Scratching an itch brings a unique sense of relief, but what happens when your itching just won’t stop? Chronically itchy skin is usually a symptoms of a larger problem that needs to be addressed. If your skin has become red and raw from itching, try to narrow down the cause so you can finally seek relief.
Treat Dry Skin
Dry skin is one of the most common causes of itchy skin, especially as winter approaches. Dry air especially the forced heat in your home, will dry out your skin quickly. Be proactive by preventing dry skin with the following tips:
Use moisturizer every time you bathe or wash your hands
Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
Run a humidifier
Don’t use scalding hot water
Choose mild soaps
Look For a Rash
Fungal and bacterial infections can transform regular itchy skin into a rash. Rashes take on many different appearances, but they are most commonly red and bumpy. Look closely at your skin, especially after you itch it, to look for signs of a rash. You could have eczema, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, allergy hives, or a reaction to a medication.
Check the Clock
Your skin might only itch at night. This condition is known as nocturnal pruritus, and some people experience it with such intensity that they can’t sleep. Nocturnal pruritus has a few potential causes. It could just be part of your body’s natural cycle to start feeling itchy after the sun sets. The body’s daily rhythms influence skin functions like temperature regulation, barrier protection, and hydration, all of which can lead to itchiness.
However, nocturnal pruritus could also be a result of a health condition that becomes more noticeable at night. Bugs like scabies or pinworms, skin diseases like eczema, and iron deficiency anemia are all possibilities.
Visit an Allergist
All the Googling in the world can’t replace the expert opinion of a professional allergist. As a specialist in adult and pediatric allergies and immunology, Dr. Kratz of Kratz Allergy & Asthma can evaluate your symptoms, run specific tests, and determine the exact causes of your itchy skin. Call (813) 670-7062 to make an appointment at Kratz Allergy & Asthma in Odessa or Port Richey, Florida. Stop the guesswork – you can finally restore comfort to your skin.
