An itching sensation is a common occurrence for some people. Itching is built-in protection for the skin to help let you know when something is not quite right. There are many causes for skin irritation and many are commonly known, such as bug bites, dry skin, and sunburns. These type of skin issues are easily diagnosed which makes it simple to treat. There are many other causes of itch that may be surprising.
Allergies You Did Not Know You Had
Lots of people know what they are allergic to because of a reaction sometime in their early years. Some allergic reactions cause life-threatening symptoms, but often allergies are the only explanation as to why we itch. Allergies can develop later in life and you could find something that your body has always tolerated will begin to make your skin red and cause you to itch. This is a warning sign from your skin that something is wrong. Take note when you develop a rash. This could save your life.
Drinking Soda and Other Sugary Drinks
Drinking soda and other drinks that contain sugar can dehydrate your skin. The National Center for Disease Control and Prevention conducted a survey that found much of the sugar in our diet comes from our drinks. Sugary drinks can cause the body to seek needed hydration from places that it would not normally look. The skin is a great place to look for hydration. The problem with this is that when your skin gets robbed of its moisture it will begin to itch to let you know that there is a dilemma. If you find your skin becoming oversensitive, try drinking more water and see if this helps.
Are You Scratching for Two?
Pregnancy will make a woman itch. Along with all the other discomforts of having a baby itching is a normal part of the process. When a woman is pregnant her body has an increase in chemicals and hormones. This, as well as the stretching of the skin, can cause the body to itch. Many times your body can adjust to the changes after a few months and creams or lotions can help to ease the itch. If itching is uncontrollable then it may be a good idea to see your doctor. Uncontrollable itching during pregnancy can be a symptom of a serious liver disorder. Make sure to let your doctor know if you are worried about an increase in itchy skin.
Stress, Anxiety, or Other Mental Health
Mental health seems to affect every aspect of our lives. People who experience a high amount of stress have a higher chance of developing a mental health condition. Some mental health conditions can cause the skin to itch for no aperient reason. It is a reaction the body has when something does not make sense to the brain. Itchy skin can be a symptom of depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. If you have an unexplained skin condition, try not to scratch and see a doctor. Scratching can lead to infections. When you talk to your doctor he/she may be able to prescribe medication that can help with the underlining cause of the itch.
Medication May Help One Thing but Cause Another
A common side effect of some medications is that they may cause skin irritation. When a doctor prescribes medication then they look at what you need the medication for. Sometimes medications will cause unwanted side effects such as itching. When this is the case a doctor will weigh the positive effects of the medication against the negative to see if the good will outweigh the bad. If so then you may have to put up with being a little itchy for a while so your body can heal from whatever caused the need for medication in the first place.