural origin that treat a problem without any side effects. These medicines are selected individually for every case based on the symptom. So it is advised to take any homeopathic medicine under supervision of a homeopathic physician. Self-medication should not be done in any case. These medicines are recommended only for cases of mild to moderate intensity without any underlying serious cause. In case facial numbness and tingling are severe or occurring from serious causes like stroke, immediate help from conventional mode of treatment should be taken as homeopathy has limitations to handle such serious cases.

Homeopathic Medicines For Facial Numbness And Tingling

1. Zincum Met – Top Recommended Medicine

Zincum Met is a great medicine well indicated for managing various nervous complaints. It is a leading medicine to manage numbness and tingling sensation. It is also well indicated where nerve pain in the face is marked. In cases needing it, stitching pain on the face as from needles is felt, other than numbness and tingling. The nerve pain in the face gets worse from touch. There is a worsening of pain in the evening. Besides, this medicine is prominent for managing twitching sensation on the face. Twitching means brief spontaneous muscle contractions. Lastly, another nerves-related complaint where this medicine proves effective is formication on the face. Formication means sensation of insects crawling on or under the skin.

2. Agaricus – For Numbness On face With Cold Needle Pricking Sensation

This medicine works well in cases of numbness of the face. A sensation of cold needles running through nerves of the face is a very characteristic feature. Muscle contractions can also occur on the face. Needles pricking on the chin can also attend. Chin can be covered with fluid-filled tiny bumps. Next there can be tearing sort of pain on the face. Further itching, burning and redness on the cheeks can be present. This medicine is also indicated for cases of paralysis of facial muscles.

3. Causticum – For Numbness And Tingling With Burning Sensation

Causticum is yet another effective medicine for cases of numbness and tingling on the face. There is marked numbness on the side of the face as if the face is asleep in cases needing this medicine. Burning sensation is also felt on the face along with the above complaints. Sometimes itching occurs on the face. One-sided facial paralysis may be felt where this medicine is required. Tearing pain and twitching on the left side of the face can be felt along with the above complaints.

4. Hypericum – From Nerve Damage And Inflammation

Hypericum is very helpful when there occurs numbness, tingling, burning sensation from nerve inflammation and damage. Pain originating from the nerves on the face is felt too. Mainly right-sided facial pain occurs. A heated sensation is felt on the face. A tense feeling occurs on the cheeks.

5. Aconite – Along With Heaviness Feeling On Face

This medicine works well in cases of numbness, tingling on the face along with heaviness on the entire face. Nerve pain on the left side of the face is present. Restlessness is felt along with pain. The face is red and hot. Creeping sensation as well as muscle contractions are felt on the face.

6. Arsenic Album – For Tingling With Burning, Stinging

This medicine is indicated for tingling on the face along with burning, stinging sensation. It feels as if it is occurring from red hot needles. Tearing and needle-like pricking pains are felt on the face. Violent itching can also occur on the face. Fluid-filled eruptions may occur on the face along with itching and burning sensation.

7. Ranunculus Bulbosus – For Tingling On Nose And Chin

This medicine is suitable to manage tingling sensation on the face, especially in the area of nose and chin. Heated sensation is felt on the face in cases needing it. Redness of cheeks occurs with this. Eruptions containing fluid may appear in clusters on the face.

8. Belladonna – With Facial Redness And Burning Heat

This medicine can be considered for cases of facial numbness and tingling when attended with facial redness along with burning heat. One feels restless. There may be contractions of facial muscles in addition to the above symptoms.

Sound sensitivity, medically called hyperacusis, refers to over-sensitivity to a variety of sounds that are unbearable and feel painfully loud to the sufferer. They may also frighten some sufferers. In some cases, it may result in seizures (fits). Sound sensitivity is also referred to as decreased sound tolerance. In persons having sound sensitivity, certain sounds are perceived only at a very high volume. The same may be perceived at normal volume by persons having normal hearing. Some sounds are not even heard by them. The sound made while turning pages of the book, chewing food, running water, and running of electrical home appliances seems intolerable to persons with sound sensitivity.

