Minor skin irritation is an inevitable consequence of our modern, hectic lifestyles. Everyday we are surrounded by air borne pollution and chemical additives. Indeed, just the sheer pressure of life itself can exert a strain that often manifests itself in skin blemishes and itchiness. We may not be able to easily change our lifestyle, but a simple skin care routine can eliminate most of those little irritations.

At best, recurring skin irritation can leave someone trapped in the infamous itch-scratch-itch cycle. Here, scratching an itch results in the skin becoming more sensitive and damaged which, in turn, leads to a greater urge to scratch even harder and longer the next time. Being repeatedly trapped in this cycle only leads to increased skin sensitivity and a greater urge to scratch.

People caught in the itch-scratch-itch cycle can find that their condition leads to skin blemishes and inflammation and, in severe cases, painfully sore, open wounds.

As is invariably true with health matters, the sooner the problem is addressed, the easier the treatment is and the quicker the recovery.

When you first become aware that you have a recurring itch, take the following immediate action.

Make sure the affected area is clean and dry. Wash the skin with a mild, fragrance free soap or lotion. This is important as any allergens need to be removed from skin contact. Dry by blotting with a thick, soft towel. Do not rub yourself dry as this may cause further irritation.

After washing, if the irritation persists, soothe the area with a little anesthetic cream or a cold compress. Both these methods may bring instant relief but are obviously unsuitable as long-term treatments.

If there is any sign of an insect bite or sting, apply a specialist cream, usually containing antihistamines.

To reduce the likelihood of reoccurrence, adopt the following on-going routine.

As dry skin itself can be a source of irritation, regularly use a moisturising cream or lotion to help maintain your skins correct hydration levels. Look for a fragrance free product that contains vitamin E and an antipuritic such as Aloe Vera. Foods that are a good source of vitamin E should be a regular part of your diet. Vitamin E plays an important role in promoting and maintaining healthy, younger looking skin. Vitamin E has also been associated with a myriad of other health benefits. Good sources of vitamin E include, tomatoes, spinach, brussels sprouts, blackberries, salmon, mackerel, sardines, nuts, wholegrain bread, egg yokes, soft margarine, olive oil and sunflower oil. Drink plenty of water and ensure that your diet is healthy and varied. Take note of what you eat and when. Is there any evidence of a particular food causing an allergic reaction?

Cool, loose fitting clothes that feel comfortable and do not rub against your skin are always to be preferred. Avoid any clothes with tight belts, collar or cuffs.

Do you experience persistent irritation in the vicinity of any jewellery or body studs that you wear? If so, then you are likely suffering a metal allergy. Remove the item for a few days and observe if the condition improves.

Always bathe in a lukewarm bath or, better still, take cool showers. Prolonged bathing in hot water can aggravate existing skin conditions.

Change you household cleaning products. The strong chemicals and various fragrance additives found in many household products may be excellent for keeping the home clean and fresh, but they are also a common source of skin irritation. Observe if using a different brand lessens your skin irritation?

As you go about your normal daily routine, or undertake pastimes or hobbies such as DIY and gardening, ensure that your skin is adequately protected by wearing hypoallergenic gloves and goggles. If you experience a glove allergy, or you find gloves inappropriate for close work, use a breathable, waterproof skin protection cream.

Avoid prolonged exposure to heat in the summer and cold, drying winds in the winter. If this is unavoidable, use a moisturising cream or lotion that also provides some degree of barrier protection for your skin.

Use a high factor sunscreen lotion to prevent sunburn, especially if you are exposed to direct, midday sunshine.

The majority of people will find that, by following these few simple guidelines, most incidences of skin irritation will be relieved or cured completely. However, it is important to realise that if your skin irritation is persistent, or involves whole-body symptoms, it can be indicative of an underlying medical condition, a minority of which may be serious. In these cases, you should visit your doctor.