Why Does Skin Get Itchy?
Dry, itchy skin can be caused by eczema, infections such as jock itch and ringworm, allergies to metals found in some jewelry, strong soaps, lotions or laundry detergents, and hives. Clothing that is made of wool or rough materials can also make you itch, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians, which points out that pruritus (the technical term for itching) is frequently the outcome of dermatologic diseases. There are so many things that can cause us to itch, it seems like a wonder that we're all not scratching around the clock.
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One Type of Rash
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If your body itches all over, this may be the result of contact dermatitis, according to Cancerresourcecenter.com. When contact dermatitis occurs, you have come into contact with something that has terribly irritated your skin and caused a rash to develop, which itches. "Dermatitis" or "eczema" describe the condition of your skin, which may turn red, thicken and become scaly and, of course, itch. If you have contact dermatitis, the best solution is avoid the sun, try not to sweat, don't get too hot and try not to itch, because this will make it worse. Use of antihistamines can help reduce the itching.
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Fungal Infections and Allergies
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Fungal infections such as tinea (athlete's foot), candida, ringworm and vaginal yeast can cause severe itching. Some leotards are made of latex. If you are allergic to latex and wear a leotard made of latex when you exercise, you may itch profusely after a workout. If you have eaten something or taken a medication that you are allergic to, you may break out in urticaria (or hives), which are horribly itchy. Hives manifest in swollen patches of skin.
Other Considerations
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Age can cause itching, according to the Elderly Health Service Department of Health in Hong Kong, because skin gets drier as we get older. Our bodies do not produce as much oil, so our skin does not stay as hydrated and lubricated as it once did. If you are elderly and your itching is persistent, contact your doctor. Peeling skin, severe pain, severe itching and abnormal growths or moles that itch may indicate a more serious condition, such as cancer.
Complications
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Protracted scratching and itching can increase the strength of the itch, according to the Mayo Clinic, which can lead to neurodermatitis (lichen simplex chronicus), a condition where your skin becomes thick and leathery in those particularly itchy areas. Your skin in the affected area can also get darker than the rest of your skin, and can become red and raw. Relentless itching and scratching can also lead to permanent scars and a skin bacterial infection.
Prevention/Solution
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Keep your skin moisturized. Use a moisturizer that is hypoallergenic to prevent further contact dermatitis. Bathing too often and using hot water when you bathe promotes dryness, as well, so take short, lukewarm showers. Consult with your physician if you cannot eliminate the itch on your own.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit "Woman Scratching Her Nose" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: Search Engine People Blog under the Creative Commons Attribution license.