These sounds may be annoying to the sufferer and impact his/her mental health resulting in anxiety, irritability, anger, depression, and can lead to social isolation. Depending on the cause behind sound sensitivity, some other symptoms may be present like tinnitus (hearing noises like ringing, buzzing in ear in the absence of an external source), feeling of fullness/pressure in the ears and pain in the ears. Being tired and stressed may worsen the symptoms.

It can result from various reasons. Some of these include

1. Head or ear injury or an infection affecting the inner ear and ear damage resulting from toxins.

2. Migraine: It refers to one-sided headache of throbbing type chiefly attended with nausea and vomiting. One may feel excessive sensitivity to sound and light.

3. Autism: It is a neuro-developmental disorder that leads to problems in communication, and social interaction of child along with restricted and repetitive behavior.

4. Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD): It is a condition that causes problems in processing sensory stimuli and responding to them appropriately. Sensory stimuli involve sound, sight, taste, smell and touch. The sufferer may either give an oversensitive or hyposensitive response to sensory stimuli.

5. Meniere’s disease: It refers to an inner ear disorder represented by different medical conditions: tinnitus (noises in the ear in the absence of any external source), vertigo and hearing loss usually on one side of the ear. In some cases, it is linked with sound sensitivity.

6. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition related to the mind triggered by a traumatic event in life (like a road accident, sexual assault, etc) and depression.

7. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): It refers to tiredness both physically and mentally that does not improve with rest. There is no underlying medical condition behind it.

8. Lyme Disease: A bacterial tick-borne disease, it is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdoferi.

9. Temporo Mandibular Disorder (TMJ) disorder: It refers to a disorder resulting from a problem with the jaw joint, or muscles related to the jaw movement.

10. Ramsay hunt syndrome: It arises when Shingles (a viral infection caused by varicella zoster virus) affect the facial nerve lying close to ear.

11. When no cause is identified, then it is referred as an idiopathic case.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathy is very effective in managing complaints of sound sensitivity. These medicines are entirely safe to use with zero side effects as these are prepared from naturally occurring substances. Homeopathic medicines bring excellent results in such cases by aiming to treat the root cause behind it. They bring gradual improvement in such cases, and the results may vary from case to case. The most suitable medicine in these cases is selected keeping in mind the individual requirement after detailed case evaluation based on the characteristic symptom presentation. So it is advised to get every case evaluated by a doctor and take medicine under the supervision of a doctor. Self-medication should not be done in any case.

Homeopathic Medicines for Sound Sensitivity

1. Asarum Europaeum

It is a highly recommended medicine for cases of sound sensitivity. Persons needing it have hypersensitive nerves with oversensitivity to the slightest noise. The rattle of the paper and scratching on the clothes are unbearable to them. Even the thought of scratching with nails by someone seems to bring a nervous tremor (trembling) in them. A very characteristic symptom that can be present is an extreme sensitivity to cold. Additionally, low energy levels can also be an attending feature.

2. Borax

Borax is another important medicine to manage sound sensitivity. Those requiring this medicine get easily frightened by the least noise. They are very nervous people and get startled from sharp noises like sneezing, hawking, coughing and hearing someone crying. Additionally, they may have a great fear of downward motion like going downstairs and fear of falling. Fear of thunder may also be there along with the above symptoms.

3. Opium

This medicine is well indicated for persons who are unable to sleep due to acuteness of hearing. Noise from distant places disturbs the sleep and keeps them awake. They are actually very sleepy but are unable to sleep due to this medical condition. Besides, they also complain of noises in the ear i.e. tinnitus. The noises can be of different types. These might include roaring, buzzing or humming type, varying from case to case.

4. Zincum Met

Zincum Met is of great use in treating many of the nerves-related complaints including sound sensitivity. The key indicating feature to use this medicine is sensitivity to the sounds of people talking. These sounds affect the nerves in the sufferer and cause impatience and bad temper in them. Marked fatigue (tiredness, exhaustion) in an intense degree can accompany the above symptoms in most of the cases.

