What causes body itching in autumn and winter. What is winter itchy skin and how to deal with it

Useful tips

Cold weather accompanied by low relative humidity has a damaging effect on our skin, which becomes excessively dry and begins to peel.

. Dry skin, with prolonged lack of moisture, leads to itching, which is characterized by a condition known as cold itch (or winter itch).

In winter, as you know, the air is drier, and constant stay in dry, heated rooms only aggravates the process of drying out the skin.

. Fortunately, there are many ways that help restore the necessary level of moisture in our skin.

Dr. Robyn Gmyrek, dermatologist and director of the Skin and Laser Center at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital at Columbia University Medical Center

(NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center) offers as many as ten ways to make your “crocodile” skin softer than the skin on a baby’s bottom!

1. Moisturize your skin daily

(this also applies to men!) using special moisturizing creams that are better suited for this purpose than lotions for dry or normal skin. If you have sensitive skin, you should choose moisturizers without fragrance. It is necessary to apply the product to damp skin immediately after bathing, as a humidifier will retain moisture on its surface.

2. Cleanse your skin

, however, you should not do this too fanatically. If you scrub it regularly and excessively with a washcloth, you can remove all the natural moisturizing substances that are normally found on our skin.

It is quite enough to wash your face, hands, feet and those places where wrinkles most often form once a day. And if you shower daily, it is not necessary to use shower gels and soaps every day.

3. Limit the use of hot water and soap!

If you suffer from winter itch, take short, warm showers or baths using non-irritating, surfactant-free cleansers.

Immediately after bathing, apply a thick layer of moisturizing cream, which is rubbed into the body with gentle movements until it feels dry.

4. Humidify the premises

, as dry air literally sucks moisture from your skin. Regular room humidifiers are ideal for increasing the humidity level in a room. However, you should carefully monitor these devices, keeping them perfectly clean and changing the water according to the manufacturer's recommendations. This will help prevent the appearance of fungus and mold.

5. Protect your skin from the wind.

If everything is more or less clear about protecting the skin in dry, heated rooms, then you should also take care of it outside. In particular, the skin must be protected from the winter wind - fortunately, this is not difficult to do, since in winter, as a rule, only our hands and face are exposed. In order to protect these parts of the body, it will be quite enough to apply a balm based on Vaseline or special cosmetic wax to your hands and face (including lips).

6. Sudden hypothermia should be avoided

, since low temperatures can cause skin inflammation and frostbite (people with certain skin types are especially susceptible to these phenomena). It is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible if you notice changes in the color of the skin, for example, of the arms or legs after being in the cold, especially if there is pain or ulcers appear. If the pain is very severe, accompanied by loss of sensation in the fingers, this can almost certainly indicate severe frostbite.

7. Protect your skin from sun damage!

It must be remembered that the winter sun is no less dangerous for your skin than the summer sun. This is why, even in the coldest winter months, you should use sunscreen with a photoprotection factor of at least 15 (naturally, if you spend a long time outdoors). Excessive, constant exposure to the sun leads to premature aging of the skin and the development of skin cancer.

8. You should not visit solariums in winter.

, since artificial sunlight lamps always have a negative effect on your skin and increase the risk of developing skin cancer. If you absolutely want to preserve the characteristic summer dark skin in winter, it makes sense to use self-tanning creams, but you need to choose those that are characterized by high moisturizing parameters (since self-tanning creams also dry out the skin).

9. Take vitamin D supplements.

The fact is that during the summer months, our body produces vitamin D in large quantities due to daily exposure to sunlight. However, during the winter months, vitamin D levels decrease. Taking dietary supplements based on this substance will allow you to be absolutely sure that your body receives the required amount of vitamin D all year round.

10. If you have problems, regularly visit a dermatologist.

If you have a lifetime of dry skin that constantly flakes and itches, or if strange formations and redness periodically appear on your skin, you should undergo regular examination by a skin specialist. Moreover, this should be done not only in the winter months, but throughout the year.

1. Low humidity

In winter, cold dry air outside and hot air indoors take all the moisture from the skin, causing it to become overdried and often begin to peel.

How to solve a problem.

Increase indoor humidity (at home or in the workplace) with humidifiers that replenish moisture in your skin and hair. Also wear gloves to prevent dry hands and cracking. To replenish lost moisture, moisturize your hands every time you wash them and don't apply before going outside (this will make your hands even more chapped).

2. Hot shower and bath

Usually in winter we find another use for the bathroom - we get into the shower, turn on the hot (or very hot) water and warm ourselves up. If you do this too, then be aware that this greatly dries out your skin. The same applies to taking a bath: too hot water and a long bath have a negative impact on the condition of the skin.

How to solve a problem.

We strongly recommend that you warm up in any other way and wash with warm water. Shower or bathe for no more than 10 minutes, then dry and moisturize your skin while it is still damp. Moisturizer is more effective than lotion. If you tend to have dry skin, moisturize your skin twice a day during the winter.

3. Dehydration

As a rule, in the summer we drink a lot of water in order to cool down and fight thirst. During winter, we don't feel thirsty, so we tend to drink less water, which consequently leads to dehydration of the skin.

How to solve a problem.

It's simple - try to drink water! If drinking 1.5 liters per day is false, drink the amount you can.

4. Lots of clothes

Yes, yes, it is the layering of clothes in winter that affects the condition of our skin. The more clothing there is, the more friction it exerts on the skin. This is especially true for such wardrobe items as stockings and tights. Wool clothing can also cause irritation and dry skin.

If your skin is prone to eczema, avoid wearing woolen items directly on bare skin as this may cause irritation and eczema.

How to solve a problem.

