What Causes Itchy Skin?

By Alan S. Peterson, M.D.

As we get into the cooler months and the heat starts to go in our homes, the air starts to dry out.  Sometimes this can make our skin dryer and also more itchy.

Many other things can make your skin itch.  Dry skin, eczema, and hives can all cause itching over your body.  Contact dermatitis is another cause for all-over itching.  You can get this condition after your skin comes in contact with something that irritates it, such as a strong laundry soap or a body lotion.  A rare cause of itching occurs within 5 minutes after bathing called aquagenic puruitus.  This can be quite intense.

You might feel itchy on only a few parts of your body.  Common causes of this kind of itching include insect bites, infections like ringworm or jock itch, and allergies to plants or to the metals in costume jewelry.

Most causes of itchy skin have specific treatments-your doctor will tell you what treatment is best for you. 

How can I keep my skin from getting dry?

Dry air can cause your skin to become dry and itchy.  In your home, use a humidifier to put moisture in the air during the winter and in dry weather.

Some soaps can cause your skin to feel itchy.  It is good to use a soap that is unscented and hypoallergenic.  This kind of soap does not contain dyes or perfumes that irritate your skin.  An example of one of these soaps is Dove.  There are others that also could be used.  Cetaphil is a skin cleanser that can be used without water.  In addition, you can use a mild-unscented hypoallergenic laundry detergent for clothes.  Avoid fabric softeners, and try using an extra rinse cycle to keep your clothes and bed sheets from making your skin itch. 

Choose clothing made of soft fabrics like cotton or silk.  Avoid wearing clothing made of rough wool, which can irritate your skin and make it itch.

Treatment of dry skin

Moisturizers work well to treat dry skin.  Choose a moisturizer that is hypoallergenic.  The best moisturizers are also the most “gooey”.  Ointments (or oils) are best, followed by creams and then lotions.  Petroleum jelly, for example, vaseline, is an excellent skin lubricant, but it can be messy to use.  Vaseline Intensive Care is one moisturizer in a recent Consumer Reports article that was quite good and relatively inexpensive ounce for ounce.

Put a moisturizer on your skin three or four times during the day.  Most of my patients don’t use them frequently enough.  Always put this on right after you wash or bathe.  If you have very dry hands, put petroleum jelly on them before you go to bed at night and sleep with your hands in cotton-lined gloves, if needed.

Some people use bath oils to help make their skin less dry, however, these oils can be dangerous because they can make your tub slippery.  To avoid slipping and falling, put the oil on your skin after you get out of the bathtub.  Plain baby oil works well. 

When should I see my doctor because of itchy skin?

Some of this type of skin is more likely to get infected.  This is red, warm and swollen and can ooze fluid.  You may need antibiotics to get rid of this infection.

Severe itching, especially in older adults, sometimes is caused by a serious medical problem.  If your itching doesn’t get better within two weeks, and doesn’t have an obvious cause, it might be reasonable to seek your physician’s advice.

If you have a bad case of poison ivy or a sudden itchy rash, your doctor might be able to prescribe a medicine also.

What medicines treat itching?