Do you have an itch you can’t stop scratching?
Itchy skin (pruritus) can be very annoying. Whether it’s the aftermath of a mosquito bite at a BBQ or an itch with no obvious cause, it’s a sensation that is hard to ignore.
Colton Redding, DO, a family medicine physician with Banner Health, shares some common reasons for feeling itchy and what you can do to find relief.
1. Your skin is dry
Dry skin is one of the most common causes of itching. When your skin doesn’t have enough moisture, it can crack, become rough and feel tight and itchy.
“Living in a dry climate, taking long, hot showers or using harsh soaps can strip your skin of moisture,” Dr. Redding said.
During colder months, dry air can suck all the moisture from your skin. As you age, your skin also naturally produces less oil, making it even drier.
What you can do about it
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
- Use thick, fragrance-free moisturizers and lotions
- Take shorter, lukewarm showers instead of long, hot ones
“Apply moisturizer right after bathing to help seal in moisture and prevent further drying,” Dr. Redding said.
2. Your medications
“Many medications have the potential to cause itching, but some of the most common are antibiotics, opiates and some blood pressure medications,” Dr. Redding said.
Opioids such as morphine and codeine can cause intense itching. Reactions like these could also mean you are allergic or oversensitive to your medication.
What you can do about it
Talk to your health care provider about alternative options or ways to manage the side effects.
3. Allergies
You might be allergic to something in the air, like pollen or dust. Or even something you touch, like a certain detergent or fabric. Some people also have allergic reactions to food or certain ingredients in skincare products.
“When you have an allergy, your body’s immune system goes into overdrive and releases chemicals that can make your skin feel itchy,” Dr. Redding said.
What you can do about it
If you think allergies are causing your itching, try to avoid the things that trigger it. Consider switching to fragrance-free and hypoallergenic products to keep skin irritation at bay.
If you’re unsure about the cause of your allergies, it’s a good idea to see your health care provider, allergist or ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist. “They can help figure out what might be causing the itch with allergy testing and offer medicine and lifestyle changes to reduce your symptoms,” Dr. Redding said.
4. Skin conditions
“Skin conditions like hives, eczema and psoriasis can cause red, scaly and itchy patches on your skin,” Dr. Redding said.
Sometimes, it can be hard to tell why they’re happening. Eczema can flare up because of stress, changes in the weather or even after you’ve used a new product. Psoriasis is a long-term condition caused by an overactive immune system. Hives are raised red bumps that often appear suddenly. They are usually caused by an allergic reaction to something you ate, drank or touched.
What you can do about it
If you think a skin condition is to blame for your itching, see your health care provider or a dermatologist. They can give you a proper diagnosis and suggest treatments to help itching.
Prescription creams and ointments are often helpful in treating eczema and psoriasis. There are also over-the-counter (OTC) remedies like antihistamines that can help with itching.
5. An underlying condition
Itchy skin isn’t always caused by something external. Sometimes, it’s a symptom of an internal condition. Persistent itching without a noticeable rash could be linked to:
- Liver disease: When the liver doesn’t work properly, toxins build up in the body, which can cause itching.
- Kidney disease: Kidney problems can cause a buildup of waste products in the blood, which can lead to itchy skin.
- Thyroid disorders: An underactive or overactive thyroid can affect your skin, leading to dryness and itchiness.
- Anemia: Low iron levels can cause skin to become dry and itchy.
- Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can lead to dry skin and poor circulation, which can cause itching.
- Cancer: Certain cancers, such as lymphoma and leukemia, can cause itching as a symptom.
What you can do about it
If you are constantly itching but can’t find a cause for it, talk to your health care provider. Blood tests can help rule out underlying health conditions.
6. Stress and anxiety
Believe it or not, stress and anxiety can make you itch. When stressed, your body releases chemicals that can cause your skin to react. This might explain why your skin becomes itchy when you’re worried or anxious about something, like a big test or an upcoming event.
Stress and anxiety can also lead to habits like scratching or picking at your skin, which can make things worse. When you are stressed, you might also forget to take care of your skin or use products that could help.
What you can do about it
Taking care of your mental health can help with stress and anxiety-related itching.
“Try to find ways to relax, like taking deep breaths, yoga, meditating or doing something you enjoy,” Dr. Redding said. “Regular exercise is another great way to reduce stress.”
If you find that stress and anxiety are making your itching worse, it may be worth talking to a therapist or counselor to help manage these feelings better.
Bottom line
Itchy skin is annoying, but there are some ways to manage it. If you’re itching a lot and it’s not going away, it’s a good idea to talk to your health care provider or a Banner Health specialist.
Your skin is the largest organ in your body, so it’s important to take good care of it. With the proper treatment, you can start to feel more comfortable in your skin again.