Choose soft, breathable fabrics (such as cotton) instead of itchy wool or polyester. Loose, non-tight clothing will reduce friction and also eliminate the problem of excessive sweating.

5. Excessive cleansing of skin and hair

Frequent bathing or hot showers or baths can strip your skin of its protective layer, leaving it dry and sensitive.

How to solve a problem.

Do not use soaps or skin care products that contain alcohol. Instead, use mild, unscented soap and moisturizing body products (shower gel, etc.).

When the skin becomes dry, its sebaceous glands do not produce enough protective film. This makes the skin vulnerable to adverse environmental factors. The lack of a protective film and lack of moisture in the cells lead to dryness, peeling and rapid aging of the skin. To avoid this, you need to properly care for dry skin. And to combat dryness, you must first know the causes of dry skin.

Causes:

• heredity;
• lack of vitamins in the body;
• dry air;
• very frequent washing of skin and hair (the more we wash, the less protective film remains on the skin);
• incorrectly selected means for washing (for example, using soap);
• non-compliance with drinking regime;
• prolonged exposure to frost in winter;
• various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• hormonal imbalance;
• age-related changes.

How to care for dry skin:

• drink up to 2 liters of water per day;
• Wash your face with water at room temperature. Avoid using hot or too cold water. It is best to wash your face with milk, cream or oil for washing;
• do not use lotions containing alcohol, which dry out the skin;
• use moisturizing masks several times a week;
• choose the right cream (the label should say “for dry skin”);
• use a humidifier;
• do treatments for dry skin.

Today, the most effective procedures for dry facial skin are:

*Peelings

(mechanical, hardware, chemical) remove dead cells, renew the skin;

*Collagen masks

(tighten, moisturize and tone the skin);

*Various types of facial massage

(improves blood circulation, refreshes complexion);

*Mesotherapy

*Biorevitalization (

introduction of hyaluronic acid by injection, which has a moisturizing effect);

*Salon treatments

active nutrition and moisturizing of the skin.

Today, the question of why the skin itches in winter can often be found on Internet forums. This problem is familiar to many residents of countries with harsh and temperate climates, who know what the cold season, snow and strong winds mean. As you know, in conditions where cold and dry weather with low humidity prevails, human skin becomes more vulnerable, becomes flaky and cracks. Cold has a destructive effect on the skin and over time, the above symptoms are complicated by intense itching sensations or the so-called winter itch.

What is the winter itch

Winter itching is a pathological condition of human skin, which is manifested by discomfort, an unpleasant burning sensation and the desire to scratch the affected areas of epithelial tissue, mainly on exposed parts of the body, which in winter are directly exposed to dry and cold air. If you answer the question why the skin itches in winter, then it is certainly worth emphasizing that in cold climates, when the air is drier, the covering epithelium dries out, which provokes the development of itchy sensations. The situation is aggravated by staying in heated rooms with a dry microclimate.

Pathological hyperactivity of the skin in winter weather is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• excessive drying of the skin;
• formation of peeling zones on a hyperemic epithelial base;
• itching, burning or tingling of the skin;
• thinning of the affected areas with the appearance of wound surfaces in the form of cracks in the superficial spheres of the skin;
• decreased elasticity and turgor of epithelial tissues;
• reduced skin moisture.

Winter itching is very common in people who go outside in cold weather without gloves, do not use protective creams against frost, or have inherited genetically determined cold intolerance from their parents.

Why does dryness occur?

Many people are aware of the problem of skin drying out in winter.
The epidermis is covered with a layer of protective hydrolipidic film, which protects it from external negative factors. The film, thanks to the sebum and moisture contained in it, prevents bacteria from penetrating inside. Skin in normal condition remains elastic and smooth for a long time. With improper and untimely care, the epidermis loses moisture, bursts, and begins to itch. Infections can get inside through cracks, causing an inflammatory process. Why does skin dry out in winter?

• Congenital feature. Genetically, a person may have a predisposition to excessively dry skin.
• The cause may be hormonal imbalances. Endocrine problems can also cause dry skin.
• Improper care of face and body.
• Washing with too cold or, conversely, too hot water.
• Prolonged stay in a room with excessive heating.
• The skin dries from a lack of vitamins and poor nutrition.
• Excessive cosmetic procedures that harm the skin.
• Exacerbation of chronic diseases that cause dry and cracked skin.

Skin can dry out for many reasons, one of which is improper care.

How to protect yourself from the winter itch

The unpleasant itching that occurs in winter can be prevented by not scratching after every walk in the fresh air in the frosty season. This is not difficult to do if you know the simple rules of taking care of your skin during the winter season.

Here are 10 simple but very effective ways to protect your skin from winter itching:

1. You should protect exposed skin from the frosty wind with warm scarves, hats and gloves, as well as a special cream or regular Vaseline, which can be used to lubricate your lips, cheeks, etc. before going outside.
2. It is necessary to use moisturizing creams before each bath or shower to prevent skin tightening after water treatments.
3. In winter, vitamin D, which is available to everyone without a prescription, will help improve the condition of the skin.
4. It is necessary to monitor the air humidity in the room and prevent it from drying out, which has a detrimental effect on human skin, causing it to peel and itch.
5. It is very important to avoid hypothermia and not go outside in frosty temperatures of -20 degrees C, which can trigger the development of an inflammatory reaction on the skin or frostbite.
6. One of the main provocateurs of the development of itching in winter is the sun. At this time of year, it is especially active, so it can affect the skin, cause irritation and premature aging. To prevent this from happening, experts recommend using creams with photoprotection (SPF factor not lower than 15).
7. During winter, a person should avoid taking a hot bath. It is also not recommended to take water procedures using a hard washcloth. These factors contribute to increased skin dryness and itching.
8. To avoid itching in winter, it is necessary to monitor the air humidity in the room where a person spends the greatest number of hours during the day. Too dry air “pulls” moisture from the skin and provokes peeling, drying, and itching.
9. In winter you should not visit the solarium. Artificial sunlight lamps negatively affect the condition of the skin, cause irritation and, together with other harmful factors, can provoke the formation of cancer cells.

