Itching of the skin can be caused by many external factors, but also by certain internal processes and diseases. If you experience this unpleasant problem often and for no apparent reason, perhaps you should consult a doctor. See what are the most common causes of skin itching, how to treat them and what to look for during everyday activities to prevent this type of problem.
What is itching of the skin?
Itchy skin(itching of the skin) is a condition in which inflammation and irritation of the skin occurs. This leads to the formation of thickening and redness on the affected area. If left untreated, the condition can lead to more serious dermatological problems.
Itching of the skin after bathing or showering
After bathing or showering, especially after using soap or shampoo, there may be an itching sensation. You may also notice that the skin is tight and dry. Too high a water temperature can damage the protective barrier of the skin and cause irritation, redness and swelling. More precisely, itching is caused by the reaction of the skin to the evaporation of water and the lack of oil (sebum) on the surface of the skin. The lack of oil makes it difficult to retain moisture, which can cause dryness and itching. Additionally, soaps and shampoos contain chemicals that can irritate the skin. They also remove natural oils from the skin, making it more susceptible to dryness and irritation. Therefore, if you feel discomfort, try to limit the amount of cosmetics used for care and take care of the right water temperature.
Itching of the skin intensifying at night
Itching of the skin, which intensifies at night, is an ailment that can be difficult to diagnose and self-treat. It can be an allergic reaction to something in the environment or an infection. In this case, you should go to the doctor for a proper diagnosis and start treatment. The reason may also be, for example, asthma or hay fever. If the symptoms worsen only at a given time of the year, e.g. during spring – this may be due to an allergy to individual pollen.
Itching of the skin in pregnancy
Itching of the skin during pregnancy can be caused by many factors: hormonal fluctuations, expansion of the skin (on the abdomen, breasts and thighs) and contact with certain fabrics. Most often, itching is harmless, but it can be a symptom of a more serious condition called gestational cholestasis. Gestational cholestasis is characterized by increased secretion of bile acids, which can cause itching and other symptoms such as nausea and jaundice.
Itching of the skin in the winter period
In some people, itching of the skin intensifies in winter due to dry air and low temperatures. Skin irritation can be caused by many factors. It is usually observed that the symptoms occur most often on exposed parts of the body, such as the face and hands, which are exposed to cold winter air or hot water, which we use much more often in winter. In addition, what we wear (clothing) contributes to this phenomenon; tight clothes made of rough materials can aggravate itching.
Itching of the scalp
It can be caused by irritation caused by substances contained in shampoos, but also by some skin diseases, e.g. seborrheic dermatitis. Symptoms include peeling of the epidermis, rapid oiliness of the hair and dandruff. In order to treat this ailment, you should consult a doctor, since the use of another shampoo alone may not help and drug treatment will be necessary.
Itching of the skin and photosensitivity
The itching that intensifies when exposed to sunlight can be caused by a condition called photosensitivity. This type of itching usually occurs in places exposed to sunlight (e.g. face). Photoallergic reactions are triggered by contact with certain chemicals (e.g. topical drugs) or ultraviolet radiation from the sun’s rays (sunburn). They usually disappear after stopping the use of a harmful agent or avoiding direct sunlight.
Itching of the skin – causes
Causes of itchy skin include:
- External irritants, e.g. insect bites and stings, chemicals, weather conditions, use of too hot water, etc.
- Internal diseases and dermatitis
- Allergies – food allergies (e.g. to peanuts), environmental allergies (e.g. to plant pollen)
What diseases are manifested by itching of the skin?
Examples of diseases and conditions that can cause itching of the skin (itching):
- Scabies
- Enterovirus infection
- Hypothyroidism
- Hepatic
- Impetigo infectious
- Renal
- Varicose veins
- Diabetes
- Neurosis
- Cancer or haematological disease
- Diseases of the hematopoietic system
- Atopic dermatitis
- Psoriasis
- Dandruff and ringworm of the skin
- Rosacea
- Seborrheic dermatitis
How to relieve itching of the skin of the face?
Use moisturizer
Moisturizing creams are ideal for dry and sensitive skin because they contain ingredients such as glycerin, which helps retain moisture, and ceramides, which help repair damaged skin cells. Look for products containing hyaluronic acid or vitamin E and use them after washing your face with warm water. If your moisturizer contains fragrances or oils, wait for the product to penetrate the skin before applying other cosmetics to it.
Apply antipruritic cream or gel
Many over-the-counter antipruritic creams and gels contain ingredients such as aloe vera or witch hazel gel, which help relieve inflammation of the skin. You can also try using a calamin balm, which contains zinc oxide and pramoxin hydrochloride, which reduce inflammation and irritation. An excellent solution is also the use of dietary supplements that provide essential nutrients and support the skin care process in a comprehensive way. For this purpose, we can use supplements such as:
- Derminax
- Re:Nev Skin
- Premium Collagen 5000
- Collagen Select
Itching of the skin – treatment
The most important thing during the treatment of skin itching that we must do at the very beginning is to diagnose the problem. We need to know its source in order to correctly choose the methods of treatment. In other words, we must start by removing the cause. If the problem is caused by cosmetics that we use for everyday hygiene, it is obvious that it should be changed, but that’s not all. It is also important to stock up on cosmetics that will help to properly moisturize the skin and dietary supplements that will provide the necessary nutrients.
If the itching is caused by allergic reactions, then we must remove the sensitizing substance from our environment as soon as possible, because there is a risk of aggravating the problem. If we can not clearly determine what is the cause of allergy – then symptomatic treatment should be used with appropriate allergy drugs, which should be prescribed by a doctor after prior consultation. It is also worth using various types of calming herbs, because stress can have a very adverse effect on the condition of our skin. If, after performing the above actions, the problem persists, it will be necessary to visit a doctor – dermatologist to determine the specific cause and implement specialized treatment.
