What should I do if my skin itches after touching Chinese yam?

When yam (Huai Shan) causes skin itching upon contact, the following measures can be taken to relieve the symptoms: 1. **Washing**: Immediately rinse the affected skin area with clean water to remove the sticky mucus and irritants from the yam. You may also use mild saline solution or diluted vinegar, which can help neutralize the alkaline substances in the yam's mucus. 2. **Applying heat locally**: If itching persists, soak the affected area in warm water or gently expose it to mild heat (such as from a low flame). Heat helps break down and evaporate the saponins and alkaloids in the yam that cause itching. 3. **Using medication**: For severe itching, apply topical anti-itch creams such as hydrocortisone butyrate cream or calamine lotion under medical guidance. Additionally, oral antihistamines such as loratadine or levocetirizine hydrochloride may also be taken to reduce allergic reactions.