Doctors urge their patients who have sensitive skin to be careful in the choice and frequency of cleansing products they use. Soap should be purchased on a natural basis, which contains moisturizing components.

For the entire period, it is better to avoid cosmetic procedures such as peeling and not expose the skin to unnecessary trauma.

Ways to combat itching

Having figured out why the skin itches in winter, you can proceed directly to considering ways to eliminate itching.

Relieving itching caused by dry air

If your skin begins to itch in winter, you should purchase special creams designed to moisturize the epidermis and apply them in accordance with the instructions.

Instead, you can use folk remedies. One of them is an oatmeal mask. To prepare it you will need to take 3 tablespoons of these flakes, 1 medium-sized cucumber and 3-5 tablespoons of 15 percent sour cream. All ingredients need to be crushed and mixed (for example, in a blender), and then applied to problem areas of the skin for 20 minutes. The procedure can be performed once a day or as needed.

Secondly, you need to clean your skin. This should be done carefully, but carefully, so that along with dead cells and dirt, you do not remove the moisturizing substances that the body naturally produces. Why the skin itches and flakes in winter is most often due to the dryness of the epidermis. Therefore, you should not overdry it even more. It is recommended to use as little soap as possible and not to overuse hot baths.

Before leaving the house in cold weather, you need to hide as many areas of your body as possible under clothing. This:

• firstly, it will reduce moisture loss;
• secondly, it will prevent chapping;
• thirdly, it will reduce the influence of ultraviolet radiation.

If nothing can be done about the humidity of the air outside, then indoors it can be easily saturated with steam. To do this, you don’t even need to spend money on special equipment. To increase the humidity in a room, you need to boil water and let it evaporate. First you need to open all the interior doors.

Such measures are needed because during the cold season the air in apartments and private houses is very dry. Due to heating, the concentration of steam in them may be even less than outside. Therefore, if body itching occurs at night in winter, in order to get rid of it, you need to periodically humidify the rooms.

Treatment of itching that occurs in winter

Naturally, winter itching is always easier to prevent than to cure. But what to do if the skin is already red, starting to itch and peel? Fortunately, modern cosmetology, together with dermatological science, is at a level where such skin problems can be successfully treated using special equipment that eliminates itching and flaking of the skin, increasing its moisture and elasticity.

Why should a person with winter itch visit a specialist office? Only an experienced cosmetologist is able to assess the condition of his patient’s skin, the nature of its damage and the severity of pathological changes. In addition to treating winter itching, a specialist will definitely recommend to a person how to care for the skin during the cold season, what protection creams are best to use and how to prevent moisture loss from epithelial cells during sub-zero temperatures.

Winter itching is a problem that a huge number of our fellow citizens face every year.

For some, the unpleasant sensations go away on their own, while for others they can transform into more complex skin ailments, be complicated by infectious agents, or develop into allergies. To prevent this from happening, you should take care of your skin and visit a dermatologist’s office from time to time to assess the general condition of the covering epithelium and prevent its damage.

Have you ever wondered why we constantly scratch our skin? may be due to several reasons.

Prevention of winter dry skin

To prevent itching and flaking, you can follow these rules:

1. avoid hypothermia, monitor your immunity;
2. ensure that the body receives a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals;
3. choose a full range of skin care that prevents the effects of adverse environmental factors;
4. use heaters and hair dryers less often;
5. ventilate rooms, use air humidifiers.

Dry skin in winter can be eliminated. The main thing is to find the exact reason why the epidermis peels and itches. Most often in winter, the epidermis is negatively affected by temperature changes, frost, and dry indoor air. Therefore, you need to protect exposed areas of the body from frost, use protective creams and humidifiers.

Have you ever wondered why we constantly scratch our skin? may be due to several reasons.

Why does my skin itch?

Skin is the largest organ of our body. The skin is constantly exposed to many external factors. Just like other organs, the skin has its own protective mechanisms that help it warn the body about a threat and protect itself from it.

Which we sometimes experience is just a danger signal that our body sends us.

But what can threaten our skin? Many external irritants: dust, contact with hair and clothing, insects, sweat, fragments of leaves and flowers. All this awakens skin receptors, which send an alarm signal to the brain, causing us to experience itching. And we start to itch...

When we scratch our skin, it seems to us that it becomes easier.

But the problem is that this can worsen your condition. Especially if dirt from nails or fingers gets under the skin or we put too much pressure on it. If the itchy skin gets worse or causes pain, it may be the result of an allergic reaction. There are also psychological causes of itching: nervousness, anxiety, etc.

Itchy skin and the most common causes:

• Lack of moisture
• Psoriasis
• Excessive sweating
• Improper hygiene
• Irritation
• Use of harsh chemicals
• Insect bites
• Mites and other microorganisms
• Stress
• Nerves
• Anxiety
• Side effects from medications
• Exposure to low temperatures

Various studies claim that there are neutrons in the brain with a special function: they give a signal when something comes into contact with our skin and could potentially harm us.

In 2007, a group of researchers at the University of Washington in the USA discovered that nerve cells exist

, which are associated only with the control of itching sensations.
The study, conducted by a biologist, psychiatrist and anesthesiologist, was published in the journal Science
.

