Causes of Skin Itching: Understanding the Reasons Behind Itchy Skin
3 min read
APRIL 09 2024 - BY THE ONESKIN TEAM
SKIN SCIENCE
Causes of Skin Itching: Understanding the Reasons Behind Itchy Skin
3 min read
APRIL 09 2024 - BY THE ONESKIN TEAM
SKIN SCIENCE
01
What Causes Itchy Skin?
Itchy skin may seem harmless, but when it comes to an itch that just won’t stop, there could be something more serious at play. Our instinctual response to an annoying itch - to scratch- can even be damaging in and of itself. Especially if you’re constantly scratching, you become more susceptible to everything from small microtears that damage the skin barrier to open wounds that put you at high risk for infection and permanent damage. What causes your skin to itch? Itching, known medically as pruritus, can be triggered by a variety of environmental factors and lifestyle choices. In these cases, minor adjustments to your skin care regimen and habits are best. However, persistent itching can also be caused by more severe physiological and even psychological disorders - in which case you should seek out the advice of your dermatologist or doctor.Let’s jump into discussing some common culprits behind that nagging itch.
01
What Causes Itchy Skin?
Itchy skin may seem harmless, but when it comes to an itch that just won’t stop, there could be something more serious at play. Our instinctual response to an annoying itch - to scratch- can even be damaging in and of itself. Especially if you’re constantly scratching, you become more susceptible to everything from small microtears that damage the skin barrier to open wounds that put you at high risk for infection and permanent damage. What causes your skin to itch? Itching, known medically as pruritus, can be triggered by a variety of environmental factors and lifestyle choices. In these cases, minor adjustments to your skin care regimen and habits are best. However, persistent itching can also be caused by more severe physiological and even psychological disorders - in which case you should seek out the advice of your dermatologist or doctor.Let’s jump into discussing some common culprits behind that nagging itch.
02
Common Causes of Itchy Skin
Dry skin
is one of the most common causes of skin itching. When your skin's moisture levels drop, it's like stripping away its natural shield, leaving it exposed to all sorts of environmental triggers that can set off an itching frenzy. This can result in feelings of tightness, discomfort, and irritation, prompting you to scratch and further exacerbating the problem.1 Therefore, ensuring proper hydration is crucial not only for relieving itching but also for maintaining overall skin health and resilience.
Skin irritants and allergens can also provoke an itch sensation. Whether it's pollen or perhaps an unknown shellfish allergy, histamines (your body’s reaction to allergens) can trigger a chaotic response from your immune system. These reactions occur when the immune system perceives harmless substances as threats, triggering a cascade of symptoms that include itching, redness, and swelling.2 Identifying and avoiding allergens is key to managing allergic itching and promoting skin comfort. Similarly, irritants encompass a range of substances capable of triggering itching upon contact. This includes harsh chemicals, fragrances, and certain fabrics that can irritate the skin. Prolonged exposure to these irritants can exacerbate the problem and worsen skin irritation. It’s important to note that what irritates or causes an allergic reaction is different for everyone, so pay attention to what irritates your skin.
Dermatitis is a group of inflammatory skin conditions, including contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis, that cause redness, itching, and the formation of rashes.3 It can be triggered by allergens, irritants, genetics, or environmental factors. Managing dermatitis often involves heavy moisturization and finding and avoiding triggers. These conditions require proper diagnosis and treatment by a healthcare professional.
02
Common Causes of Itchy Skin
Dry skin
is one of the most common causes of skin itching. When your skin's moisture levels drop, it's like stripping away its natural shield, leaving it exposed to all sorts of environmental triggers that can set off an itching frenzy. This can result in feelings of tightness, discomfort, and irritation, prompting you to scratch and further exacerbating the problem.1 Therefore, ensuring proper hydration is crucial not only for relieving itching but also for maintaining overall skin health and resilience.