5. Coffea Cruda

Coffea Cruda is an effective medicine when hearing is very acute with hearing even very distant sounds that are not audible to persons with normal hearing. Persons needing it also have marked sensitivity to voices, music and even footsteps. Even little noise seems to cause pain in the body or worsen the already present pain. Besides hearing, a person’s other senses are also over-sensitive, like smell, taste and touch.

6. Theridion

This medicine is suitable when there is extreme sensitivity to noise that seems to penetrate the whole body. The noises especially seem to penetrate the teeth. It is followed by nausea and pain all over the body, and a chilly feeling. Vertigo may also result from the slightest noise. Noise may make headache worse. The noises that are the most disturbing include vibration of any sort or the sound of footsteps while walking. There is also marked restlessness along with the above symptoms.

7. Belladonna

Belladonna is recommended when there is ear pain along with sensitivity to sounds. The slightest noise seems to cause ear pain. Startling occurs from the least noise. Tinnitus may also be present with roaring, ringing and humming noises in ear. Headache may also occur from noise.

8. Phosphorus

This medicine is prominently indicated for cases in which there is oversensitivity to different senses other than hearing including odor, light and touch. The slightest noise cause startling in persons needing it. In case of sensitivity to smell, sensitivity to the smell of flowers is most prominent that may even cause fainting. In general, anxiety and restlessness may also be present.

9. Nux Vomica

Nux vomica is indicated when there is increased sensitivity to noise, odor, and light. Every sound causes pain to those needing it. Sudden noise may sometimes result in fits or seizures.

Post Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN) is a complication of Herpes Zoster also known as Shingles. Herpes Zoster is a viral infection caused by reactivation of Varicella Zoster virus (it is the same virus that causes chicken pox). Herpes Zoster is characterised by painful rash or blisters (fluid-filled bumps) on skin. The rash will only be on one side of the body, either right or left, in a particular area in a band-like pattern. If the pain of Herpes Zoster continues for more than three months in the affected skin areas after the skin rash has healed, then it is known as Post Herpetic Neuralgia. In one out of five people who get infected by Herpes Zoster, the person will have nerve pain following the healing of the rash. The stabbing type of pain may vary from discomfort to severe. Along with pain, burning, increased sensitivity, weakness of the affected skin area may also arise. The pain may continue for weeks, months or even a year after the rash has healed.

Homeopathy is highly effective in treating neuralgic complaints i.e. nerve pain. Homeopathic medicines for post herpetic neuralgia are deep acting remedies that can help resolve the problem.  As a first step, homeopathy controls the intensity and frequency of the pain. Then the medicines work to remove the chronic and recurrent pain. In mainstream medicine, painkillers, steroids, pain-relieving skin patches, anti-convulsants and anti-depressants are given to manage pain in cases of post herpetic neuralgia. These give temporary pain relief but the pain does not get cured completely. In homeopathy, the medicines are given to resolve the pain from its root and give a complete cure.

With the use of homeopathic medicines, the burning sensation, hypersensitivity, itchy feeling associated with this condition also gets healed. This is because the medicines are given keeping in mind the totality of the symptoms that work on every aspect of the disease. The symptoms though, get better gradually, may take some time but once relief sets in, the complaint gets better till it goes away completely in a few months’ time.

Homeopathy aims to fight the viral infection in PHN cases by boosting the self-healing mechanism of the body. This way it does not just work superficially; rather it works deeply to eradicate the root cause behind it. Therefore, it ensures that the condition gets treated from its origin and that too in the most harmless and natural way.

Homeopathic medicines used to treat post herpetic neuralgia are 100% safe with zero side effects as these are sourced from natural substances. These medicines are used in highly diluted doses that ensure safe recovery.

5 Top Homeopathic Medicines For Post Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN)

The top most recommended homeopathic medicines to treat PHN are Mezereum, Ranunculus Bulbosus, Arsenic Album, Dolichos and Rhus Tox.

