Stop the Itch at the Source

If you have an itch, should you scratch it? For most people, that’s a rhetorical question. It’s virtually impossible not to scratch an itch. And while there may be temporary relief after you do, constant scratching can wreak havoc to the skin. This is especially true for older adults because the skin becomes thinner with age. Excessive scratching can tear delicate skin, potentially causing it to bleed and become infected. The best approach to alleviating itchy skin is to address the underlying cause.

“The most common causes are dry skin, contact dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis,” says dermatologist Lorraine Young, MD, UCLA Medical Center.

Fortunately, all of those common itch-inducing culprits are treatable. And most of them by using inexpensive over-the-counter products and adjusting lifestyle practices.

Tending to Dry Winter Skin

Winter’s cooler temperatures cause a drop in humidity. The air is dryer both inside and outside the home. With less humidity, skin dehydrates. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor humidity should be within 30 to 50 percent. But, indoor heating can cause humidity to drop as low as ten percent.

Moisture can be added to the air with a humidifier. There are inexpensive room humidifiers, but it’s important to change filters and clean as directed. As tempting as it might be take a long hot shower on a cold winter day, hot water will further dry out skin. A quick shower with soft sponge or just your hands is best.

“Use mild soap, lukewarm water and over the counter anti-itch products like Sarna or Aveeno anti-itch lotion,” recommends Dr. Young.

After bathing, gently pat skin dry, avoid vigorous rubbing. Generously apply moisturizers to damp skin as that can help retain some of the water. Check out the ingredient label and avoid those with alcohol or fragrance as they can irritate sensitive skin. Keep bottles of moisturizers handy, such as at the sink, in a purse, and in the car. Apply whenever skin feels dry.

Allergic and Irritant Contact Dermatitis

Rashes due to allergies and irritants are other common sources of itch. Sometimes the rash arises quickly after contact, in other cases, it can be a delayed reaction. Below are some of the more common contact allergens that may cause rashes in some people:

➥ Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac contain oils that cause rashes to appear in 12 to 72 hours after contact.

➥ Nickel is a common allergen and can be on jewelry, metal buttons, electronic devices, and in foods such as soy products, cocoa powder, and figs.

➥ Latex is frequently used in protective gloves worn at home, in health care or beauty care settings; latex can also be in flexible bands used for physical therapy.

➥ Formaldehyde is in many products including nail polish, glue, liquid hand soap, and pet shampoos.

➥ Perfume and fragrances in detergents, soaps, and moisturizers can cause an allergic reaction.

➥ Medications can also be an instigator, including the over-the-counter topical antibiotic neomycin.

Dermatitis symptoms can include rash, pain, redness, swelling, scales, and blisters. The reaction is the result of an overactive immune system. Because allergic contact dermatitis can occur a day or two after exposure, it can be tricky to pinpoint the irritant. If you suspect contact, wash the area with mild soap and water as soon as possible.

Home Remedies

At-home treatments for itching and other symptoms include cortisone-based creams that reduce inflammation. Calamine lotions, oral antihistamines and oatmeal baths can also be helpful. Blisters can be treated with a cool, moist compress held for 30 minutes, up to three times a day. Try not to scratch. If the rash doesn’t get better in a few days or it gets worse, seek medical attention.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Flare-ups of this skin disease are common in winter months. Symptoms vary and include red, oily patches that form around the scalp and hairline, ears, eyebrows, center of the face around the nose and upper lip, as well as other parts of the body such as the upper back and chest, armpits and genitals. It is not entirely known what causes seborrheic dermatitis, but a combination of factors is suspected. They include yeast that normally lives on the skin, stress, and cold, dry climates. Some medications may also cause it.

There is no cure but seborrheic dermatitis can be treated. It’s important to consult with a dermatologist if you suspect it because it requires a specific treatment routine. Dandruff shampoos used on the skin and scalp as well as topical medicines and specific creams are the typical treatments. Sometimes it can clear on its own. But can just as easily reoccur without warning.

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