The stimuli that are associated with itching are controlled by nerve fibers that are located just under the skin throughout the body. They send a signal to the brain through the spinal cord. Then the neurons let us know that “someone is biting” us. Thanks to these same nerve endings, we understand that we feel pain.

To scratch or not to scratch?

When we scratch our skin, we are simply reacting to a strong irritant. This unconscious signal indicates that the skin is irritated. When we comb it, we feel relief. On the other hand, after this the itching may become even stronger.

When we scratch our skin to get rid of the terrible itchy feeling, we scratch a wider area, causing it to become even more inflamed and the itchy area to become larger.

When we cough or sneeze, we are reacting to an impulse that we cannot control. That's why it's useful to understand what factors cause your skin itching and how you can neutralize their influence.

In a study from Wake Forest University (North Carolina, USA), scientists conducted magnetic resonance imaging to understand what happens to the brain when we scratch. Participants were required to use a brush to scratch their leg for 30 seconds and rest for another 30 seconds.

To their surprise, researchers have found that certain parts of the brain associated with unpleasant memories and emotions turn off when we scratch. Perhaps this is what accounts for the feeling of relief and calm after scratching the skin.

Why does my skin itch more in winter?

Many people suffer from severe itchy skin in winter. This is due to the fact that the skin dries out greatly when exposed to low temperatures, snow and wind. This is felt most strongly on the hands and face, which are most often exposed to cold. We also use hot water more often in winter. Temperature contrast dries out the skin, and soaps and detergents can cause dermatitis.

Another reason is that in winter we wear more clothes, so the skin does not breathe. Wool and rough, dense fabrics can also cause itching.

And in order to avoid scratching and injuring the skin again, apply cold compresses to those places where itching is most severe. You can also soak a cloth in chamomile infusion or make a mask from green clay. Don't forget about the benefits for the skin.

Content

Face masks in winter

At home, you can carry out full-fledged cosmetic skin care procedures. A nourishing mask based on natural products simultaneously moisturizes the skin and replenishes the deficiency of nutrients.

For oily skin

You can use a mask of egg whites and lemon juice; for this, beat two whites with two tablespoons of juice, then apply to the face and leave for 25 minutes.

Combined dermis

can be nourished with honey-based masks; for normal skin, oatmeal masks are suitable. These skin types are as close as possible, so masks can be combined and alternated.

Dry and sensitive skin

can be nourished with masks based on honey and cottage cheese. In addition, you can use masks made from milk, cottage cheese and cucumber to nourish the skin.

For all skin types

During the winter season and off-season, you can use nourishing clay-based masks. You can add vitamins in liquid form to such masks, such as vitamins A and E; they will not only nourish the skin, but also make it more elastic.

Hands dry out most often in winter. Regardless of the age and condition of the skin, the impact of frost on the hands has the greatest impact. This is due to the fact that the skin of the hands, in principle, contains less moisture and sebaceous glands than the skin of the face, and is more often exposed to cold and wind. And, of course, the final chord is the numerous detergents and cleaning products that your hands constantly encounter. Therefore, in winter, it is worth using not only soap with a reduced alkali content, but also gentle detergents, and using gloves when cleaning.

Dry hand skin in winter requires care no less than the epidermis of the face, and the stages of care are similar. To cleanse the skin, especially if peeling and cracks have already appeared, you can use a soft scrub - the same as for the face. After cleansing, you need to use a nourishing cream with ingredients that retain water - urea, wax and others. If the skin of your hands cracks in the cold, it’s time to introduce “heavy artillery”: apply a very rich nourishing cream to your hands at night, and then put on mittens or gloves. In the morning after such a compress, the skin will look much better.

The description is very similar to xerosis of the skin caused by seasonal phenomena. Moisturizing creams will help you, but you still cannot do without an in-person consultation.

Skin xerosis (xerosis)

is excessive dryness of the skin caused by decreased secretion of the sebaceous glands, resulting in a change in the hydrolipid balance of the skin and severe itching. Sometimes the cause of the disease is skin infections.

Taking into account all possible pathological changes observed in this disease, we obtain the following signs of skin xerosis: disturbances in sebum secretion and sweating; lack of amino acids in the stratum corneum; nonspecific vasomotor response; disruptions of skin lipid metabolism; feeling of discomfort and significant itching; dehydration; deterioration in the overall quality of human life.

What is itchy skin

Human skin is penetrated by billions of nerve endings, which are very sensitive to all sorts of irritants: vibration, touch, chemical or thermal effects. A crawling insect, an insect bite, the touch of a feather, a cobweb, or a hair can cause a desire to itch, burning, tingling at the site of irritation: you want to quickly remove this unpleasant sensation by scratching the itchy skin.

Generalized itching - unbearable discomfort in the superficial layers of the dermis - can cause some diseases of the internal organs, allergic reactions due to dermatitis. Among the symptoms of dermatological diseases, skin itching dominates, but scratching syndrome of the anogenital zone, conjunctiva, trachea, pharynx, nose, and oral mucosa often occurs. There is a distinction between itching of the whole body without rash and with rash.

Body itching without rash

Itching all over the body without rashes can occur due to the following diseases:

Rash and itching on the body

When multiple changes occur on the mucous membrane and skin that differ in color, texture, and appearance from normal skin, they indicate a rash. The rash can affect the arms, legs, face, stomach, and chest. These may be primary symptoms - pustules, redness, spots, goosebumps, blisters, pimples, blisters. As the disease progresses, the rash is replaced by secondary elements:

• Loss of natural skin color (discoloration, darkening).
• Erosions and ulcers are the result of opening an abscess with a violation of the integrity of the skin with the capture of subcutaneous fatty tissue.
• Peeling - scales of dead epidermis.
• Crusts are the dried surface of weeping erosion, ulcers, and opened blisters.
• Scratching – superficial or deep abrasions.
• Lichenification – thickening, strengthening of the skin pattern.