1. Mezereum – For Postherpetic Neuralgia With Intense Burning

Mezereum is rated among the best medicines for post herpetic neuralgia. It is the best-suited prescription when PHN pains are violent and are attended with marked burning sensation. Mezereum also helps during active Herpes Zoster when eruptions arise on the skin. The key symptoms to look out for before prescribing Mezereum during Herpes Zoster infection are violently itching vesicles with shining red areola and intense burning.

When to use Mezereum?

Mezereum is a highly suitable medicine to manage post herpetic neuralgia with severe burning pains.

How to use Mezereum?

This medicine can be used once a day in 30C potency.

2. Ranunculus Bulbosus – For Sharp, Stitching Pains Coming In Paroxysms (Sudden Attack)

Ranunculus Bulbosus is indicated for sharp, stitching PHN pains that come in paroxysms. It is also one of the top listed medicines for intercostal neuralgia following herpetic infection. Ranunculus Bulbosus is well indicated for Herpes Zoster when the vesicle eruptions are bluish in color. The eruptions are attended with itching and burning symptoms which worsen on contact.

When to use Ranunculus Bulbosus?

It is an excellent medicine for PHN when pains are sharp, stitching type occurring in sudden attacks

How to use Ranunculus Bulbosus?

It is advised to use this medicine in 30C power once or twice a day.

3. Arsenic Album – To Manage Burning Sort of Nerve Pains Worse At Night

Another prominently indicated medicine for PHN with burning pains besides Mezereum is Arsenic Album. In cases needing this medicine, the burning pain is very severe at night. Arsenic Album is also given to manage itching on the skin. Restlessness can attend these symptoms. It is also indicated to manage active Herpes Zoster outbreak when marked burning pain is felt in the eruptions. These eruptions might be covered with scales like fish in most of the cases.

When to use Arsenic Album?

This medicine is well indicated to manage burning type of pains in PHN cases when pains are worse at night.

How to use Arsenic Album?

Arsenic Album 30C should be taken once a day only.

4. Dolichos – To Manage pain and Skin Itching Without Any Rash Or Eruptions

Dolichos is yet another natural remedy to relieve post-herpetic nerve pains. Along with pains there is skin itching occurring without any rash or eruptions. For Herpes Zoster, this medicine is mostly indicated when eruptions begin in the armpit, especially on the left side that spreads to the sternum (bone in middle of chest) and to the spine. It is accompanied by smarting and burning sort of pain.

When to use Dolichos?

Dolichos is of great use when there are pains attended with skin itching in cases of post herpetic neuralgia.

How to use Dolichos?

One may take this medicine in 30C power two to three times a day as per the intensity of the complaint.

5. Rhus Tox – For Pain With Restlessness And Sensitivity Of Skin To Cold Air

It is one of the best medicines for PHN where the pains are attended with marked restlessness. The skin is sensitive to cold air in such cases. In Herpes Zoster, Rhus Tox is the most preferred among medicines when the vesicles are yellowish with itching and stinging.

When to use Rhus Tox?

This medicine can be considered in PHN cases when pain occurs along with restlessness and sensitivity of skin to cold air.

How to use Rhus Tox?

Though it can be used in different potencies but in the beginning,  it is best to take it in 30C potency twice a day.

What are the Symptoms of PHN?

The symptoms appear on the skin area affected with Herpes Zoster eruptions and are usually one-sided.

1. Pain after rash of Herpes Zoster has healed – Pain remains for 3 months or more. In some cases, it may last for one year or more. Pain can be aching, sharp, stabbing, throbbing, electric shock like, or burning on nature. The pain can be continuous or intermittent. Pain may get worse at night or from cold or hot temperature.

2. Even the slightest touch on the affected area is painful, this area may also be sensitive to cold air.

3. Numbness, tingling or itching on the affected skin region, though it is not very common

4. Very rarely, muscle weakness and tremors occur, if the affected nerve involved controls muscle movement too

5. Scarring on skin on affected area may be seen

What are the Causes behind Post Herpetic Neuralgia?

