INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Scientists are still unsure of the exact mechanisms by which itching occurs, but it is possible that itching is relieved when a "counter-irritant" (such as scratching) occurs. Cold water can easily be used to relieve itching on the skin. Take a cold bath or shower. Since cold is so effective, it can be beneficial to take a cold shower and to let cool water run across the itchy area. If you prefer baths, soak in a bathtub filled with cold water for as long as you can. You can also add essential oils that can help to soothe the skin and stop irritation to the bathwater. Add 2-3 drops of oil to a bath of cool water. Roman chamomile is soothing and anti-inflammatory. Frankincense (Boswellia frereana) can soothe inflamed skin. Lavender can help calm stress and reduce itching. Calendula oil can help reduce itching by increasing your skin's hydration. Avoid the following essential oils, which are known to irritate your skin: bay, cinnamon, clove, citronella, cumin, lemongrass, lemon verbena, oregano, tagetes, and thyme. Wet a towel or cloth in cold water then and place it over the itchy area of the skin until your skin feels soothed. Try for about 30 minutes. This soothing occurs because the wet cloths "macerate" (soften) the irritated skin and help "debride" (remove dead skin) the area. You can also press ice packs or frozen bags of peas or beans against the itchy area, although these should be wrapped in a towel before being placed on the skin. Apply frozen items for between 10-20 minutes, but no more than that. Applying hot water or hot compresses could further irritate the skin. Baking soda is a natural antipruritic, or anti-itch treatment, that can be used on all kinds of itches, although it is especially effective in reducing itching caused by bee stings and insect bites. Add 1 cup of baking soda into a bathtub filled with cool water. Soak yourself for anywhere between 30 minutes to 1 hour. Oatmeal has compounds that act as antioxidants, which help to soothe the skin and stop the irritation. It is advisable to use colloidal oatmeal, but in cases where this is not available, whole oats or unprocessed oat flour can be used, too. You can use your food processor or coffee grinder to grind them. The effective compounds are more prevalent in the oats that have not been processed (avenanthramides). You can purchase an oatmeal bath preparation, or add 2 cups of unprocessed and uncooked oatmeal or oat flour to your bathing water. Keep in mind that the water should be cool to lukewarm, but not hot because this can cause more damage to the skin. Soak for one hour in the water daily until the itching has stopped. Unprocessed and uncooked oat flour can also be mixed with water to form a thick paste. The paste can be applied on the itchy skin and left on for 20-30 minutes. Aloe vera contains anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It also has plenty of vitamin E that is useful in the treatment of burns and helps to reduce inflammation and itching. Fresh aloe vera is ideal! If you have a whole aloe plant, take a piece, cut it open, and then apply the gel over the itchy skin. Leave it to soak into your skin and soothe it. Otherwise, you can purchase aloe vera gel from any pharmacy or drug store. Look for 100% all-natural aloe vera gel. Research suggests that bathing with water that is mixed with mint leaves and peppermint oil is beneficial for itchy skin. Mint contains anti-inflammatory and anesthetic agents that help to reduce and stop itching on the skin. Mint leaves that have been brewed in hot water are even more potent because the steeping helps release the mint oil in the leaves. Make sure to cool the water before you apply the steeped solution to the skin with a cloth. You could also use peppermint tea if you don't have fresh mint leaves. You can also dilute 2-3 drops of peppermint oil in 1tsp (4.9mL) of coconut or olive oil and apply it directly to itchy skin with a clean cotton pad.

SUMMARY: Take a cold shower or bath. Make a cold compress. Soak the area in a bicarbonate solution. Take an oatmeal bath or make an oatmeal paste. Use aloe vera on the area. Use fresh mint.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If you'll be calling Hawaii often from an international number, your phone provider might be able to add an international plan to your bill. Be sure to ask about additional fees and the number of minutes per month, in addition to the cost of the plan itself. If you're making a lot of calls, this can be a logical and very inexpensive option. Sometimes, the company can apply discounts, so ask the provider if they're able to give you a deal for being a loyal customer. International calling cards are a cheaper way to make calls from other countries to the United States, and you can find them at most grocery stores. Make sure you get a card with the correct amount of minutes, a low maintenance fee, and an expiration date that will give you enough time to use your minutes. To use the card, dial the access number on the back of the card, type in the PIN that is printed on the card, and then type in the phone number of the person you are calling. For some cards, the PIN will be printed on the receipt for your purchase instead of the card in order to prevent theft. Be sure to keep track of your minutes when using your card. Write down the duration of your calls on a notepad so you know how much time you have left on the card. Companies like Skype, Viber, WeChat, and WhatsApp all provide Voice over Internet Protocol services, which allow you to place calls to other users and phone numbers for a small fee. Some services charge a flat rate for all calls, and some are free for calls to other VoIP users. In order to make these calls, you have to have strong internet connection in your area. Be aware that while the calls may be free or low-cost, your internet or phone company can charge you for data usage. Apps like Facebook Messenger, Kik, and WhatsApp, and WeChat also allow for phone calls over WiFi via your smartphone to other users of the app. Simply download the app on your phone, create an account, and place voice and video calls all over the world for free or a very small fee. Again, although these services are free, be aware that your phone or internet provider can charge you for data usage if you go over your allotted amount per month.

SUMMARY:
Contact your phone provider to update your plan. Purchase an international calling card to pre-pay for minutes. Use a VoIP service to place your call. Download a messenger app to chat.