It is not worth making a diagnosis on your own, guided by visible signs and information you have read. In case of any suspicious manifestations, you should consult a doctor to identify the underlying internal pathology that caused the scratching. A rash and a strong desire to scratch on the body are accompanied by diseases such as:

Other common causes of itching for no apparent reason

Itchy skin is not always caused by serious illnesses. This may be a consequence of stress, age-related changes in the body, or a reaction to allergens and medications.

Infection with immunodeficiency virus

HIV does not manifest itself in the body for a long time, and the infected person may not be aware of the disease. But he has signs that indicate immunodeficiency. Skin signs are:

• neoplasms;
• candidiasis;
• herpes virus;
• eczema.

Fungal and viral diseases are accompanied by itching. Most often, herpes affects the mucous membranes, which are very itchy at the initial stage of the disease. Eczema can occur on the hands and face.

Mental disorders: psychogenic itching

Our body is sensitive to stress and anxiety. It often responds with redness in certain areas, itching, and chest pain. If you are sure that you are healthy and there can be no other reason for the itching, try to be less nervous and the itching will go away.

Allergic skin itching in adults and children

Food allergens cause irritation of the intestinal walls, which immediately affects the skin.

Rashes and itching appear. Allergies to cosmetics, shampoos, soaps, and cleaning products may also occur. It is recommended to find the cause and not come into contact with this reagent.

Seasonal itching

For no apparent reason, the body may itch in the fall and spring in patients with vegetative-vascular dystonia. Why this happens cannot be said with certainty. Most likely, this is due to a lack of vitamins in the diet and weather changes.

Dehydration

If your body itches, but there is no visible reason for it, it may be a consequence of dehydration. It is difficult to say why this condition occurs. The reason may be insufficient fluid intake or a large loss of fluid if you were in extreme conditions.

Senile or senile itching

In old age, the body undergoes many changes: metabolism changes, the skin becomes thin and dry, the functioning of the sebaceous glands is disrupted, and cell renewal slows down.

This leads to unpleasant consequences: irritation, peeling, and itching. The skin of the face most often suffers, as it is thinner and more sensitive.

Most often, antibacterial agents and antipruritic ointments are prescribed to get rid of them. Remember that self-medication with ointments alone will not bring results; you need to identify the cause and treat it.

Menopause

During menopause, women's hormonal levels change, which affects the condition of the entire body.

In addition to changes in the sexual sphere, you will feel a change in the condition of your skin and hair. This may include the body itching for no apparent reason.

Why you shouldn’t be afraid of this: as soon as the hormones return to normal, the itching will go away.

To relieve unpleasant symptoms, use moisturizing creams.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy

Pregnant women often have itchy breasts and stomach. These are normal phenomena, as the body is undergoing restructuring. Other parts of the body may also itch.

This should be treated carefully, as itching indicates allergies or diseases of the internal organs. See your doctor to determine the cause of the itching.

Itching of the body as a result of taking medications

If you are being treated with pills or folk remedies, itchy skin may be a side effect.

Read the instructions before diagnosing yourself differently. It is best to replace the medicine that makes your body itchy with a similar one.

Itchy skin can be caused by skin diseases, diseases of internal organs and some other reasons. If you have other symptoms besides itching, consult your doctor.

If there are no apparent reasons, eliminate stress and anxiety from your life, and the itching will go away.

Why the body itches for no apparent reason:

Causes of skin itching:

Why does my whole body itch?

When the body itches in different places, it is necessary, first of all, to determine the cause of this condition. Perhaps this is a consequence of fungal, allergic, inflammatory skin diseases, pathologies of internal organs, mental disorders and neuropathic diseases. Since there are so many causes, it is important to conduct a thorough diagnosis of the body to determine the root cause.

Allergy

Allergies in the 21st century have become the scourge of humanity. The entire population of the planet suffers from this disease to one degree or another. Allergies manifest themselves in the form of swelling, rashes, scratching, which vary in severity - from light scratching to scratching with the appearance of blood. With allergies and dermatitis, a large amount of histamine accumulates in the skin - a substance that causes scabies, tissue swelling, and dilates blood vessels. Therefore, itchy areas on the skin appear swollen and red.

Allergic itching is eliminated with antihistamines, but then the allergen should be identified and eliminated. A more serious neuroallergic disease is neurodermatitis or atopic dermatitis, which is characterized by uncontrollable, unbearable localized itching. This disease develops from childhood and subsides a little during puberty, but later recurs again. Treatment of diffuse neurodermatitis is long and complex.

Stress

A common cause of itching throughout the body is the development of psychogenic conditions: mental trauma, overstrain of the nervous system, stress, when a person does not control hand movements and constantly scratches and rubs the skin. At the same time, the desire to scratch under stress does not weaken, but, on the contrary, can only intensify. Often, against the background of neuroses, periodic wandering itching occurs, when it is impossible to determine a specific place. It is possible to avoid attacks or reduce their intensity if you eliminate the factors that cause stress.

Seasonal itching

Patients who complain of exacerbation of scabies attacks in spring or autumn can be confidently diagnosed with VSD (vegetative-vascular dystonia). This is due to a lack of vitamins in the body. Vitamin therapy, which should be prescribed by the attending physician, will help eliminate the symptoms. If your whole body itches in winter, you should go to the doctor and find out the reasons for this condition.

Itching during pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman may feel that literally the entire surface of her body is itching.

