Skin itching: Understanding the causes and relieving irritation
Marie ARNOULT
10 min
Summary
Itchy skin, irritation, tingling sensations : skin itching, known by its pretty scientific name of “ pruritus ”, is a particularly uncomfortable skin reaction with multiple causes.
Who hasn't already faced this persistent discomfort leading to incessant scratching and social embarrassment? Whether due to dryness, allergic reactions or more serious conditions, itchy skin makes life difficult for those affected.
Fortunately, natural solutions and certain habits can help to alleviate their symptoms.
How can you combat these unpleasant skin conditions? That's the subject of this article. A little tip: breathe deeply while reading, despite the repeated use of the word "scratch"...
The good news? You'll know exactly which natural solutions and good habits to adopt depending on the cause! 😀
What are the main causes of itchy skin?
Skin itching can have various origins, whether related to a dermatological, environmental, or even internal condition. Identifying the cause is obviously the first step before tackling the problem .
Dermatological causes
Skin conditions are the first thing that comes to mind when someone feels the urge to scratch. But be aware that every itch can mask a very specific dermatological condition, which is important to identify correctly in order to treat it appropriately.
Eczema or atopic dermatitis
This infernal duo is the cause of many chronic itching conditions . Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, manifests as redness, dry patches, and intense skin irritation, not limited to the face!
These skin conditions mainly affect infants and young children, but adults are not immune. They can occur at any age and may be associated with allergic reactions (contact urticaria, allergic rhinitis, asthma, etc.).
What makes these skin reactions so debilitating? The more you scratch, the worse the situation becomes! Eczema and atopic dermatitis require constant skin hydration ( both internally and externally), and may even require corticosteroid treatments to calm the inflammation.
Psoriasis
Here, a veritable inflammatory battle is being waged within the skin. Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by the appearance of red plaques covered with silvery scales. Elbows, knees, and the scalp are often the preferred sites for this condition.
Unlike eczema, scratching psoriatic plaques can cause bleeding, and again, this only makes things worse.
Some scientific studies, including those from psychiatric literature, suggest a correlation between cognitive and emotional state and the onset of psoriasis , particularly in cases of emotional repression. The mind and skin are interconnected , and it's not uncommon to observe that emotional stress is associated with skin reactions!
👉 Managing psoriasis involves topical treatments, emollient creams, and even more intensive treatments based on immunosuppressants and/or psychosomatic sessions to explore the cause!
Urticaria
Have you ever experienced sudden itching accompanied by small red bumps after eating seafood, touching a plant, or applying a new cosmetic product?
Hives are often caused by an allergic reaction, whether to food, medications, an insect bite, or contact with allergens.
Fortunately, these itches are usually temporary , but they can be particularly bothersome, especially when they occur chronically.
👉 In this case, antihistamines are often necessary to calm the allergic reaction.
Environmental and allergic causes
If your skin reacts like a barometer to environmental changes, you are far from alone! External elements, from pollen to animal hair, can be real enemies for the skin, and be the cause of the dreaded itching.
Allergens
Pollen, dust mites, household products, perfumes… The list of substances that can cause itching is long, and some of us are particularly sensitive to them. Hypersensitive skin reacts immediately to these allergens by becoming covered in red, irritated patches.
Did you know? Dust mites alone are responsible for 70% of allergic reactions in France . These tiny insects are present by the millions in our living spaces. A single gram of dust can contain between 2,000 and 10,000 of them. Charming!
👉 If you notice this type of reaction repeatedly without being able to identify the culprit, it would be helpful to consult an allergist to identify the substances that trigger your itching and avoid any future contact!
Air conditioning, extreme heat and cold
The immediate environment is also a determining factor. The dry air from air conditioning, the sticky humidity of summer days, or the cold wind in winter are not good for the skin's balance.
These extreme variations in temperature and climate tend to make the skin dry, causing itching often accompanied by redness .
👉 The solution? Maintain a good external water intake to counteract the drying effects.
Internal causes of itching
On the internal side, stress and hormonal imbalances can have physical repercussions, including itching@ .