Skin irritants and allergens can also provoke an itch sensation. Whether it's pollen or perhaps an unknown shellfish allergy, histamines (your body’s reaction to allergens) can trigger a chaotic response from your immune system. These reactions occur when the immune system perceives harmless substances as threats, triggering a cascade of symptoms that include itching, redness, and swelling.2 Identifying and avoiding allergens is key to managing allergic itching and promoting skin comfort. Similarly, irritants encompass a range of substances capable of triggering itching upon contact. This includes harsh chemicals, fragrances, and certain fabrics that can irritate the skin. Prolonged exposure to these irritants can exacerbate the problem and worsen skin irritation. It’s important to note that what irritates or causes an allergic reaction is different for everyone, so pay attention to what irritates your skin.
Dermatitis is a group of inflammatory skin conditions, including contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis, that cause redness, itching, and the formation of rashes.3 It can be triggered by allergens, irritants, genetics, or environmental factors. Managing dermatitis often involves heavy moisturization and finding and avoiding triggers. These conditions require proper diagnosis and treatment by a healthcare professional.
03
When to See a Doctor for Itching Skin
If itching persists for more than a few days despite home remedies, consult a doctor. Similarly, itching that interferes with daily activities, such as sleeping, working, or socializing, should not be ignored. Persistent itching may be a sign of an underlying medical condition that requires evaluation and treatment. Additionally, any noticeable changes in the skin, such as redness, swelling, rash, or sores, along with itching, should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. These changes may also indicate an underlying skin condition that requires medical attention.
03
When to See a Doctor for Itching Skin
If itching persists for more than a few days despite home remedies, consult a doctor. Similarly, itching that interferes with daily activities, such as sleeping, working, or socializing, should not be ignored. Persistent itching may be a sign of an underlying medical condition that requires evaluation and treatment. Additionally, any noticeable changes in the skin, such as redness, swelling, rash, or sores, along with itching, should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. These changes may also indicate an underlying skin condition that requires medical attention.
04
Prevention Tips for Itchy Skin
Looking for tips on how to help itchy skin? Hydration is key when it comes to preventing dryness and the dreaded itchiness that comes with it. Moisturize regularly and opt for gentle moisturizers – hypoallergenic and fragrance-free skin care options are best, especially if you have sensitive skin.Everyone’s skin is a little different, so be aware of what might be causing you irritation and say no to harsh chemicals and fragrances that can wreak havoc on your skin's delicate balance. With OneSkin, you can trust that every ingredient is carefully chosen to nourish and protect your skin, without any unnecessary irritants. In fact, all of OneSkin’s topical skin care products, including OS-01 FACE, OS-01 EYE, OS-01 SHIELD, and OS-01 BODY, are tested by SkinSAFE, a partnership with Mayo Clinic, to help people with sensitive skin find best-in-class products with breakthrough, AI-powered science, and patch testing data.It may feel satisfying in the moment, but scratching that itch is like adding fuel to the fire. Persistent scratching can damage the skin's protective barrier
, leading to increased vulnerability to infections and other skin problems.4 Instead of risking damage to your skin by scratching, try soothing techniques like gentle patting or applying a cool compress to calm the itch without any of the fallout.
