Are you constantly driven to scratch your skin due to an annoying itch? Do you feel helpless against the urge no matter how much lotion or cream you apply? Itchy skin can be incredibly irritating, but fortunately, it’s also a widespread problem, often associated with skin diseases. In this blog post, we look at some of the most common triggers that cause itchy skin and the steps to minimize them to alleviate the symptoms.

Eight common triggers of itchy skin

Excessive sun exposure
Excessive sun exposure can cause the skin to become itchy and inflamed due to the higher amounts of UV radiation. Those with susceptible skin may find that small doses of sunshine are uncomfortable and lead to breakouts, itching, and a prickly sensation. Not only is this bothersome, but it can also be potentially dangerous since people may be more likely to scratch or rub at the affected area and further damage their skin.
Many studies have found cancer patients complaining of itchy skin after radiation therapy using UVR. Hence, the studies conclude that UV rays from sunlight cause itchy skin. Therefore, it is advised to use antihistamines, sunscreens, and emollient creams.
To reduce itchy skin from sun exposure, one should use sunscreen with high SPF protection and limit their time outside when possible. Additionally, topical ointments or wipes may temporarily relieve sun-exposed skin irritations or diseases.

Age
Itchy skin and certain skin diseases like eczema can be annoying and uncomfortable, but it is even more common with age. As you age, your skin undergoes multiple changes, like becoming dry or being impacted by skin diseases like eczema or psoriasis.
As we grow older, our bodies produce fewer lipids to retain moisture in our skin, leading to lower hydration levels and causing barrier disruption. In addition, it triggers inflammatory responses like itching or flaking and intense sensitivity.
By ensuring adequate hydration, the right products can help protect your skin and keep it minimally reactive to external irritants.

Dry skin
Lack of moisture is one of the reasons for dry skin, which aggravates skin diseases and conditions like eczema. The common causes of dry skin include frequent hot-water baths, dry and hot climates, harsh chemical-heavy soaps, and exposure to intense sunlight. Chronic itch (that lasts longer than six weeks) due to dryness may indicate skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.
To combat dry skin and itchiness, moisturize while reducing shower time, avoid extreme temperatures (hot or cold), limit using alkaline soaps, and wear loose clothing.

Chemical agents
Itchiness (a common symptom of skin diseases) is often caused by irritating particles in the air, such as chemicals, dust, or pollen. Chemical agents are notorious for inflaming the skin and triggering an unpleasant itch. Some of the common agents include:

• Nickel (commonly found in stainless steel and other jewels)
• Artificial fragrances in deodorants, body sprays, and lotions
• Household products, including floor cleaners and detergents
• Beauty products such as hair dye, cosmetics, sunscreens, and moisturizers
• The latex used in gloves, condoms, balloons, and baby bottles

Renal diseases
Renal diseases (or kidney diseases), like uremia, can be a troubling and debilitating group of ailments. One challenging symptom of this burdensome condition is itchy skin, ranging from mild to severe.
Uremia is a widespread illness caused by highly damaged kidneys that cannot filter poisons from the body. The back, limbs, and belly are the most typically affected areas. When someone is suffering from renal dysfunction, their ability to regulate nitrogen-rich substances and other minerals is interrupted, leading to dryness in the outer layers of the skin.
Seeking medical advice and attempting topical solutions are two popular choices for patients struggling with itchy skin due to renal diseases.

Hormones
Hormonal fluctuations are more predominant in women than men. Itchy skin can be an incredibly frustrating and uncomfortable experience that often occurs during hormonal changes like puberty and pregnancy. Our bodies are complex systems of hormones, so these imbalances can lead to inflammation, which manifests as itchy skin.
While certain moisturizers and lifestyle changes can help with the itchiness, addressing the root cause of your hormone imbalance is critical to genuinely finding relief from this symptom. Therefore, you must talk to a dermatologist if the symptoms persist.

Daily lifestyle
Factors such as food choices, stress, exercise, environmental allergens, and emotional states can play a role in causing itchy skin. Some lifestyle factors that can trigger itchy skin conditions are as follows.

• Inadequate consumption of dietary fibers leads to the poor gut microbiota, which fails to regulate skin inflammation.
• Frequent consumption of junk or processed foods promote inflammatory reactions.
• Inadequate sleep or erratic sleeping habits decrease the melatonin production required for healthy skin.
• High consumption of chocolates, crisps, and nuts causes itchy skin as they contain high levels of nickel.

Changing your meal plans or avoiding certain foods may help relieve the discomfort. Unfortunately, some stress-related itching cannot be avoided, so focusing on relaxation techniques and reducing stress levels is essential. However, exercise should be done in moderation to ensure that the body’s temperature doesn’t become too hot, which could cause excessive sweating and further irritation.

Systemic conditions
Several conditions in your internal organs may cause changes in body blood content, reflected in dry skin. Systemic diseases that cause itchy skin (and, possibly, a skin disease) include:

• Chronic renal failure
• Hepatitis
• Cholestasis of pregnancy
• Extrahepatic biliary obstruction
• Iron deficiency
• Hyperthyroidism
• Diabetes mellitus
• Hypothyroidism
• Blood cancer

Wrapping up
Various factors can cause itchy skin, including contact dermatitis, dry skin, allergies, or skin diseases. Thankfully, there are many ways to treat itchy skin and prevent it from happening in the first place. Look for signs of early onset of a severe medical condition like diabetes or cancer, and check with a dermatologist if you’re experiencing recurring symptoms. With knowledge comes power, so keep these tips in mind when dealing with itchy skin or any skin disease!