Why Am I So Itchy? 9 Possible Reasons

Itchy skin can be annoying – especially when it keeps you awake. Itch-transmitting nerves called C fibers lead to a satisfying release when we scratch, prompting us to dig in with the fingernails even more. Too much of this good thing can lead to worsening itch, excoriations, scars, and even skin infections – not to mention prominent under-eye circles from a poor night’s sleep.

There are many reasons why we might itch. The most common cause is simply dry skin, especially during the winter months – when arid air, hot showers, and other factors cause an exceptionally irritable skin barrier.

But if you’re moisturizing diligently and caring for your skin gently, yet you still feel itchy, it may be time for a doctor’s appointment. A dermatologist can tell what causes your itchy skin, because there are dozens of possible reasons you might be feeling the urge to scratch. Here’s some of them:


Skin conditions

Perhaps you are experiencing a skin disease or condition that predisposes to itching, such as eczema (common types include atopic dermatitis and nummular dermatitis), psoriasis, dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis), seborrheic keratoses, bug bites, or hives. More rare forms of itching include autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, such as lupus, dermatomyositis, lichen planus, bullous pemphigoid, or pemphigus.

Allergy or irritation

You may have developed a skin allergy (allergic contact dermatitis) or skin irritation (irritant contact dermatitis) from a personal care product, fabric, plant (poison oak and ivy are notorious, though numerous other botanical and natural ingredients can cause similar itching), or other substance that makes contact with the skin.

Trigger-happy nerves

You may feel persistently itchy, zingy, or twingy due to nerve dysfunction – like after a neck injury (which can cause itching near the shoulder blades, called nostalgia parasthetica), or a tweak of the nerves in the arms and forearms (brachioradial pruritus), or in an area where the skin is recovering from shingles (post-herpetic neuralgia).

Infection

Some of us itch because of a skin infection – such as a fungus (tinea) or a mite (like scabies) – or a body-wide infection, such as measles or chickenpox (though no one should have to suffer from these particular diseases anymore, on account of safe and effective vaccines).

Medicine

Sometimes, the problem can be due to an oral medicine. Heart and cholesterol drugs, pain medicines, and antibiotics are among many that have the potential to cause scratch-happy tendencies.

Gluten

An intensely itchy rash called dermatitis herpetiformis can develop in some people with Celiac disease – but this skin condition is actually quite rare. True food allergies can certainly cause skin reactions, but gluten and other dietary factors are actually surprisingly uncommon reasons for itching.

Age

As we enter our 50’s and beyond, the skin tends to become drier, the epidermis often doesn’t function as optimally, its pH can change, there may be reduced immune function within the skin, and we are more likely to develop nerve degeneration or dysfunction – all of which may contribute to uncomfortably itchy skin.

Fingernail-induced

Sometimes, itching is our own fault. Conditions called prurigo nodularis (picker’s nodules) and lichen simplex chronicus form when we repeatedly pick or scratch at an area, causing the skin to thicken up and become even itchier – a vicious cycle with the potential to snowball out of control.

Medical conditions

If you have no rash on the skin, but feel itchy everywhere, it may be time for some lab work. Many medical concerns can trigger itching, including problems with the thyroid, kidney, liver, blood count, an undetected infection, or even an emerging malignancy.

 

Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp
Pinterest
Reddit
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

READ NEXT

8 Foods to Eat When You Have a Cold

A common cold is an upper respiratory tract infection which is caused by different viruses. This cold is transmitted by infected airborne droplets or by direct contact with infected secretions.

How Blood Sugar Levels Affect Your Health

Understanding blood glucose level ranges can be a key part of diabetes self-management. When you have diabetes, your blood sugar (aka blood glucose) levels may be consistently high. Over time,

6 Reasons Why You’re Over-Sweating After 40

As we already know, sweating happens after making physical efforts, being stressed or standing in the heat – but why does it happen after 40 years old? Well, menopause can

5 Unexpected Benefits of Drinking Hot Water

Recent research revealed that drinking hot water on an empty stomach provides numerous health benefits. Lemon-infused water, for example, reduces free radicals and helps different organs function properly. Studies say

10 Things About Depression Only Psychologists Know

Depression is a mental illness characterized by frequent states of sadness, lack of appetite, feeling guilty all the time, and other symptoms like these. We debunk the myths and misinformation about

10 Vaccine Myths You Should Completely Ignore

Unfortunately, even when a large number of studies have found no evidence to support the argument that vaccines can cause autism and other chronic illnesses, many parents are simply refusing

15 Signs of Diabetes to Watch Out For

While diabetes is manageable, it can shorten your life considerably. It can also up your risk of things like blindness, heart attack, and even loss of a foot. Check out

These Factors Are Associated With Dementia Risk

Modifiable risk factors can be addressed through the means of early intervention to reduce chances of developing dementia during old age. By studying data from the Framingham Heart Study (FHS),

10 Ways to Keep Your Body in Good Shape After 50

It’s never too late to start focusing on yourself. In fact, your 50s are the perfect time to prioritize your fitness. Because now that you’re older, working out isn’t just

6 Subtle Signs You Could Have PTSD

When looking at the various ways people attempt to cope with exposure to one or a series of traumatic events, it’s important to recognize the ways that they may manifest,

Early Symptoms of a Heart Attack You Should Know

The sooner you get help for a heart attack, the better your chances for a complete recovery. Unfortunately, many people hesitate to get help, even if they suspect there’s something

5 Alternative Sources of Protein You Should Try

Proteins are building blocks for your body—they help make and repair your bones, organs, muscles and blood. But it’s important to know the right type protein to get its health

Scroll to Top