Itchy skin can torture us, because itching (medical term "pruritus") and scratching are a fatal combination
An itchiness arises as a reaction of the immune cells to a stimulus from inside or outside. The signal to the brain is then: scratch! Unfortunately, the wrong measure for our skin, because that Scratching is now more counterproductive. It is not a therapeutic measure because it does not remedy the causes of the itchy skin. A vicious circle arises: constant scratching further irritates dry, itchy skin. The body releases inflammatory messengers such as histamine, which increases itching. We can also hurt our skin when scratching. If bacteria get into the surface of the skin, the wound becomes inflamed. It is important to clarify why the skin is itchy and what we can do about it.
Itchy skin – contagious or harmless?
If the skin is itchy, let's start with the research into the causes: Are chronic skin diseases such as psoriasis, neurodermatitis or contagious like scabies (which has also been common for some time now), chickenpox, rubella, a skin fungus or hives (urticaria) the cause of the itchy skin? Diabetes can also be a reason for extremely dry skin. This has to be clarified quickly, depending on the cause, to find therapy or even to avoid possible infection. If pustules and inflammation are added, or if the itching spreads like a sheet, the family doctor or dermatologist can make the correct diagnosis. However, itching is often caused by a very dry skin.
According to a study by the University of Münster, around 12 percent of the younger population up to 30 years and about 20 percent of the older population between 61 and 70 years suffer from itchy skin. Over 90 percent take no treatment.
Skin care for itchy skin
- The Facial skin not only lacks fat, but also moisture. Pay attention to moisture-binding ingredients in face creams: Urea, hyaluronic acid, dexpanthenol (also has anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties), Niacin vitamin B3 (improves the skin's barrier function and stimulates the production of the skin's own fats).
- On perfumed care with preservatives (Parabens) and Mineral oils (Paraffinum Liquidum – here we explain to you why cosmetics should do without mineral oils) dispense. Skin care from the pharmacy in particular is aimed at itchy skin. Some preparations help Linoleic acid, silver ions, Dead Sea salt, horsetail plant extracts, willowherb, calendula and chamomile.
- SOS cosmetics: Intensive ointments or acute sprays can usually soothe severe itching quickly.
- in the In summer the skin usually needs less fat than in winter – So switch to richer textures in autumn. We explain which ingredients should be in face cream for dry skin.
- In the Facial cleansing with oils Working: Micellar water or facial toner sometimes dry out the skin, better cleansing oils or facial milk are better.
- Instead of a perfumed shower gel, prefer one neutral shower oil use.
- Don't shower too hotthat dries out the skin. Long, hot baths put a strain on the protective coat of the skin.
Home remedies for itchy skin
- Zinc ointment can help with small areas of skin, larger areas can be treated in the bathtub: a Bath in black tea or Horsetail tea helps with itching with tannins.
- Envelopes with vinegar water (one tablespoon of vinegar to one liter of water) or oak bark.
- Cold Aloe vera gel (from the fridge) – it should be 100% natural
- Olive oil and honey can quickly soothe the skin as a mask.
- A study by the Department of Dermatology at the National Research Center, Cairo University, found that too peppermint oil helps against itching. Always apply diluted (for example in almond oil), it can irritate the skin directly.
What else can help with itchy skin?
- Physical stimuli such as pressure, rubbing, rubbing and scratching clothes can provoke the itch. Loose-fitting garments made from natural fibers are best for the skin.
- Organic is better: Many clothes contain chemicals, the parts produced in low-wage countries contain textile auxiliaries and dyes to which our skin can react strongly. So anyway: Always wash new things before wearing! Sustainably produced clothing does not use any questionable chemical agents.
- Detergent without fragrances use and avoid perfumed fabric softener
- Stay cool: Cooling with packs can sometimes help suppress the intense itching: the cold receptors in the skin lie on the itching nerves. If they are activated, the itch signals are suppressed.
- Remove spicy spices from the menu – they ensure that we sweat and that can also dry out the skin. Everything that promotes blood circulation to the skin usually leads to more itching.
- Alcohol and nicotine should be taboo now.
Itchy scalp – what helps
It is not always lice that cause an itchy scalp. It can dry out quite a bit if we maltreat it with fragrant shampoos in overdosed quantities daily and add diligently perfumed conditioners and hair masks. Soothing shampoos with willow bark, evening primrose, or urea. Avoid anti-dandruff shampoos or shampoo for oily hair more often. A calming neem oil cure can help against itching on the head. Also: the hair do not blow dry too hot and no styling products apply to the scalp.
The skin becomes drier and sluggish
It's common: Unfortunately, our skin becomes rotten in old age. It no longer produces as much hyaluronic acid and collagen, the skin becomes drier and no longer looks so tight. The activity of the skin glands also declines: the sebum glands produce less sebum, the sweat glands produce less sweat. This often results in dry, itchy skin. Our beauty routine should be adapted to our skin condition. However, not every anti-aging product is also suitable for dry and itchy skin. Creams with high doses Retinol (Vitamin A) – in the United States concentrations of up to one percent are allowed, in Germany only up to 0.5 percent – can irritate and dry out the skin. Retinol in a very low dose (below 0.1%), combined with moisturizing agents, does not harm mature skin.
The skin itches more often in winter
We have heard that many times: The heating air is to blame. A low level of humidity, as prevails in overheated or air-conditioned rooms or in cold winter weather, dries out the skin. So now focus on more intensive care and incorporate more fat than moisture into the care routine. Evening primrose, almond and Macadamia oil can be integrated drop by drop into your favorite care. Special products such as winter creams help the skin to balance cold and dry air. Apply particularly rough areas several times a day (make sure that the care product no mineral oil contains – this is counterproductive, since it forms a film on the skin that prevents the exchange of moisture and thus dries out the skin surface even more).
Does the psyche also play a role?
As always, the answer is yes. People with stressful life events suffer more itching (12.2 percent) than people with lots of friends. A study from Münster shows that the psyche plays a role in pruritus: around 70 percent of patients also suffered from psychosomatic or psychiatric illnesses.
No stress
Meditation, yoga, Breathing techniquesthat calm us – and the power of positive thoughts: This also helps with skin diseases. Our dermis in particular interacts strongly with our psyche (the skin is known to be the mirror of the soul …). Music can also help us find some relaxation. According to studies, this anti-stress song has been shown to help you find peace. If you can't resist the itching, use a scratching pad (a car sponge covered with chamois will do the same). This can also help children suffering from eczema. It is also good to do a few relaxation exercises in the evening so that the itching does not rob us of sleep.