Itching: 10 causes & how to get relief!

Itching is a very annoying but usually harmless symptom of various causes, which we have all experienced at some point in our lives.

When we feel itchy, all we want to do is make the symptom go away as quickly as possible but also figure out what’s causing it, although sometimes the cause is obvious (eg mosquito bite).

So let’s see what causes itching in the body, what to watch out for and how to get relief without medication!

Why is my body itchy?

As we mentioned above, itching on the body can occur to each of us and is usually not a cause for concern. Some of the main causes are:

1. Skin conditions and skin problems: Psoriasis, eczema (dermatitis), scabies, hives, chicken pox, insect bites (eg mosquitoes, fleas, mites and lice), burns, scars, severe dry skin, dandruff, chapped/irritated skin.
2. Contact with irritating substances: These include many chemicals, products with soap & artificial fragrances (eg emollients, body creams) and wool.
3. Allergic reactions: That can be caused by taking medication or by using certain cosmetics, as well as by contact with something poisonous (e.g. poison ivy) or a product/substance you are allergic to (e.g. latex).
4. Fungal skin infections such as athlete’s foot.
5. Disease: Diabetes, thyroid disease, liver and kidney disease, anemia, malignancies.
6. Psychiatric illnesses such as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression.
7. Age: It may sound odd, but over the years the skin becomes drier and the dryness in turn can cause itchiness!
8. Menopause: A period in a woman’s life that is accompanied by a series of different symptoms, one of which is body itching. However, it usually subsides after some time.
9. Heat: Very high temperatures are likely to cause skin rashes in some people, which create the urge to scratch.
10. Neurological problems: Typical examples are multiple sclerosis, shingles and nerve damage.

Furthermore, something that many do not know is that itching is also quite common in pregnant women, with approximately 1 in 10 reporting severe itching during pregnancy.

It is worth noting that the above list does not cover all situations that can lead to itching, while in some cases the cause remains unknown!

Where does it typically appear?

Itching as a condition is not limited to specific areas of the body, as it can appear anywhere, either in small or large body areas!

Very typical places that may be itchy are the following: the scalp, hands, feet and the pubic (intimate) area, although this depends significantly on the cause. Naturally, itching can also appear anywhere else on the body if it is caused by a wound, scar, insect bite, contact with irritating or poisonous substances, etc.

Itching can occur both on otherwise healthy skin and on areas of the body with blemishes (eg back), skin rashes (red marks), dryness, scratches, etc. In addition, the skin may be inflamed, rough and/or bumpy, and repeated scratching of the area usually makes it worse (raised skin areas).

Natural treatment

In addition to taking medication that your doctor or pharmacist may recommend, there are some basic self-care rules that you should follow in order to reduce itching and prevent it from recurring:

1. Keep the skin hydrated: It is recommended to use a suitable moisturizing cream (hypoallergenic, fragrance-free) 1 or more times a day, ideally after showering or bathing. You should also not neglect your hydration and drink water or other fluids. Thus, you prevent dryness that can lead to itching or make it worse!
2. Choose cleaning & care products that are right for you: If you are itchy, it’s important to be careful about what products you buy and use. Prefer skin cosmetics (eg creams), face & body cleansers and laundry detergents/softeners that have a hypoallergenic formula and do not contain fragrance and/or state that they are suitable for sensitive skin. Ideally, even your cleaning products should have moisturizing properties.
3. Find ways to limit scratching: If you find it difficult to resist the urge to scratch, then we suggest cutting your nails very short, covering itchy areas and wearing gloves while sleeping if necessary.
4. Bathe in lukewarm or cool water and add Epsom salts or baking soda for instant relief. Caution: Do not stay in the bathroom for a long time!
5. Choose comfortable/loose clothes with soft and hypoallergenic fabric that creates a sense of comfort on the skin (cotton, silk).
6. Apply a wet towel or damp cloth to the itchy areas 1 or more times a day.
7. Try creams or ointments with an anti-itching, soothing or cooling effect (creams with menthol or camphor, calamine lotion, etc.).
8. Manage your stress and try to stay calm: Although it’s not easy, it’s important both for the better management of your itching and for your overall health. There are several ways to do it (e.g. meditation, yoga).
9. Make sure you get enough quality sleep and that you are well rested, as this has been shown to reduce the risk of itching.
10. Put a humidifier in your place if the place is too dry.

If these everyday tips are not sufficient to relieve and protect you, your pharmacist or doctor will recommend the appropriate pharmaceutical products (eg antihistamines). They are also likely to recommend that you have a blood test to diagnose the possible cause of the problem.

What to avoid

If you experience itching on your body, it may be a good idea to avoid certain things and behaviors, such as irritants that have been shown to be associated with itching.

In general, the following is recommended:

1. Do not use cleaning-care products that contain fragrance (e.g. fragranced soaps & body creams).
2. Do not wear wool or synthetic clothing.
3. Don’t bathe or shower for longer than necessary.
4. Do not expose yourself to extreme weather conditions (intense cold, heat).
5. Do not scratch/rub the itchy area as this intensifies the itching and eventually leads to a vicious itch-scratch cycle.

Diet for itchy skin

There is no specific diet that helps prevent and manage body itching, as that depends significantly on what causes it.

For example, people who are allergic or hypersensitive to certain foods or substances are advised to avoid them. The most common food allergens that have been linked to body itching are:

• Dairy (lactose, milk protein)
• Gluten and wheat products
• Eggs
• Fish
• Shellfish
• Peanuts
• Nuts
• Sesame
• Soy

For people who do not have any problem with consuming the above, it is not necessary to exclude/restrict them from their diet.

On the other hand, what is suggested is to follow a balanced diet rich in antioxidants & anti-inflammatory ingredients (Mediterranean Diet) and to avoid processed foods, rich in salt, sugar, bad fats and artificial additives, as well as refined carbohydrates (white bread, etc.).

Therefore, it is recommended that the diet contains vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, legumes and good fats (e.g. olive oil). In addition, many people with itching have seen great benefit from eating foods rich in probiotics (yogurt), quercetin (apples, berries, citrus fruits), vitamins C, E & D, magnesium and Omega-3 fatty acids (oily fish).

When to see the doctor

It is recommended that you see your doctor (ideally a dermatologist) if the itching:

• Lasts for a long time (more than 2 weeks)
• Does not improve with self-care (use of appropriate products, etc.)
• Significantly affects your daily life and sleep
• Is all over your body
• Caused by a skin rash or lump that worries you
• Comes with other symptoms such as fever and weight loss
• Is recurrent even though it seemed to have subsided
• Does not improve within 3 months despite receiving treatment
• Appears while you are pregnant