Itchy Skin Causes & Tips

Discover what causes itchy skin and the best itchy skin treatments

Help for Itchy Skin: Causes, Treatments & Tips

Itchy skin can be unpleasant and irritating to deal with, however, if you’re worried about your itchy skin you will be glad to hear that it is not usually a sign of anything serious.

So… what causes itchy skin? There are many reasons why you may be experiencing itchy skin, the best way to decipher what the causes are; is to categorise it. This can be done by the area that is itchy or whether there are additional symptoms such as itchy skin with or without a rash.

Is your skin itching on your face, your body or all over?

The Body

One of the most common itchy skin causes is dry skin, seasonal allergies or when your skin has been in contact with something irritant. Other itchy skin causes for the body may be related to bug bites such as mosquitos, spiders or other insects, these bites are so small it is common not to see them but experience the itching. Bug bites like this are usually nothing to be worried about, however, if the itching persists, we recommend you see a doctor for further examination.

The Face

Itchy skin on the face is most common in the winter, this being due to the cold dry air which can lead to dry irritated skin on the face. Seasonal allergies or environmental allergies can cause itchy skin all over, specifically an itching on the face. Other causes for itchy skin on the face are food/medication allergies as well as rosacea which is a skin condition that causes itching and tingling on the cheeks.

All over

This is commonly linked to skin conditions such as eczema, xerosis, scabies or burns. In most cases it is important to note that this is nothing to be worried about, however, if the itching is long-lasting, it may be worth getting checked as itching all over might be linked to underlying illnesses such as liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid problems, anaemia, and lymphoma.

Itchy skin but no rash?

The most common cause of itchy skin with no rash is again dry skin. This dry skin is usually the result of environmental factors, if you have been in the sun too long, cold winter conditions, dry conditions or even skin being overexposed to water. Dry skin is also common to worsen as a person gets older as the skin ages as our skin loses some of its natural oils over time.

Itchy skin at night?

The technical term used for itchy skin at night is nocturnal pruritus which can be very uncomfortable to deal with so much so that you can have sleepless nights over it. Causes for itchy skin at night can be segmented into:

- Natural causes

- Medical causes

Natural itchy skin causes for the night are usually related to circadian rhythm; this is the internal 24-hour cycle the body goes through in response to its environment. This can lead to itchy skin at night as both blood flow and body temperature increase in the evening, this rise in skin temperature can make your skin feel itchy. Following circadian rhythm, your body also releases certain substances throughout the day, this also varies by time of day. During the night your body releases more cytokines, which can increase inflammation as well as a reduction in the production of hormones such as corticosteroids which reduce inflammation.

Several medical conditions lead to itchy skin at night, however, it is important to remember to see your GP before you decide this is the cause and try to treat it. The medical conditions include; Skin diseases (such as eczema), bugs (scabies, lice or bedbugs), kidney disease or liver disease, anaemia, thyroid problems, leukaemia or lymphoma or even nerve disorder.

Your mind can in fact be one of the many itchy skin causes. The feeling of itchy skin at night can intensify, this is because during the day you keep yourself busier so you are more distracted from the sensation whereas at night your mind can fixate on the itchy feeling making it seem worse than it is.

Itchy Skin Treatment

There are various itchy skin treatments out there, most of which can be done at home. For an instant itchy skin remedy, we recommend you apply a cool wet compress to the itchy area. A hand towel with cold water for 5 to 10 minutes can be very effective as a remedy for itchy skin all over.

For other remedies for itchy skin, especially itchy skin caused by dryness, your first point of action must be to moisturise your skin. We recommend you use a long-lasting moisturiser or lotion that offers intensive care, we recommend NIVEA Rich Nourishing Body Lotion.

If your skin is itchy and dry due to over-exposure to the sun then we recommend you apply an after-sun moisturiser with aloe vera such as our Moisturising After Sun Lotion. This will provide instant relief and moisturise skin for up to 48 hours.

If you have sensitive skin then we recommend you use a moisturiser or day cream that is perfume free such as our Soothing 24H Moisture Day Cream, as well as offering moisture to your skin this day cream is SPF 15 and supports your skin’s natural resistance against irritations.

How to stop itchy skin from occurring

For how to stop itchy skin from occurring there are precautions you can take, these can be precautions in the products you are using, the environment you expose your skin to and even the clothing you wear.

For the environment you expose your skin to, you should avoid extreme temperature changes, the optimal conditions to avoid itching skin are a neutrally humid environment. If you are prone to dry skin and eczema, then a humidifier during winter is recommended.

The clothes you wear can help to stop itching, we advise you to wear loose-fitting, cotton clothes as well as avoid fabrics such as wool and synthetic materials. These can irritate the skin further and lead to intense itching, especially for those with sensitive skin.

NIVEA Repair & Care Fragrance-Free Body Lotion

NIVEA Repair & Care Fragrance-Free Body Lotion is a gentle and effective solution designed specifically for very dry and sensitive skin, including those prone to eczema. Enriched with Deep Hydration Serum, this lotion provides intense hydration and locks in moisture for long-lasting relief and visibly smoother skin.

Its fragrance-free formula helps soothe and relieve discomfort associated with eczema-prone skin, making it a ideal choice if you're looking for a calming and nourishing skincare experience.

In Conclusion

The bottom line for itchy skin is that this is something you shouldn’t be too worried about as in most cases the cause of itchy skin is rather routine and doesn’t possess any real harm or risk. If you find that the itching persists for an extended period, then it is best to see a medical professional in person for a closer examination.

If you want to avoid future issues with itchy skin, you should monitor the conditions you are exposing your skin to as well as the products you are applying to your skin. As mentioned, the most common cause of itchy skin stems from dry skin - to avoid this, explore our range of body lotions and select the right one for you.

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