Skin itching all over the body: what are the causes and how to get rid of discomfort?

Skin itching is one of the most intrusive and unpleasant sensations for a person. Even the very phrase “skin itches” gets on your nerves. To understand how to get rid of itching of the skin of the whole body, we will understand its causes.

What you need to know about itchy skin?

It would seem that the skin itches is a trifle, but how much anxiety! In the past, itching was considered a form of pain. Subsequently, they came to the conclusion that this is not entirely true, but they recognized its connection with the nervous system – after all, the signal that you need to scratch / rub / stroke this or that area of ​​the skin comes from the brain.

Let’s take a pleasant example: a butterfly has landed on the hand. The skin sends information through the nerve endings (it tickled) to the brain, and a signal is immediately formed (look and, if anything, shake it off; check if everything is in order).

Tickling, light touch also cause itching of the skin of the body. Sometimes it’s very nice.

However, back to skin itching. Its reasons are, firstly, not so pleasant, and secondly, not so obvious. In any case, this sensation causes a scratching reflex in order to get rid of the source of itchy skin as quickly as possible and restore comfort.

Check how prepared you are for allergy season.

Read more about skin protection during allergy season here.

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Varieties of itchy skin

The causes of skin itching turned out to be so numerous that in the world (and in our country as well) at some medical clinics there are entire centers dedicated to this problem. It is clear that everyone is familiar with the case when the skin itches as a result of a mosquito bite, but if skin itching all over the body causes insomnia, it must be dealt with seriously. In addition, like pain, it can vary in intensity from mild to unbearable, causing scratching of the skin.

According to the scale of manifestations, doctors divide the itching of the skin of the body into two types – localized and generalized.

Localized

This species includes, among other things, the same mosquito bite. Very often, it is a clear localization that allows you to establish the cause of an unpleasant phenomenon.

Generalized

This is already a serious story. You can’t figure it out without a qualified doctor. Severe itching all over the body can be the result of both a skin infection and serious internal diseases, even mental problems.

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Itching all over the body (without rashes): causes

The spectrum of causes of skin itching is huge, let’s start with the most common and simple.

Excessive dryness of the skin

Dryness of the skin leads to a violation of the integrity of its hydrolipid mantle. If the epidermis dries and flakes, this is usually accompanied by itching. Unpleasant sensations can be after a shower, for example, if you use soap, which, in combination with tap water, dries the skin. In this case, itching all over the body, even without rashes, should be regarded as a request for help. Your own strength to repair the accumulated damage to the skin is no longer enough. You need powerful moisturizers.

So, provocateurs that can make just dry skin very dry:

  • low temperatures;

  • very low air humidity;

  • soap;

  • hard water.

Skin restoration after sunburn, aesthetic procedure

Indeed, often beauty requires sacrifice. Especially hair removal … Itching of the skin of the body often accompanies the recovery process.

Indeed, “the skin itches – it means it heals.” Here you have to be patient and use soothing, moisturizing and accelerating regeneration agents. Blame histamine, which is produced at the sites of damage. One of its tasks is to increase blood circulation in this area, which speeds up the healing process.

Allergy and hives

Histamine in this case also causes a feeling that the skin itches. Similarly, itching of the skin associated with cold allergies or photodermatitis develops. Moreover, all this can result in the so-called generalized itching throughout the body, causing a lot of anxiety. The allergist or dermatologist will tell you how to quickly relieve skin itching in case of an allergy.

Parasites, fungi, bacteria, viruses

Their army is innumerable, ranging from scabies mites (it is very easy to pick up) or lice, to fungus from the pool, staphylococcal infections (impetigo) and viruses, including herpes. Many diseases, such as chickenpox, which are accompanied by a rash, inevitably cause the skin to itch and itch. Obviously, in this case, only a doctor will advise how to quickly relieve itching, and prescribe the necessary treatment against the disease. In the future, to strengthen the immunity of the skin, it is important to moisturize it well and prevent excessive dryness.

skin diseases

Psoriasis, eczema, atopic and seborrheic dermatitis – many dermatological diseases of a non-infectious nature are also accompanied by skin itching, because they are somehow associated with skin damage, a violation of its microbiome and, as a rule, excessive dryness.

In such situations, the doctor prescribes not only treatment, but also daily care, which will help minimize the manifestations of the disease and keep it under control.

Deficiency of vitamins and minerals

It is clear that for such pronounced manifestations, the deficit must be very serious. However, it is possible. Lack of vitamin D, iron, B vitamins, vitamin A negatively affects the skin, leads to peeling and itching of the skin. But everything passes without a trace, one has only to satisfy the vitamin and mineral hunger.

Diseases of internal organs and systems

Itching of the skin of the body, usually generalized, is often accompanied by very serious diseases, including diabetes mellitus, other endocrine (hormonal) disorders, diseases of the blood, liver, kidneys, neurological and oncological problems. Therefore, in no case should one neglect this symptom and postpone the consultation of a doctor.

If the cause of itching is not obvious, be sure to consult a doctor!