This problem in most cases can develop at the end of the second trimester and occurs in conjunction with weight gain and stretching of loose skin. A slight feeling of tightness and dryness, which occurs together with itching, can be considered absolutely normal.

.
But severe itching in the leg area, which is accompanied by severe pain, swelling and discoloration, may indicate disorders such as diabetes in pregnant women, varicose veins, kidney or liver failure
.

In some cases, there is a sharp increase in the sensitivity of the lower extremities to irritants from the external environment; this may occur due to hormonal changes

, in most cases during pregnancy (with an excess of female hormones in the body).
A rare neuropsychiatric disorder that affects a large number of women during pregnancy and is accompanied by severe scratching of the legs in the lower leg area is considered restless legs syndrome
(RLS).

The main symptoms of the disease: itching in the legs at night, illness in the legs, heaviness, insomnia, severe anxiety. In most cases, the symptoms of restless legs syndrome develop immediately after the baby is born; sometimes you can notice the development of the disease throughout lactation. The trigger that triggers the development of the disease are considered to be special hormones, hypovitaminosis, iron deficiency together with a predisposition to nervousness, unnecessary mobility, and severe stress.

Swelling in the lower extremities during pregnancy, together with severe itching, are considered factors for lymph stagnation and the possible development of varicose veins. Swelling can also develop painful sensations in the kidneys, which will occur due to severe stress on the body's excretory system.

During the development of liver failure, itching occurs together with rashes, small red papules, or changes in skin tone.

Types of skin itching

There is the following classification according to the frequency of relapses and intensity of manifestation:

1. Spicy. It is a consequence of pathology in the body.
2. Local. It has biological causes - bedbugs, ticks, etc. and is felt in a certain place.
3. Generalized. Unpleasant manifestations throughout the body for various reasons. Can be observed in liver, endocrine, dermatological, hematological, neurogenic diseases, oncology.
4. Chronic. It occurs for no apparent reason and indicates dermatosis and systemic diseases during an exacerbation.

in spring

Spring is the transition from harsh winter to hot summer. At this time of year, women take off their hats, eager to show the world the curls that have grown in three months. Naturally, everyone wants her hair to look perfect, so hair straighteners, curling irons, and coloring products are used. Weakened hair cannot withstand such pressure and begins to fall out.

Also in spring, preparations for the beach season begin with open swimsuits, tanning sessions and showing off your body to others. It is not surprising that every woman dreams of getting rid of extra pounds before the holidays. Diets that lead to nutritional deficiencies and stress help you achieve your goal.

Rapid weight loss contributes to exhaustion of the body, and this, in turn, causes exacerbation of chronic diseases, decreased immunity and metabolic disorders. If you want to keep your hair in good condition, remember that the key to its health is proper nutrition. If you want to lose weight at all costs, reduce the number of calories you consume: eat vegetables and fruits, lean fish, dietary meat (chicken breast), give up fatty, starchy and sweet foods.

Don't forget about physical activity: regular exercise strengthens muscles and improves blood circulation throughout the body, which means it promotes accelerated hair growth.

Another factor that threatens hair in the spring is hormonal activity: during this period, the reproductive and endocrine glands work in high alert mode. In addition to testosterone and estrogen, humans produce dihydrotestosterone. It accumulates near the hair follicles, leading to disruption of their nutrition and seasonal baldness. It is especially difficult for men, who are much more susceptible to the influence of the hormone than the fairer sex.

Fortunately, you can avoid negative consequences if you take timely measures. For example, you can improve blood circulation in the skin through massage and the use of natural masks that stimulate hair growth (mustard, pepper). To enhance their effect, you need to include foods rich in calcium and proteins in your diet. With your doctor's permission, you can take a course of vitamins.

What to do if your whole body itches

Considering that there is only one itching, but there are many causes, its treatment must be approached differently. What to do if your whole body itches? You can use ointments and creams that can relieve discomfort, but if the causes lie in liver disease or endocrine system disorders, then self-medication with local remedies can only aggravate the problem and complicate further treatment. Indeed, in this case, itching on the skin is just the tip of the iceberg, under which lies a serious illness, possibly fraught with tragic consequences.

Diagnostics

Determining the root cause will require diagnosing the itchy areas. First contact a dermatologist to prescribe tests and a detailed examination. If the dermatologist finds it difficult to name the cause, consultation with a therapist, endocrinologist, allergist, gastroenterologist and other specialists will be required. Principles of treating itchy skin:

• eliminating the cause;
• local treatment;
• systemic treatment.

Drug treatment

Depending on the reasons that caused the unpleasant symptoms, treatment for itching of the body skin is prescribed. For allergic scratching, antihistamines are prescribed: Zyrtec, Loratidine, Erius, Zyrtec, Suprastin, Tavegil. Additionally, it is recommended to take sedatives: Novo-Passit, valerian, mint tea, motherwort tincture, since the constant desire to itch disrupts sleep and makes the patient irritable. Complex manifestations are treated only under the supervision of a doctor.

However, this will take some time, and you want to relieve the itching as quickly as possible. Therefore, there are general recommendations:

1. The diet should not contain salty, hot, spicy foods. It is undesirable to drink strong tea, coffee, and alcohol.
2. If an elderly person has body itching (senile, worse in the evening and at night), then iodine preparations will alleviate the condition.
3. Take warm baths with sea salt.
4. Wipe the skin with calendula tincture in alcohol, lubricate with menthol-based antihistamine ointments.