Post Herpetic Neuralgia, as mentioned in the beginning, is a complication of Herpes Zoster. Herpes Zoster is a viral disease leading to painful skin eruptions caused by varicella zoster virus. Varicella zoster virus is the virus that causes chicken pox when a person gets infected with this virus initially for the first time. Though the person recovers from chicken pox within weeks, the virus remains in the nerve cells in an inactive state. This virus can reactivate any time it finds a suitable environment like low immunity, some sort of medicines, etc. When the dormant virus gets reactivated, it leads to Herpes Zoster or Shingles with painful skin eruptions. The Herpes Zoster rash resolves within two to four weeks’ time. In some cases, even after the skin eruptions completely resolve, the pain continues for months or years together. This nerve pain persists for more than three months. The PHN results from damage to nerve fibres caused by Herpes Zoster virus. As a result of damaged nerve fibers, the message of transmission from the skin to the brain cannot be passed normally. This nerve gets muddled, transmitting random pain signals to the brain when pain is burning, excruciating.

Risk Factors

Certain factors increase the risk of PHN as follows:

1. Old age: The risk of PHN increases with age. Those above 50 yrs of age are at risk, PHN is rare under 40 yrs of age.

2. Herpes Zoster on the face or trunk (body part except head, neck and limbs)

3. Weak immune system: The immune system may be compromised due to certain medical conditions, such as cancer or HIV, or certain medications, such as steroids, chemotherapy, and immunosuppressant medicines.

4. Intensity of the skin rash due to Herpes Zoster is highly intense

5. Women are more at risk than men

6. Diabetes

Itching, medically termed as pruritis, is an irritating, unpleasant sensation on the skin that makes a person rub or scratch it. Itching can affect some specific body parts (localized itching) or it may be widespread over the body (generalized itching). Itching can occur without any eruptions or, there may be a rash or eruption. The skin may become rough, dry, cracked, or leathery and may look red. Following scratching, bleeding spots appear on the skin. With intense scratching, the chances of skin injuries and infection also increase.

There is great scope in homeopathy to treat cases of itching that arises from various reasons. Itching, both recent or chronic in nature, respond well to homeopathic treatment. The main advantage of using homeopathic medicines for itching is that these are natural and safe medicines with zero side effects. Along with itching, they help to relieve associated complaints like burning, stinging sensation, dryness, roughness, cracks and also heal any eruptions if present.

Homeopathic treatment is non-suppressive

Homeopathy offers non-suppressive treatment for itching. It provides long-term relief followed by cure if proper course of homeopathic treatment is followed. Itching on the skin may be due to different reasons, homeopathic remedies by way of addressing the root cause behind itching to lead to cure in these cases. The conventional treatment treats itching with the use of ointments. Though these act quickly to relieve itching, it offers short-term relief by way of suppression. Suppression is not cure. Once itching is suppressed, it may recur again as the cause may be left untreated. So, here homeopathy can be a great alternative treatment option to prevent suppression in any way. Homeopathy does not act superficially but gets deep into treatment of underlying cause to give a cure.

 Homeopathy prescribes as per law of individualization

Homeopathic prescription is done following the principle of individualization. There are numerous homeopathic medicines for treating itching and in every individual case the characteristic symptoms are studied in detail to finalise homeopathic prescription. These individually selected medicines work magnificently in relieving itching on the skin.

Homeopathy suits all age groups

Itching can affect persons of any age group and homeopathic medicines are suitable for people of all age groups. Only the potency and dosage varies according to the age of the individual. Homeopathic medicines boost the body’s self-healing system to promote natural recovery.

Acts gently with no side effects

Homeopathic medicines are devoid of any toxins and chemicals. These are prepared from natural sources hence are very safe to use and have no side effects at all. These treat in a very mild, gentle and most harmless manner to offer great cures.

Natural homeopathic medicines for itching

Top 7 Homeopathic Medicines For Itching

The homeopathic medicines that are used most frequently to treat skin itching are Sulphur, Graphites, Arsenic Album, Psorinum, Apis Mellifica, Fagopyrum and Dolichos.

