Itchy Skin At Night

Many times we experience itchy skin, especially during the nighttime. This can be very irritating at times and interrupt our sleep.

Causes of Itchy skin at Night

Allergic Reactions

Being allergic to chemicals in mattress or bedding can be a cause or itchy skin during nighttime. The fabric of bedding or mattress can also intensify the itchiness. If you are allergic to specific fabrics, avoid wearing clothes and using bedding made from them. This is one of the common causes of itchy skin all over the body. Remember that you might also be allergic to a detergent, soap, cream or lotion which can lead to itchiness all over the body after your skin comes in contact with it.

Menopause

Menopause often leads to some new problems for your skin. While oil production reduces, you would hardly have problems like acne or oil clogged skin. But the same can result into dry skin or extreme dry skin if it is not hydrated well. Your skin easily becomes dehydrated after menopause. This can commonly lead to itchiness at night, especially if you do not consume enough fluids. Itchy skin during menopause is a very common problem.

Liver problems

Cirrhosis of the liver is a chronic disease that interferes with the normal functioning of the liver. This disease creates bile byproducts that travel to the skin and cause extreme itching, which might become much noticeable during the nighttime. The major cause of this disease is chromic

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin disease, characterized by dry red patches covered with scales. This mainly affects the scalp, ears, genitalia and the skin over bony areas. This skin disease can cause itchy skin during night, mainly due to friction with rough bed covers.

Extreme Heat

If your skin is over-exposed to sun rays or rays in a tanning booth, you might experience irritation and itchiness at night. Keep yourself hydrated and cool by enough intake of fluids like fresh fruit juices and most importantly water. Stay away from aerated drinks.

Hot Shower

Most of us have a habit of taking shower before going to bed. A hot shower is definitely good for relaxing your muscles, but this can also lead to itchiness. A hot shower dries out the skin and by middle of the night, it becomes extremely dry due to friction with bedding and clothes leading to itchiness. You need to ensure that you rightly moisturize your skin after taking a hot shower as dry skin is one of the primary causes of itchy skin.

Itchy Skin Bumps

Itchy skin bumps can be a result of various skin diseases according to the location of bumps. Itchy scalp can be caused due to head lice, folliculitis (Inflammation of the hair follicle), psoriasis, or lichen simplex which is a form of eczema. Skin bumps due to acne can be seen on the face, neck, or trunk of the body, while certain skin disorders like eczema ( dyshidrotic eczema) and psoriasis will affect hands or feet. Insect bites will be found on the areas not covered by clothing or hair. Itchy bumps accompanied by skin rashes on the genitals can be due to molluscum, lichen planus, pubic lice or scabies. Skin stretching and hormonal fluctuations are the most probable causes of itchy skin during pregnancy.

Remedies for Itchy Skin at Night

Firstly you must moisturize your skin at least twice a day to avoid dryness. Applying a moisturizer soon after taking a bath will help avoid itching. Remember that damp skin retain moisture better than dry skin does.

Take shorter and cooler showers or baths because hot showers will dry out your skin and cause irritation.

Oatmeal baths are very effective in treating itchy skin. You can also have a milk bath and sprinkle some oatmeal powder in it. Oatmeal bath powders are easily available in the market.

Keep away the harsh soaps, detergents, perfumes and deodorants. Switch over to mild and fragrance-free detergents and soaps.

Keep your fingernails away from your skin. Scratching your skin will irritate and it and lead to infections.

Clean your skin with water and dry it thoroughly before you go to bed. Also, apply a moisturizer.

Make sure you wear loose and preferably cotton fabrics which won’t irritate your skin. Also, use a proper fabric for your bedclothes and cushion cover.

Itchy skin at night can be avoided by maintaining proper skin care and hygiene. Remember to keep your skin clean and moisturized all the time and stay free from itching at night.

Thanks,

Health, Oct-2012