Stress, an enemy of skin balance
Stress-related itching is very real. Whether it's before an important meeting or after a prolonged period of anxiety, a high level of mental or physical stress can exacerbate itching, which can then potentially lead to psychological distress! In this case, the problem isn't on the surface of the skin, but rather emotional. 🧘
Stress management techniques such as meditation or sophrology can be useful in calming these reactions while regulating the nervous system.
Metabolic and hormonal imbalances
Certain conditions such as hyperthyroidism or kidney failure with uremic pruritus in people on dialysis are also known to cause generalized itching .
Toxins accumulated in the body due to metabolic dysfunctions can irritate nerve endings in the skin, causing widespread and persistent itching .
What are the signs associated with itchy skin?
Itching never comes alone! It is often accompanied by a whole series of symptoms that can alert you to the origin of the problem.
Redness and inflammation
One of the first responses of the skin to itching is to turn red and slightly swollen. This natural local skin reaction is evidence of irritation, whether it's due to an allergy, an infection, or simply dryness!
Burning or tingling sensation
Itching is sometimes accompanied by a burning or tingling sensation, indicating that the skin is reacting to an irritant. This type of symptom is often caused by harsh products or hypersensitive skin.
Dry skin
Dry skin is one of the most common causes of itching. When the skin's natural lipid barrier is compromised, it is no longer able to retain moisture, leading to increased irritation!
At the risk of repeating ourselves, regularly moisturizing your skin remains the first step to maintaining this barrier in good condition! ✌️
Plaques, papules and scales
Prolonged itching , especially that caused by dermatological conditions (eczema or psoriasis), can lead to the appearance of patches, small bumps, and scales. If these signs appear, a dermatologist can advise you on the appropriate treatment.
What natural solutions can be adopted in case of itching?
If your first instinct is to reach for a cortisone-based ointment, know that there are also natural solutions to relieve itching !
Ensure regular hydration
The importance of keeping skin well hydrated cannot be overstated! A fragrance-free and alcohol-free moisturizer can work wonders by restoring the skin barrier without the unpleasantness associated with irritating substances.
✔️ Opt for creams made with natural ingredients such as shea butter, aloe vera or sweet almond oil , which deeply nourish the skin without irritating it.
Take warm baths with soothing agents.
Taking a warm bath with colloidal oatmeal, coconut oil, or olive oil can provide immediate relief.
💡How to proceed? If the itching is widespread, a full bath is ideal! Pour a cup of colloidal oatmeal powder (or organic rolled oats if unavailable) into lukewarm, not-too-hot water, and soak for 15 to 20 minutes. You can then moisturize the affected areas with coconut or olive oil.
These natural ingredients are renowned for their soothing and moisturizing properties, thus reducing inflammation and dry skin.
Apply cold compresses
A cold compress applied directly to the itchy areas is a quick and effective way to relieve itching. The coolness helps numb the nerve endings and reduce the urge to scratch! You can add lavender hydrosol, prized for its soothing and skin-regenerating properties.
Choosing the right essential oils
Essential oils, such as chamomile or lavender, can also be excellent aids in calming itching, provided they are tolerated and used in small quantities!
Dilute them in a carrier oil before applying them to the skin, and always perform a preliminary skin test.
☝️ A precaution is necessary : essential oils are contraindicated in children under 3 years of age and pregnant women.
Our tips for preventing daily itching
Prevention is better than intervention in an emergency, isn't it? Here are some simple habits to adopt to limit the occurrence of itching .
Avoid irritating products
Avoid products containing alcohol, sulfates, parabens, and other harsh ingredients that can disrupt the skin barrier.
✅Choose gentle, hypoallergenic and fragrance-free skincare products to limit skin irritations.
Adopting good lifestyle habits
Drinking enough water and eating a diet rich in antioxidants : two essentials for maintaining healthy, hydrated skin from within!
Foods rich in vitamin C (citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables), vitamin E (olive and walnut oil) and essential fatty acids support cell regeneration and protect the skin against external aggressions.
Limit temperature changes
Simple but effective: limit excessively hot showers and protect your skin from extreme weather conditions. Cold weather dries out the skin, while excessive heat can increase sebum production, which can lead to irritation.
Itching can be a source of discomfort; just look at the state a mosquito bite leaves us in! By identifying the causes, it's easier to lessen their impact. Moisturizing, gentle products, and natural remedies will be your allies in relieving these unwelcome irritations!