Folk remedies

Along with drug therapy, folk remedies for body itching are used:

• A quick effect is achieved by taking baths with decoctions of plants: nettle, chamomile, mint, celandine, pine needles.
• Pruritoceptive (insect bites) are removed with coconut oil baths. To do this, dissolve 50 g of oil in a water bath and pour into warm water. The procedure time is 15 minutes.
• Lemon juice works great for itching, but it should not be applied to areas with damaged skin.
• Vaseline will help quickly relieve itching, as it will additionally moisturize and soften.
• To soothe irritations, you should use basil. It contains vitamins A, C, P, which are very important for skin health. You need to wipe the irritated areas with a clean fresh leaf or prepare a decoction of basil and make lotions.
• Apple cider vinegar and celandine are used as applications (do not use celandine for chemical or sunburn).

Modern creams for dry skin in winter

In winter, you should not choose creams with products of petrochemical origin - paraffin, petroleum jelly or mineral oil. They can protect, but they are addictive, and the work of the sebaceous glands slows down: the skin “does not want to work” itself, and this makes it extremely vulnerable.

But creams with vitamin E and natural vegetable oils (avocado, shea butter, cocoa, macadamia, etc.) will be an excellent choice.

A few examples.

The famous French manufacturer Sisley produces day winter cream Confort, with extracts of linden, olive, shea, plum and other components that stimulate the production of sebum. The skin is protected from the outside, while at the same time restoring its natural functions, and dryness gradually decreases. There is also Confort night cream, with echinacea and arnica extracts, wheat proteins, for dry and especially sensitive skin. By using both of these creams in winter, you can rest assured about your skin, but quality requires considerable investment, and “on average” it can cost 15-17 thousand rubles.

Significantly cheaper - sometimes less than 1,500 rubles - is the Vichy product - Nutrilogie deep-action cream for dry skin, based on thermal water. It is presented as a 24-hour oil-binding product, but is non-greasy and easily absorbed - it should be applied morning and night. Contains glycerin, arginine, vitamin E, vegetable oils, helps the skin begin producing its own lipids.

If this price “doesn’t fit into the budget,” you can pay attention to the domestic “Clean Line”, which produces inexpensive creams for winter care. For example, Lungwort with linden blossom costs less than 100 rubles - with this cream you can also protect dry skin from frost and wind.

Itching in the lower part of the legs is considered a very common phenomenon. In women, in most cases, it occurs for several reasons: improper care of their legs during shaving, allergies to tights (stockings), various care products, citrus fruits, and also to large amounts of sugar. But itching can also signal serious illnesses.

How to treat body itching

If a diagnosis is made, the disease that became the cause is determined, the appropriate medicine is prescribed for itching of the body skin:

1. For renal itching: UVB therapy, Cholestyramine, activated carbon, Thalidomide, Naltrexone, Ondansetron, Capsacin cream, Tavegil.
2. Itching due to cholestasis is treated with ursodeoxycholic acid, Cholestyramine, Phenobarbital, Rifampicin, Naloxone, Naltrexone, Nalmefene, Fexadine, Trexyl, Tavegil.
3. Endocrine diseases: skin moisturizing, hormonal medications, compensation for diabetes mellitus are necessary.
4. Hematological diseases: iron supplements, Aspirin, Cholestyramine, Cimetidine.
5. Senile (senile): drugs with a calming effect (sedatives).

Local treatment

Local treatment includes treatment of the skin surface in areas of inflammation. These can be compresses, lotions of 3-5% vinegar, talcum powder, morning and evening hygiene. Among the medications, ointment is effective:

• Lokoid;
• Triderm;
• Ultraproct;
• Belosalik;
• Baneocin;
• hydrocortisone ointment (has a lot of contraindications).

Antihistamines

In the treatment of diseases with manifestations of itching, drugs that block the production of histamine are often used. Antihistamines:

1. Atarax. The active ingredient is hydroxyzine hydrochloride.
2. Berlicourt. Prescribed to eliminate any signs of allergies. The active ingredient is triamcinolone.
3. Desazon. The active ingredient is dexamethasone.
4. Diazolin. Prescribed for psoriasis, eczema, urticaria, insect bites.

Etiotropic therapy

This is a treatment aimed at eliminating a microbial, viral, bacterial, infectious pathogen. All antibacterial drugs (antibiotics), sulfonamides, nitrofuran drugs are etiotropic. Etiotropic agents include interferons, antidotes, immune globulins, probiotics, bacteriophages, and anthelmintic drugs. Etiotropic therapy drugs are used for complications of hereditary diseases, poisoning, and herpetic infections of various organs.

Treatment

Therapy for skin diseases consists mainly of complex treatment. Unfortunately, today it is impossible to find a universal remedy that can be taken during itching in the legs so that not a trace remains of the disease. The symptoms of itching and allergies can be cured if based on the general picture of the patient’s medical history. Without knowing exactly why the pathology occurred, it will be very difficult to prescribe a normal treatment procedure. Skin diseases of various natures and etiologies include the use of various medications and treatments. There is no need to use anti-allergy pills during the development of psoriasis, and vice versa.

The use of medications should be under the supervision of a treating specialist

, since long-term and uncontrolled use of certain types of drugs (corticosteroids, antibiotics) can develop a completely opposite reaction in the body and spread itching and rash.

The main ways to detect a disease that is described by acute itching in the legs:

The main factor during the treatment process for allergic types of reactions will be the elimination of the allergen. It is false to distinguish several types of allergies that can actively develop on the legs:

If people are prone to developing allergies, then it is worth conducting special tests that will be aimed at identifying the product to which the body’s main reaction will occur. In addition to exclusive contact with the allergen, the following methods can be used:

1. Drug treatment, local (gels and ointments).
2. Following a certain diet.
3. The use of medications for oral allergies.

Anti-allergy medications should include tablets and ointments. Depending on the type of reaction, a special course of treatment with antihistamines or special hormones can be prescribed.

