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What should you know about itchy skin?

Itchy skin is a very uncomfortable condition that forces you to constantly scratch your skin. Sometimes itchy skin occurs without any visible changes to the skin, other times itching is associated with small pimples on the skin and other symptoms. What are the possible causes of itchy skin and how to solve this problem?

About itchy skin

Did you know that the skin, which is the largest organ of the human body, has an area of 1.5 to 2 m2 and a weight of 7 to 10 kilograms? The moment the skin becomes damaged or irritated, we can feel great discomfort. One of the most common skin problems is itching, which is something we all experience from time to time. The skin can itch anywhere, from the face to the toes.

Itchy skin is defined as a subjective unpleasant condition of skin irritation that makes us scratch the affected area.

 

What are the symptoms of itchy skin?

As we indicated in the introduction, in the case of itchy skin, there may be no visible changes in the affected area, but other symptoms may occur. What are they? The most common are a rash, burning skin, pimples, swelling on the skin, reddened skin, or dry skin that tends to crack.

 

What causes itchy skin?

Why is your skin itchy? The list of possible causes is very long, and they range from the trivial to the serious. One of the most common causes of uncomfortable itchy skin is being bitten or stung by insects, such as mosquitos, or exposed to poisonous plants. In these cases, typical itchy bumps or lumps appear on the skin.

However, itchy skin can also be a symptom of an allergy, mycosis, dry skin, or hives. These conditions usually manifest themselves as itchy red spots on the skin.

Other possible explanations for red, itchy skin are atopic eczema, vitamin deficiencies, especially vitamin A and C, iron deficiency anemia or an excess of red blood cells. Another possible culprit is poorly functioning bile ducts, and itchy skin can also signal a serious kidney problem, or diabetes.  

Where does the skin itch most often?

Itching can occur anywhere on the skin. It can affect only a specific area, such as the face or a leg, but it can also occur all over the body. In some cases, the itching may stop after a while, in others it may be very intense and last for a long time.

If you scratch the itchy area, it usually starts to itch even more after a while. This is why it is recommended never to scratch the itchy skin, also because there is a risk that the area will bleed, and an infection will enter the wound.

 

Itchy skin in the evening

Do you also find that your skin doesn't itch during the day but starts itching in the evening? Itchy skin without a rash that is worse at night is very common and is caused by a decrease in cortisol levels. Cortisol is an adrenal hormone that has anti-inflammatory and anti-itch properties.

 

Itchy skin in pregnancy

Pregnancy can be associated with a variety of symptoms. In addition to nausea, dizziness, or heartburn, itchy skin can also accompany pregnancy.

Itchy skin during pregnancy can again have several causes. For example, itching can be caused by stretching of the skin, dry skin, reaction to perfumes or other substances, or cholestasis, a liver disorder that results in the accumulation of bile acids in the blood.

During the 1st trimester of pregnancy, hormonal changes often cause itchy skin. During the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, itchy skin occurs in the breasts and abdomen, the body parts that undergo the greatest changes during pregnancy.

 

How is itchy skin treated?

What helps with itchy skin? Treatment for itchy skin should always be based on what is causing the problem. For example, if the itch was caused by an insect bite, you should disinfect the area well and then apply an ointment or cream to relieve the itchy skin. If atopic eczema is to blame, you should reach for special creams for eczema, etc.

 

When to see a doctor?

You should see a doctor when you do not know the cause of the itching and you have been experiencing itchy skin without a noticeable rash for a long time. Similarly, you should consult a doctor when the itching is associated with a persistent rash. Your doctor will advise you on the appropriate products to alleviate the problem.