Stress isn't just a mental burden – stress can affect your skin too. When you're stressed, your body releases hormones like cortisol, which can trigger inflammation and make itching worse. That's why it's crucial to find ways to manage stress effectively. Whether it's through mindfulness practices like deep breathing or meditation, regular exercise, or simply spending time doing activities you enjoy, taking proactive steps to reduce stress can make a world of difference for your skin. So, prioritize self-care and stress management techniques to keep your skin calm, happy, and itch-free. 04
Prevention Tips for Itchy Skin
Looking for tips on how to help itchy skin? Hydration is key when it comes to preventing dryness and the dreaded itchiness that comes with it. Moisturize regularly and opt for gentle moisturizers – hypoallergenic and fragrance-free skin care options are best, especially if you have sensitive skin.Everyone’s skin is a little different, so be aware of what might be causing you irritation and say no to harsh chemicals and fragrances that can wreak havoc on your skin's delicate balance. With OneSkin, you can trust that every ingredient is carefully chosen to nourish and protect your skin, without any unnecessary irritants. In fact, all of OneSkin’s topical skin care products, including OS-01 FACE, OS-01 EYE, OS-01 SHIELD, and OS-01 BODY, are tested by SkinSAFE, a partnership with Mayo Clinic, to help people with sensitive skin find best-in-class products with breakthrough, AI-powered science, and patch testing data.It may feel satisfying in the moment, but scratching that itch is like adding fuel to the fire. Persistent scratching can damage the skin's protective barrier
, leading to increased vulnerability to infections and other skin problems.4 Instead of risking damage to your skin by scratching, try soothing techniques like gentle patting or applying a cool compress to calm the itch without any of the fallout.
Stress isn't just a mental burden – stress can affect your skin too. When you're stressed, your body releases hormones like cortisol, which can trigger inflammation and make itching worse. That's why it's crucial to find ways to manage stress effectively. Whether it's through mindfulness practices like deep breathing or meditation, regular exercise, or simply spending time doing activities you enjoy, taking proactive steps to reduce stress can make a world of difference for your skin. So, prioritize self-care and stress management techniques to keep your skin calm, happy, and itch-free. Key Takeaways:
- Dry skin is a prevalent cause of itchy skin, as decreased moisture levels leave the skin vulnerable to environmental triggers. Prioritize regular hydration!
- Allergies can provoke itching through allergic reactions triggered by the immune system's response to perceived threats, and skin irritants such as harsh chemicals and fragrances can exacerbate itching and skin irritation upon contact.
- Dermatitis, including contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis, are inflammatory skin conditions that often cause itching and require professional diagnosis and treatment.
- To prevent itchy skin, avoid harsh chemicals and fragrances that can disrupt your skin's balance.
- Refrain from scratching to prevent damage to the skin's protective barrier, and manage stress effectively through mindfulness practices and self-care to maintain calm, itch-free skin.
- When itching becomes severe enough to hinder daily activities and won’t go away with at-home treatments, see a dermatologist.
Key Takeaways:
- Dry skin is a prevalent cause of itchy skin, as decreased moisture levels leave the skin vulnerable to environmental triggers. Prioritize regular hydration!
- Allergies can provoke itching through allergic reactions triggered by the immune system's response to perceived threats, and skin irritants such as harsh chemicals and fragrances can exacerbate itching and skin irritation upon contact.
- Dermatitis, including contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis, are inflammatory skin conditions that often cause itching and require professional diagnosis and treatment.
- To prevent itchy skin, avoid harsh chemicals and fragrances that can disrupt your skin's balance.
- Refrain from scratching to prevent damage to the skin's protective barrier, and manage stress effectively through mindfulness practices and self-care to maintain calm, itch-free skin.
- When itching becomes severe enough to hinder daily activities and won’t go away with at-home treatments, see a dermatologist.
References
References
Reviewed by Alessandra Zonari, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and Co-Founder of OneSkin
Alessandra earned her Master’s degree in stem cell biology, and her PhD in skin regeneration and tissue engineering at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil in collaboration with the 3B’s Research Group in Portugal. Alessandra did a second post-doctoral at the University of Coimbra in Portugal. She is a co-inventor of three patents and has published 20 peer-reviewed papers in scientific journals.
Reviewed by Alessandra Zonari, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and Co-Founder of OneSkin
Alessandra earned her Master’s degree in stem cell biology, and her PhD in skin regeneration and tissue engineering at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil in collaboration with the 3B’s Research Group in Portugal. Alessandra did a second post-doctoral at the University of Coimbra in Portugal. She is a co-inventor of three patents and has published 20 peer-reviewed papers in scientific journals.
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