Skin itch is also referred to as pruritus. There are numerous potential reasons, including eczema, dry skin, bedbugs, fungi, liver disease, and anxiety.
A rash or similar skin ailment may cause itchy skin. It might also be a sign of something more serious, such renal or liver illness.
What is Itchy Skin?
Pruritus, another name for itchy skin, is an irritating skin itch that makes you desire to scratch the region to get rid of the annoying sensation. Everybody experiences itching, which can lead to a rash or other conditions. The most common causes of itching include dry skin, insect bites, skin lesions, internal diseases like liver or renal disease, rashes on the skin, and allergies.Causes
As the barrier that safeguards the interior of the body, skin plays a crucial role. It is packed with unique immune system cells that can defend the body and skin from bacteria, viruses, and other covert dangers.
The skin cells react in a way that leads to the region being inflamed as soon as they detect any kind of suspicious substance. This irritation is referred to by medical professionals as a rash or dermatitis. Itching may result from this.
Immune cells can respond to a disease, an infection that affects the entire body, or something that touches the skin. While some rashes are itchy, unpleasant, and red, others might cause blisters or exposed skin patches.
Many skin conditions have the characteristic of itching in common. The body’s skin may itch everywhere or just in certain places.
Home Remedies
Hydrocortisone
Dr. Khetarpal claims that over-the-counter hydrocortisone can be helpful, but there are restrictions. “The 1% hydrocortisone topical ointments that you can buy. It’s a terrific place to start, especially for sections of the face and neck, but it’s typically insufficient for all body parts. You would typically require a prescription-strength steroid.Cold press
By lessening the itch, a cold press, such as a cold, damp washcloth or an ice pack wrapped in a towel, can benefit dry skin patches or eczema flare-ups. Dr. Khetarpal explains that the cold dulls your nerves. That aids in stopping the cycle of scratching and aggravating itchy skin.Moisturizer
There are a few tips to remember even if using moisturizer may seem basic. Make careful to apply as soon as possible after a shower. “After taking a lukewarm shower, pat yourself dry before applying moisture three to five minutes later. According to Dr. Khetarpal, this helps keep water in your skin trapped.
She continues, “What kind of moisturizer you use is also important.” Ceramide is an over-the-counter chemical that’s frequently marketed for eczema therapy. According to her, it helps rebuild your skin barrier and retain that water in your skin.
Cool off in the shower
Even while you might enjoy taking long, hot showers, especially when it’s cold outside, Dr. Khetarpal suggests modifying your showering routine. “The heat from a very hot shower can do the same,” she explains, “just like the heat running in your house can pull out moisture from your skin.” Try keeping the temperature of your shower at lukewarm.Use a humidifier
Dr. Khetarpal advises using a humidifier at night while you sleep to replenish moisture to your skin during the winter.Avoid Scratching
Even though it may not always be feasible to refrain from scratching when you have itchy skin, persistent scratching can break the skin, which can result in bleeding and infection.
Avoiding scratching when you can will help keep itchy skin from getting worse.
When scratching cannot be completely avoided, however, keeping your nails short and covering the itchier skin spots with fabric will help you prevent further skin damage.
Wear Breathable Clothing
Wearing breathable clothing can help prevent your skin from being overheated or perspiring. This is especially true with clothing made of natural fibres like cotton.
For the gym and during the warmer months, choosing breathable fabrics may be very helpful in preventing itchy or painful skin.
Take OTC Antihistamines
OTC antihistamines including cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can ease itchy skin brought on by eczema.
The non-sedating nature of long-acting antihistamines like loratadine and cetirizine allows for everyday use.
MIMI (Multi ion mask insert)
- Can be worn with any facemask and provides additional heavy-duty protection.
- Adult & Youth Sizes Available
Healthy Skincare Routine
Having healthy skincare habits can help you manage itching symptoms if you have dry, sensitive, or itchy skin.
In actuality, this entails avoiding irritating materials and/or products and keeping your skin hydrated with a mild, fragrance-free moisturizer (particularly after a bath or shower).
Honey-based cream
A relatively small number of research have suggested that honey may be helpful in lowering skin bacteria and relieving itchy skin disorders.
There are creams that contain honey that can be used instead of regular honey because it is too sticky to apply to wide parts of the body.
You should be aware, however, that additional studies are required to confirm the advantages of honey for itchy skin disorders.
Take Oatmeal Baths
To alleviate dry, itchy skin, you can take a lukewarm bath with colloidal oatmeal added to it.Use Coconut Oil
Although only in lab testing and not in human trials, coconut oil contains natural antimicrobial and antibacterial capabilities that have been demonstrated to destroy bacteria that causes the development of inflammatory acne.
Virgin coconut oil, also known as atopic dermatitis, may ease itchy skin in persons with moderate eczema, according to additional studies.
However, some persons might be allergic to or irritated by coconut oil.
Ask your doctor for advice if you’re unclear whether or not to use coconut oil to treat your itchy skin, and always perform a patch test on a small area of skin before using it all over your body.