The spread of the disease, which occurs in various FIDE (contact, inflammatory, lichen others). Treatment of dermatitis occurs over a long period of time, and also depends directly on the indicators of its etiology. During infectious dermatitis, it is worth using a number of antifungal and antibacterial agents in combination with analgesics. In general, if the origin of the itching is not associated with an infectious disease or a malfunction of the internal organs, then you can get rid of it very quickly and easily without using medication.

If the foot, as well as the area between two toes, is very itchy, then you can use the following treatment method: add a few tablespoons of soda and salt to very hot water, and then steam your feet in it for 5-10 minutes. Afterwards, you should smear the allergenic area with salicylic ointment, and also put on warm socks. This technique can be used in cases of severe calluses and suspected development of foot fungus.

If your feet itch all the time in the shin area, you can use hot baths with sea salt and other strong chamomile herbs. You should quickly get rid of the development of food allergies with the help of decoctions (green tea, chamomile with honey, plain milk and kefir). If you are prone to food allergies, then it would be better to avoid coffee and black tea. Ice cubes from a frozen decoction of mint, St. John's wort, chamomile, and parsley are good for removing signs of scratching.

Rubbing the affected area with a tincture of calendula or celandine (you can use milk) can speed up the wound healing process.

How to remove body itching at home

Treatment at home is aimed at eliminating the symptoms, but you need to work with your doctor to combat the cause of the strong desire to scratch the skin. As temporary help you can use:

1. Burdock roots. You need already dried roots to then obtain the powder using a coffee grinder. Pour 2 tbsp into a saucepan. l. powder, pour 1 liter of water. Cook for half an hour. When it cools down, you can make gauze compresses by applying to the irritated area. The effect should occur within half an hour.
2. Alcohol tincture of elecampane. You can prepare it at home, for which you take 1 tbsp. l. finely chopped roots, pour them into a suitable dark glass bottle, add 50 ml of alcohol. The tincture is prepared for 10 days, after which you need to make an aqueous solution with the tincture and wipe the itchy skin. According to people's reviews, the effect occurs immediately.
3. Needles. You will need young buds and pine needles in the amount of one glass. Pour a liter of boiling water over them and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes. Wash with the cooled broth, wipe the skin, make compresses and lotions. The result is felt quickly.

Dry skin: how it is expressed and why it is dangerous

Under high magnification, such skin resembles a desert, cracked by the scorching sun. On the surface there is a whole army of enemies - keratinized scales that interfere with healthy breathing and cell renewal. Hence the complete disappointment in the mirror: a dull, grayish complexion, instead of elasticity and softness - a feeling of a stretched mask, small wrinkles, peeling, redness and itching.

Makeup doesn’t help either, because decorative cosmetics don’t stick well, getting stuck in tiny cracks. The skin needs help. But first you need to figure out why it dries.

The glands are responsible for the natural hydration of the skin. The sweat and sebaceous glands secrete a secret that covers the face with a thin water-lipid film. Its layer is equal to six microns - the human eye cannot see it. Essentially, it is a natural cream rich in omega-3 fatty acids. When your own water-lipid layer becomes thinner, the skin begins to suffer from a lack of hydration. There are many factors that are responsible for the reduction of natural fat film. Some of them are the consequences of external influences. Some are due to various changes in the functioning of the body.

Causes of rash from frost

It would seem that such manifestations of the body as allergic reactions to frost have completely banal causes and, first of all, they are malfunctions in the functioning of the immune system. In principle, this is how it is. The causes of frost rash lie in the malfunction of mast cells. Their main task is to protect the skin in the event of abrasions, wounds or skin irritations. But, if they malfunction, they begin to function incorrectly, since the immune system is already so depleted that it cannot cope with its main task. Such a violent reaction to simple stimuli is a reason to think about the correct functioning of your body as a whole.

Often the causes of a rash from frost lie in:

• Liver diseases.
• The presence of parasitic forms in the body.
• Diseases of the thyroid gland.
• Poor immunity.
• Dysbacteriosis.
• Caries. All skin allergies come from within the body. This means that only by completely healing your body can you hope to improve the situation and restore the proper functioning of the immune system.

Express methods for eliminating severe dry skin

When you come home from the street and your skin is either burning from the cold or tight, you really want to quickly put it in order and provide a feeling of comfort. Here are some recipes.

Homemade masks

A mask with boiled potatoes will help moisturize and soften the skin. Boil a couple of potatoes and mash them in a bowl, stir with 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Apply the warm mixture in a thick layer onto cleansed skin. Leave until the potatoes cool completely. Then rinse and apply a nourishing or moisturizing cream.

Honey perfectly restores reactive and dry skin. Mix 2 tablespoons of honey with 2 tablespoons of milk and heat gently in the microwave. Apply the mask to your face and lie down for 10-15 minutes. Then rinse with warm water and be sure to apply moisturizer.

Massage

Massage, or rather self-massage, also helps restore the skin. And here the main rule is neat, light movements, without effort or pressure. Before starting the procedure, apply cream or cosmetic oil. Perform movements along the massage lines extremely delicately, without stretching the skin.

Vitamin-mineral complex

To support your skin during the cold season, you can take a course of a vitamin-mineral complex. This, of course, is not exactly an express method, since the missing vitamins and minerals will “reach” the skin last, first providing other vital organs with the necessary substances.

The only thing we do not recommend is prescribing vitamins yourself. First, consult your doctor and get tested. Based on their results, the specialist will select the optimal complex that meets your needs.

Sources:

https://bolezni-kozhi.ru/sohnet-kozha-zimoy.html https://infoklan.ru/sohnet-kozha.html https://skin.ru/article/pochemu-zimoj-sohnet-kozha/