1. Sulphur – Top-Grade Medicine To Treat Itching

Sulphur leads the list of homeopathic medicines to treat cases of skin itching. This medicine is highly suitable for itching on skin either with or without eruptions. The skin is dry and scaly. Eruptions may include pimples or pustules. Itching may keep shifting from one area to another. In most cases needing it, itching worsens at night disturbing sleep. It is aggravated by the warmth of the bed. Itching may get worse from washing and also in damp weather. On scratching, a burning sensation is felt and intense scratching may cause bleeding spots. The affected areas on the skin may be sore and painful. Pain may remain for a long time after scratching. Stitching and pricking sensation in the skin is also marked.

When to use Sulphur?

Sulphur can be used as a first remedy in case of skin itching either with or without eruptions. It is recommended if the problem aggravates at night from the warmth of bed.

How to use Sulphur?

It is most commonly used in 30C potency. This medicine can be used in 30C potency once a day. Do not take it more than once in a day. If there is no relief, its higher potencies may be considered after consulting a homeopathic doctor.

2. Graphites – For Itching With Dry, Rough Skin

Graphites is a highly effective medicine to help cases of itching along with marked dryness and roughness of skin. Cracks on skin may also be present. Itching is intense and attended with burning. It is also the best medicine to deal with cases of itchy eruptions that ooze a sticky fluid. Graphites is also prominently indicated for managing cases of eczema with marked itching. It works well for controlling itching in dry eczema as well as wet eczema where watery, transparent sticky, gluey discharge is present.

When to use Graphites?

Someone who is experiencing itching along with dry rough skin can take this medicine for relief.

How to use Graphites?

This medicine is usually taken in 3X potency in tablet form. One to two tablets of Graphites 3X can be taken in the morning and in the evening as per the severity of itching. Some cases may need 30C potency, but it should be administered only after consulting a homeopathic doctor.

3. Arsenic Album – For Skin Itching and Burning

Arsenic Album is highly beneficial to manage itching and burning on the skin. The skin is dry and scratching causes pain. Cold tends to worsen the complaint. Skin may also be oversensitive. This medicine is also highly effective to treat psoriasis with rough patches on skin covered with scales attended with marked itching.

When to use Arsenic Album?

This medicine can be used to control skin itching along with burning sensation and also for itchy rough patches on skin covered with scales.

How to use Arsenic Album?

Though it can be used in different potencies like 30C, 200C, 1M, it is advised to begin with 30C potency once a day. If there is no relief, you may switch to higher potencies after taking a homeopath’s advice.

4. Psorinum – For Itching With Scratching Till Skin Bleeds

Psorinum is well indicated for cases in which itching is intense and the sufferer scratches skin till it bleeds. Small eruptions may also arise after rubbing the skin. Itching is worse when the body becomes warm and also during the night. The skin may be rough or greasy. It is also well indicated when there is itching in flexures of the body like elbow bend, back of knee, etc. Skin eruptions that get better in summer and worse in winter are also treated with Psorinum. It is used for various skin complaints including acne, eczema, psoriasis, scabies, herpetic eruptions, and hives.

When to use Psorinum?

This medicine can be used in cases where there is intense itching and the sufferer keeps scratching till it begins to bleed. It can also be given for itching particularly in bends of knee and elbow bend.

How to use Psorinum?

This medicine falls in the category of strong homeopathic medications, therefore, infrequent doses are suggested. The recommended potencies include 200C, 1M, and even higher potencies. Initially, 200 C potency is good to start with and it is advised to wait for about 10 to 15 days before repeating it. Do not take it more frequently without the physician’s advice.

5. Apis Mellifica – For Skin Itching With Stinging, Prickling Sensation

Apis Mellifica is a wonderful medicine to manage skin itching attended with a stinging, prickling sensation. The itching often becomes intolerable and leads to harsh rubbing. Rashes form on the skin and the skin is red and feels hot. Itching gets better in the open air. The skin feels sore and is sensitive to the slightest touch. Apis Mellifica is also an excellent medicine for hives (bumps on skin) attended with marked itching and stinging sensation. Apis Mellifica is also used to treat allergic dermatitis and prickly heat.

