Itchy Skin Causes and Tips | Skincare Advice

What is
Itchy Skin?

Itchy skin, also known as pruritus, is a common sensation that causes a strong urge to scratch the skin. It can affect any part of your body, and while it is usually temporary, it can be persistent and uncomfortable. Itchy skin may be triggered by various factors, including dry skin, allergies, irritants or even infections. In some cases, itching can occur without visible signs like rashes or bumps.

While occasional itchiness is normal, if it persists or becomes severe, it could indicate an underlying issue that needs attention. Be sure to seek medical attention if this is the case. Understanding the causes and finding the right treatment can help you manage and alleviate the discomfort.

Is your skin itching on
your face, your body or all over?

1
The Body
One of the most common itchy skin causes on your body is dry skin, seasonal allergies or when your skin has been in contact with an irritant. Other itchy skin causes for the body may be related to bug bites such as mosquitos, spiders or other insects. These bites are so small it is common not to see them but still experience the itching. Bug bites like this are usually nothing to be worried about, however, if the itching persists, we recommend you see a doctor for further examination.

Itchy legs are especially common in colder months due to dryness, shaving, or tight clothing, and can often be soothed with a rich moisturiser. Itchy hands, on the other hand, may result from frequent washing, exposure to cleaning products, or even seasonal dryness, and benefit from gentle, fragrance-free hand creams.

2
The Face
Itchy skin on your face is most common in winter, usually because of the cold, dry air which can lead to dry, irritated facial skin. Seasonal allergies or environmental allergies can cause itchy skin all over, specifically an itching on your face. Other causes of itchy skin on the face are food or medication allergies, as well as rosacea, which is a skin condition that causes itching and tingling on the cheeks.

3
All Over
Itching all over your body can be linked to skin disorders such as eczema, xerosis or others. However, it can also be linked to infections or more serious underlying diseases, such as liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid problems, anaemia or lymphoma. In all cases, it is advisable to have an examination to determine the cause and obtain appropriate treatment.

5 causes of itchy skin

What causes
itchy skin?

Itchy skin can be caused by a variety of factors, many of which are easily treatable with the right care. The most common causes include:

1
Dry Skin:
This is one of the leading causes, especially in colder months. When your skin loses moisture, it can become tight, flaky, and irritated, leading to persistent itching.

2
Allergies:
Seasonal allergies, food sensitivities, or reactions to certain skincare products can trigger itching. Your skin may react to pollen, dust, or even specific ingredients in soaps or lotions. If you're experiencing persistent or severe itching, it's important for you to seek professional medical advice.

3
Skin Conditions:
Conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and hives can cause itchy, inflamed skin. These conditions may require special treatment to soothe and help repair your skin.

4
Infections:
Fungal infections, bacterial infections, or even viruses like chickenpox can lead to intense itching. It is important that you consult your doctor about the treatment of these illnesses.

5
Environmental Factors:
Exposure to harsh weather, such as extreme heat or cold, can make your skin dry and itchy. Similarly, too much sun exposure or chlorinated water can leave your skin feeling irritated.

Itchy skin
but no rash?

The most common cause of itchy skin with no rash is again dry skin. This dry skin is usually the result of environmental factors, for example if you have been in the sun too long, in cold winter conditions, in very dry conditions or if your skin has been overexposed to water. Dry skin also commonly worsens as you get older and your skin ages, as our skin loses some of its natural oils over time. However, it could also be due to an underlying illness. Please consult your doctor if you have any doubts.

Itchy skin
at night?

The technical term used for itchy skin at night is nocturnal pruritus, which can be very uncomfortable to deal with – so much so that you can have sleepless nights over it. Causes of itchy skin at night can be divided into:

Natural causes
Medical causes

Natural itchy skin causes at night are usually related to your circadian rhythm; this is the internal 24-hour cycle your body goes through in response to its environment. This can lead to itchy skin at night as both blood flow and body temperature increase in the evening – this rise in skin temperature can make your skin feel itchy. Following circadian rhythm, your body also releases certain substances throughout the day, and this varies by time of day. During the night your body releases more cytokines, which can increase inflammation, as well as reduce the production of hormones such as corticosteroids which normally reduce inflammation.

Several medical conditions lead to itchy skin at night, but it is important to remember to see your GP before you decide this is the cause and try to treat it yourself. The medical conditions include: skin diseases (such as eczema), bugs (scabies, lice or bedbugs), kidney disease or liver disease, anaemia, thyroid problems, leukaemia or lymphoma or even a nerve disorder.

Your mind can in fact be one of the many itchy skin causes. The feeling of itchy skin at night can intensify, because during the day you keep yourself busier so you are more distracted from the sensation, whereas at night your mind can fixate on the itchy feeling, making it seem worse than it is.

Some Basic Skincare Tips
For Itchy Skin

There are different ways to help with itchy skin, and some simple tips can even be put into practice at home. For an instant itchy skin remedy, we recommend that you apply a cool, wet compress to the itchy area. A hand towel with cold water for 5 to 10 minutes can be very effective as a remedy for itchy skin all over.

If your skin tends to be dry, this can also cause itching. In this case, your first point of action should be to moisturise your skin. We recommend that you use a long-lasting moisturiser or lotion that offers intensive care, such as the NIVEA Rich Nourishing Body Lotion.

If your skin is itchy and dry due to over-exposure to the sun, then we recommend that you apply an after-sun moisturiser with aloe vera such as our Moisturising After Sun Lotion. This will provide instant relief and moisturise skin for up to 48 hours.

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How to
stop itchy skin from occurring

If you want to know how to stop itchy skin from occurring, there are precautions you can take – in the products you use, the environment you expose your skin to and even the clothing you wear.

For the environment you expose your skin to, you should avoid extreme temperature changes. The optimal conditions to avoid itchy skin are a neutrally humid environment. If you are prone to dry skin and eczema, then a humidifier during winter is recommended.

The clothes you wear can help to stop itching. We advise you to wear loose-fitting, cotton clothes and to avoid fabrics such as wool and synthetic materials. These can irritate your skin further and lead to intense itching, especially if you have sensitive skin.

The NIVEA Repair & Care Fragrance-Free Body Lotion
for Dry Skin

Discover the NIVEA Repair & Care Fragrance-Free Body Cream, which relieves 5 signs of dry and sensitive skin: dryness, itching, redness, tightness and irritation. With Glycerine, Provitamin B5 and Ceramide, its hypoallergenic formula with a non-greasy texture soothes feelings of irritation from the very first application, while reinforcing your skin barrier.

Whether you are dealing with tightness, flakiness or persistent dryness, the NIVEA Repair & Care range works to help restore comfort and resilience.

A word from our expert:

“Several ingredients and treatments are known to help relieve skin itchiness,” explains Marcus Favaro, Lab Manager in Formula Development at NIVEA Body. “Moisturising agents such as Glycerine, Panthenol, Allantoin, Ceramides and Hydrogenated Lecithin work by hydrating the skin and soothing irritation caused by dryness or conditions like eczema.”

Summary

Itchy skin can be an uncomfortable and frustrating experience, but understanding its causes and knowing how to care for your skin can help provide relief. Whether it's triggered by cold weather, irritants, or underlying health issues, identifying the cause is key to finding relief. Moisturising regularly and using soothing treatments can help restore comfort and prevent further irritation. If itching persists or becomes severe, it's important that you seek medical advice to address any underlying conditions. With the right care, you can manage and soothe itchy skin effectively.