Psychogenic itching

Psychogenic itchy skin makes us itch when we read an article about itching or see someone scratching. This form differs from the rest by the complete absence of visible and objective reasons. This happens due to nerves. You have probably seen how, in a moment of excitement or stress, people begin to scratch their palms, as if they are experiencing severe itching on their hands.

But the psychogenic itching of the body manifests itself not only on a nervous basis. Sometimes this problem interferes with life and sleep. In this case, you should not delay consulting a doctor, a specialist will give competent advice on how to get rid of the itching of the skin of the body – quickly and effectively.

Generalized psychogenic itching of the skin may accompany a depressive state.

Why can the skin itch during pregnancy?

Many expectant mothers face this problem: literally from the first weeks of pregnancy, skin itching can appear on the hands, face, chest, abdomen, thighs and even on the legs. The body in different places tingles like needles, and what this is connected with, no doctor can definitely answer: there are too many changes in the body.

The causes of such itching all over the body (without rashes) during pregnancy can be very different.

  • hormonal activity. Skin itching all over the body can be associated with the action of hormones. Some (chorionic gonadotropin and placental lactogen) generally appear in the body only during pregnancy. The ratio of others is changing. Moreover, it is constantly changing, because first their task – ensure the normal development of the fetus, and then start the process of childbirth. Fluctuations can be very significant: for example, progesterone and prolactin increase several times! Both internal organs and our skin react to these changes.

  • Skin stretching. The belly is rounded, the chest is enlarged, the weight is growing – and the skin is stretched, it can itch and even peel off. For those with dry skin, itching can be very intense. They need to use intense moisturizers. A moisturizing cream will help with strong weight gain, and with multiple pregnancies, when the skin is forced to “work” in extreme mode.

  • Allergic reactions. The cause of itchy skin in early pregnancy may be an allergy to dust, animal hair, and so on. Even if you have never suffered from it, you should exclude this factor.

  • Increased sweating. It can be caused by the action of the same hormones or a sharp weight gain. The itching of the skin is most pronounced in the armpits, in the folds, on the legs below the knees. Often, women in position complain of itching on their hands in the area of ​​uXNUMXbuXNUMXbthe palms. How to get rid of itchy body skin and preferably quickly? ЧTo relieve irritation, drying agents and comfortable clothing made from natural fabrics will help.

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How to quickly get rid of itchy skin all over your body

First, go to a dermatologist for a consultation. This is the main advice. Only a dermatologist can give professional advice on how to quickly relieve itchy skin. As you can see, there can be many reasons, and very serious ones. However, you can reconsider traditional skin care.

Alexander Prokofiev, medical expert of La Roche-Posay brand, offers three universal body skin care tips:

  1. use only mild products for cleansing, exclude soap;

  2. apply emollients (moisturizers) several times a day, the skin should never be dry;

  3. try not to scratch the skin, as it is damaged, nerve endings are irritated and the vicious circle of atopy “itch-scratch” is turned on. Instead of your own nails, it is better to use products that soothe the skin.

Cosmetical tools

Depending on the cause of itching, it is worth choosing the right cosmetics.

  • If the problem is dry skin, then any moisturizers and body oils will improve the situation.

  • In the case of skin prone to allergies, it is necessary to give preference to hypoallergenic cosmetics. Some brands, such as La Roche-Posay, are developing entire lines for complete care for just such skin.

It is clear that cosmetics will not solve the problem until the original cause of itchy skin is eliminated, so do not neglect the advice of a dermatologist.

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What cosmetics will help in skin care

It is necessary to pay special attention to the stages of cleansing and moisturizing, and also not to forget about the dangers of the sun.

Purification

With skin itching and hypersensitivity, it is important to choose shower gels as carefully as possible.

Lipikar Syndet AP + contains shea butter, vitamin B3, as well as a probiotic to restore the skin.

Lipid-replenishing emollient bath and shower oil Lipikar AP + Oil, La Roche-Posay addressed to the extremely dry skin of adults, children and infants. Contains ingredients designed to restore the skin’s microbiome and reduce the discomfort caused by dryness.

humidification

Moisturizing “Melting Body Milk”, Garnier, in addition to nourishing oils, it contains a complex of bifidobacteria that moisturizes and strengthens the protective barrier of the epidermis. Oat milk additionally soothes the skin.

Moisturizer, CeraVe addressed to dry and very dry skin of the face and body. Restores moisture balance thanks to ceramides and hyaluronic acid. The product is hypoallergenic. Visibly soothes the skin.

Nourishing body cream Creme de Corps, Kiehl’s — thick and rich, it is rightfully considered one of the best moisturizers Kiehl’s. The cream contains squalane and nourishing oils. Easily absorbed and moisturizes even very dry skin.

after the sun

Melting after-sun milk Ambre Solaire, Garnier with aloe vera soothes, gives a feeling of comfort, promotes the speedy restoration of the skin barrier.

Thermal water, La Roche-Posay can serve as a kind of SOS-means. It soothes and restores the protective functions of the skin.

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