Top 10 Causes of Skin Itching

• Part 2: Top 10 Causes of Itchy Skin

• Itching an itchy red rash can cause it to spread
• Natural cure for itchy skin rashes can be a great alternative to costly products
• Many remedies for itchy rashes or a body rash can be made from products purchased as a local store

No one enjoys skin itching. The medical term for itchy skin is pruritus. Despite having a specific name, the condition doesn’t always have a cause that is easy to pinpoint. There are almost always a wide variety of possibilities. Below are the most common reasons you might find yourself scratching at your skin.

1. Dry Skin

Probably the most common reason for itchy skin irritation is dryness. When your skin loses moisture, it begins to itch. Because the heater in your home will dry out the air and your skin, winter is going to lead to a lot more itching.

2. Skin Irritant

Every day, your skin is likely to come in contact with an array of chemicals, including soaps and household cleaners. Many of these products can cause irritation, especially to sensitive skin, and part of that irritation can be the development of itching.

3. Illnesses

Some types of illnesses, including chickenpox and measles, will also cause itching. These causes are often some of the most easily diagnosed because of the rash that accompanies the need to scratch.

4. Psoriasis

With psoriasis, your skin cells reproduce faster than necessary which causes a build-up of dead cells and new cells on your skin. This condition causes itching in localized areas of the skin. Burning, soreness, and redness are also symptoms.

5. Eczema

Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is believed to be caused when your immune system wrongly attacks your skin cells. Scaly skin, redness, and thickening of the skin in patches are also symptoms.

6. Stress

Research has also shown an increase in itchiness during highly stressful times. These periods of itchiness are considered psychologically caused. Along with dry skin, stress may be one of the primary causes of periodic bouts of itchy skin.

7. Pregnancy

Many women do suffer from itchy skin while they are pregnant, especially if they already have sensitive skin or have a skin condition. The increased itchiness may be a result of hormonal changes in the woman’s body.

8. Diseases

Although we tend to think of itchiness being caused by problems with our skin, other diseases can also lead to these problems. For example, kidney disease, anemia, celiac disease, and some types of cancer can lead to itchy skin for many patients.

9. Allergies

One of the symptoms associated with a number of allergic reactions is itchy skin. For example, you may have face skin irritation if you use cosmetics that contain ingredients you are allergic to. Some food allergies can also lead to itchy skin.

10. Insect Bites

If you have itching in only a small area, you might be able to trace the problem to an insect bite. Spider and mosquito bites are two of the most common types that cause itching. This is usually a reaction to the chemicals injected into the skin by the insect.

In addition to these causes, you might also experience skin itching because of certain types of illegal or prescription drugs, encounters with poison ivy, or parasitic skin infestations such as lice.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.