What should I do to soothe itching skin?

Ahmed suggests the following methods for relieving itchy skin:

If skin is dry, then apply emollients regularly. Look for ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid. Use occlusive formulations (those containing paraffin for example) for very dry skin.
Cool creams in the fridge before applying.
Apply cool gel packs to itchy skin to soothe the feeling of itch and reduce the impulse to scratch.
Menthol-containing creams can reduce the feeling of itch.
Wear loose fitting comfortable clothing.
Use tepid rather than hot water to wash.
Consider a soap substitute to wash rather than soap. If you must use soap to wash hands then apply a moisturiser afterwards
Apply moisturisers to damp skin to lock in moisture and reduce itch in dry skin.
Avoid skin-damaging behaviours like scratching and rubbing – try tapping or gently pinching the skin instead.
Take an antihistamine if the itch is secondary to allergy.
A good way to train your mind not to scratch is to try habit reversal therapy (a four-step programme, which is mainly for those people who suffer from chronic itch).
If stress or anxiety if driving the itch, try breathing exercises or muscle relaxation or any form of meditation that works for you (you may have to experiment!) to control the triggers.
Drink at least two litres of fluid a day to reduce the effects of dehydrating on the skin and body.
Eat a well-balanced diet including protein, carbohydrates, good fats and natural sugars where able. The interaction between the gut, brain and skin should not be forgotten when assessing skin health. The natural balance of the gut can be skewed by lifestyle factors and stress, this in turn can promote inflammation, which is implicated in itch. Take some time to consider if your diet is working well for your body, incorporate some healthy choices and consider a probiotic supplement.
Sleep at least eight hours a night to allow the skin time to repair itself.
Scalps can also itch! Consider a targeted shampoo for issues with dry itchy scalps.

“If none of these work, or there is a dermatological condition that is causing the itch (e.g. eczema, psoriasis, hives), then it is important to have this treated by a qualified healthcare professional,” adds Ahmed.

Itchy skin when stressed: why your skin feels so itchy when you are experiencing stress or anxiety