Itch occurs when nerve cells in the outermost layer of the skin react and send nerve impulses to the brain. Something in the skin triggers a sensation of itch in the brain. There can be various reasons for itch, such as insect bites, chemicals, scabies, hives, or skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. However, the most common cause of itch is dry and irritated skin.
Dry skin is more prone to itch than healthy skin. Healthy, well-moisturized skin is soft and supple, whereas dry skin develops small cracks that weaken the skin barrier. The skin's role is to act as a nearly waterproof barrier between the moist interior of the body and the dry surroundings. In cases of dry skin, the skin barrier becomes more vulnerable than usual.
Additionally, dry skin can make you react to substances that your skin would not normally react to, such as makeup, cosmetics, wind, weather changes, water, and wool. The best preventive measure you can take is to avoid skin dehydration. Therefore, use a moisturizer for dry skin. Moisturizers that promote a healthy skin barrier prevent water loss from the skin, thus reducing dryness.
One cause of dryness and itch may be excessive washing. Itch after a shower can be due to using very hot water, as hot water can further dry out the skin. If you wash your hands frequently, you may also wash away the natural oils on the skin's surface. Simply put, you can wash yourself so much that you become dry. Therefore, consider how much you wash and the temperature of the shower water.
In addition, the skin changes with age. In the elderly, the sebaceous glands function poorly, and at some point, your skin may not tolerate as much as it used to. Itch due to dry skin is therefore most common among the elderly.
Certain types of fungi thrive in the skin. The most common is athlete's foot, which can cause itch between the toes. Some individuals may experience intense itch due to athlete's foot.
Fungal infections in the groin area can also cause intense itch in the skin. Children can get fungal infections on the abdomen, back, and scalp. Therefore, itch in the scalp can be caused by a fungal infection. The fungus triggers inflammation in the skin, and this inflammation can resemble an outbreak of eczema or psoriasis.
Hives occur due to the activation of mast cells, which are part of our immune system. The area of the skin affected by hives develops a rash. The rash associated with hives causes the skin to become raised and itchy. It lasts for a few hours before disappearing, but the rash can reappear. Medications, autoimmune diseases, and allergies can trigger the symptoms, but unfortunately, the cause of hives is often difficult to identify. Some people experience hives frequently, while others only have them periodically. Hives are also known as urticaria.
Insects release chemicals into the skinwhen they bite.. The chemicals from the insects can cause itchYou can also experience itch when insects crawl on the skin. Examples of insects that cause itch are deer flies, mosquitoes, bird lice, and bed bugs.
Scabies has become more common in recent years. Scabies causes intense itch and is highly bothersome. Itchin the skin, especially in the evening, is not uncommon, and the itch often disrupts sleep. Scabies is transmitted through skin contact. It can take several weeks from the time of infection until itch begins. Within that time, you may have infected others, making it difficult to stop outbreaks. When itch starts, the source of infection may be far away.
Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes into contact with substances to which it reacts. These substances can include chemicals in cosmetics, plant materials, oils, dyes in hair color, henna, nickel in jewelry, buttons, and belt buckles that come into contact with the skin. It may take a few days after exposure before you experience itch. Typically, you will itch where you have had contact with the triggering substance.
Pregnancy-related itch can have several causes. If you are pregnant and experiencing severe itch, especially in the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet, it should be further evaluated by your doctor.
Eczema and psoriasis are skin conditions characterized by red and flaky skin. The itch can be very bothersome and intense. There are several types of eczema, and a dermatologist can help with the treatment of all forms of eczema. Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema in children. Psoriasis is a skin condition that typically occurs in adolescents or young adults.
It is worth noting that some diseases can have itch as a symptom. In rare cases, itch can be caused by conditions such as liver or kidney disease. Medications can also trigger itch as a side effect. Examples of medications that can cause itch are antibiotics, morphine, and anti-epileptic drugs.
