Why Is Your Skin Itchy?
Itchy
skin could be incredibly annoying, frustrating and uncomfortable, particularly
when you are a notorious scratcher. The itchiness could be a common case of dry skin or a symptom of a skin
condition such as a rash or hives due to an allergic reaction.
In
some instances, however, the cause could be more serious, as health conditions
as varied as HIV, hepatitis and kidney failure could all cause itchiness. An
itchy mole could even indicate skin cancer.
The
Most Common Causes of Itchy Skin
In
general, the root cause of itchy skin could be one of the following skin
conditions:
- Dry
Skin – While you
might think that the most obvious sign of dry skin is seeing flaky and
rough patches, the first warning sign of dry skin is itchiness. You will
not see rashes or raised bumps anywhere, but you will definitely feel that
your skin is dry to touch and tight due to water loss.
- Eczema – Itchy patches or spots might be
due to dermatitis or eczema, which is an umbrella term for
skin inflammation.
- Fungal
Infections –
These include ringworm, jock itch, athlete’s foot and others that usually
come with more serious symptoms, including scaling and redness.
Getting
the Right Diagnosis for Early and Proper Treatment
Although
treatment for most skin conditions is basically the same, beginning with
avoiding triggers that cause reactions, it is very crucial to see an allergist
or dermatologist who can figure out what is really causing your itchy skin. But
regardless of your final diagnosis, giving your skin TLC is the first step to
relief. Try:
- Avoiding harsh cleansers and
soaps, as well as hot water, to prevent the protective oils of your skin
from being stripped away.
- Applying a rich moisturizer and
using a facial mask after shower or bath when your skin is still damp to
trap moisture in. Consider Kedma Skincare's Exfoliating Facial Mask,
which contains Dead Sea minerals and a blend of plant extracts for
soothing and nourishing your skin.
- Wearing loose and light clothing
to avoid sweating and heat buildup on the skin.
Sometimes,
More Treatment Is Needed
For
most dermatitis cases, relief from itchy skin will require the application of
topical corticosteroids or immunomodulators. Some people might even need to
take an oral antihistamine to stop the histamine from reacting and aggravating
the itchiness, while some people who develop itchy skin to poison ivy, for
instance, might only need calamine lotion and an oatmeal bath.
Others
who suffer from fungal infections will need antifungal medications to ease
their symptoms. It is also vital to note that some individuals with dermatitis
also have other recurring or chronic allergies such as food allergies, hay
fever or asthma, so they will require a doctor to help manage their symptoms.
Essentially,
to get much-needed relief from itchy skin, you need to avoid any ingredients,
objects or substances that cause it. Once you are aware of what is triggering
the itchiness, you have an increased chance of avoiding it in the first place.