When to use Apis Mellifica?

Apis Mellifica can be used in cases where along with itching, the sufferer experiences stinging and prickling sensation.

How to use Apis Mellifica?

It can be used in low (30C) as well high potencies (like 200C, 1M). In 30C potency, it can be taken one to two times a day. Do not take higher potencies without the guidance of a homeopathic doctor.

6. Fagopyrum – For Itching In Elderly People

Fagopyrum is a natural treatment for managing itching in older adults. It gets worse from scratching. Bathing in cold water brings relief. Though itching can occur on any body part, it is worse on the arms, legs, hands, elbows, knees and hairy parts. Itching gets severe towards the evening.

When to use Fagopyrum?

This medicine should be considered to manage skin itching in elderly people especially when scratching worsens the itching.

How to use Fagopyrum?

To begin with, its 30C potency can be used once or twice a day.

7. Dolichos – For Itching Without Any Skin Eruptions / Rash

Dolichos is a very suitable medicine for cases in which skin itching occurs without any rash/eruptions. In cases requiring it, itching worsens at night. Burning sensation also attends. Like Fagopyrum, this medicine is also indicated to manage skin itching in elderly persons.

When to use Dolichos?

It should be the first choice of remedy for skin itching without any rash or eruptions.

How to use Dolichos?

Dolichos 30C can be taken once a day if itching is mild and for moderate intensity itching, it can be taken twice a day.

Causes Of Itching

Itching is a symptom of many health conditions. The causes are highly variable as summed below:

 A). Skin conditions

1. Dry skin: It mostly happens when there is dry air in the atmosphere, and also in winters. Along with skin dryness, cracks or scales appear on the skin.

2. Eczema/Atopic dermatitis: It is a very common condition especially in children in which inflammation of skin occurs along with dryness and itching. In some cases, eruptions (bumps) appear that may ooze fluid followed by crust formation and thickening of skin.

3. Scabies:It is a skin complaint caused by a mite, sarcoptes scabiei. A highly contagious disease, an extremely itchy skin rash appears on the skin that tends to worsen at night.

4. Fungal infections on skin: For example ringworm on skin

5. Psoriasis: It is an autoimmune skin condition characterized by inflammatory patches on skin covered with silvery-white scales. Itching may occur in these patches. At times a burning sensation can also attend.

6. Prickly heat: It is also called ‘heat rash’ in which small fluid-filled blisters form on the skin from trapped sweat. This rash is quite itchy along with pricking sensation, hence the name ‘prickly heat’.

7. Hives: A skin rash with raised bumps on the skin called wheals that usually arise from an allergic reaction. It is attended with itching and stinging sensation.

8. Lichen Planus: An autoimmune skin condition characterized by purple-colored bumps on skin that tend to be itchy.

9. Bacterial infections likefolliculitis (a skin condition in which hair follicles get inflamed from bacterial infection), impetigo (skin infection caused by bacteria mainly staphylococcus bacteria), etc.

B). Skin allergy

1. Contact dermatitis: Skin rash that arises from direct contact with substances like nickel in jewellery, hair dyes, detergents or from an allergic reaction to it.

2. Certain foods likemilk, eggs, peanuts, fish

3. Certain soaps, wool, cosmetics

C). Nerve-related disorders

1. Shingles: A painful rash with fluid-filled blisters caused by varicella zoster virus. It can be attended with itching, tingling, and burning sensation.

2. Multiple sclerosis: An autoimmune disorder in which our immune cells damage protective covering of nerves.

3. Nerve damage

D). Psychological causes

These include Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (a psychological disorder with constant repetitive thoughts in mind that leads to certain repetitive behavior), depression, and anxiety.

E). Systemic medical conditions

Itching can occur in some systemic medical conditions like thyroid disease, and diabetes; among these, there are a few serious ones too like kidney failure, liver disease, lymphoma (cancer of lymphatic system), multiple myeloma (cancer of plasma cells).

F). Use of some medicines

Certain medications, like drugs for high blood pressure, allopurinol for gout and narcotic painkillers may also cause itching.