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Itchy skin can be a real pain. An expert explains the common causes of itching and what countermeasures can be taken.
Dry air, some soaps and even some medications can cause itching, but in some cases itchy skin can also be a sign of an underlying condition, explains dermatologist Dr. Shilpi Khetarpal in an article from the Cleveland Clinic (USA):
What causes itching?
Just like sneezing or coughing, the occasional itch is a part of life. But what causes this need to scratch? Usually it's something in our environment, the food we eat, or ingredients or allergens that our skin is sensitive to.
The most common causes of itching are:
Dry skin: This is one of the most common causes of itching. There are many different things you can do to fix this problem. But it all depends on why your skin feels dehydrated in the first place. These include:
Winter air, indoors and out: A drop in temperature and humidity can dry out your skin, while an indoor heater can strip it of even more moisture. Tip: To help your skin recover, use a humidifier at home set to 50 percent or more.
Hot showers: Steamy showers may temporarily soothe your skin, but they dry it out more quickly. Tip: Switch to quick showers with lukewarm water instead of hot.
The wrong soap: Some soaps are harsh and strip your skin of its natural moisture. Tip: Read the labels carefully and choose a mild, fragrance-free soap that moisturizes while cleaning.
Too much towel movement: Vigorous drying after showering can dry out your skin and increase dryness. Tip: Pat yourself dry after showering instead of rubbing.
Some moisturizers: Use a moisturizer after washing, but choose wisely. Avoid lotions with fragrances as they can dry out your skin. Tip: Go for fragrance-free lotions with ceramide.
Harsh detergents: Fragrances in detergents and fabric softeners can irritate dry skin. Tip: Look for clear laundry products.
Allergic reactions: Your itching may also be caused by a change in product that your body doesn't respond well to. Tip: Using over-the-counter antihistamines can help relieve itching and you can apply a cool compress to the affected area.
Sunburn or heat rash: If you have recently spent some time in the sun without protection, a sunburn may start to itch. Tip: Taking a cool bath, applying aloe vera and wearing lighter clothing can help relieve itching symptoms.
Insect bites or stings: We all know the familiar itch of a mosquito bite, but itching can also come from bee or other insect stings. Tip: Try using an ice pack to cool the area and above all: avoid scratching!
Reactions to medications: If you take a new medication that your body is not used to or that it rejects for some reason, it can cause itching or other skin irritations. Tip: It is best to contact your doctor and use a cold compress to relieve the itching.
Eczema: Eczema is a common skin condition and often causes itching in various parts of the body. Tip: Use a thick moisturizer to soothe the affected area, try a warm bath and avoid all triggers.
Hives: Hives can often occur as a result of an allergic reaction to a food or something you have touched. Tip: Wear loose clothing, take antihistamines, and apply a cool compress to soothe the affected area.
Age: If you're over 65, your skin probably has a lot to say. But that also means it's particularly sensitive to itching or irritation. Tip: Use lotions more specifically.
Does the time of day matter?
In some cases, the time of day can also tell you something about your itching. For example, some people suffer from severe itching at night. There can be many reasons for this.
Sometimes it's simply due to the environment or increasingly dry air (for example, if you use a heater in your bedroom in winter). Other times it's due to hormonal changes or a flare-up of a skin condition like eczema.
You may also notice increased itching at certain times of the day due to your bathing habits. Do you shower in the morning or evening? If your itching is triggered by excessive bathing, hot water, or harsh soaps, you may notice more itching after bathing.
If you notice a pattern in the time of day your itching starts, it may give you a clue as to the underlying cause. Be sure to discuss such details with a doctor.
Signs of an underlying disease
Can itchy skin indicate something more serious? In some cases, yes. Underlying medical conditions can sometimes cause itching and other skin-related symptoms. Depending on the condition or cause, these symptoms can appear on different parts of the body – hands, legs or even the genital area.
The itching is considered chronic if it lasts for six weeks or more. “It's a symptom you shouldn't ignore, especially if it persists over a long period of time,” emphasizes Dr. Khetarpal.
In some cases, persistent itching may be a sign of underlying conditions, such as liver disease, iron deficiency anemia or aplastic anemia, thyroid problems, diabetes, kidney disease, or certain types of cancer.
When you should seek medical help
Generally, your itchy skin should improve within a few weeks if you follow simple skin care steps. Sometimes, severe itching may require other types of treatment or environmental and lifestyle changes. “If the skin is very dry, a prescription ointment or cream may be necessary,” says Dr. Khetarpal.
And if you think your itching might be due to a medical problem, see a doctor. Treating the underlying condition will likely relieve the itching. (ad)