Feeling an urge to scratch is not always due to a rash or insect bite. Itching may have other, less obvious causes or be a sign of problems in other parts of the body such as the kidneys or liver.
- Itchy body due to skin problems
- Itching on the body due to internal diseases
- Itching of the body due to nervous disorders
- Natural solutions to relieve itching in the body
Itching on the body is a common consultation in dermatology consultations. Itchy skin can be very annoying and scratching is not the solution, as it only irritates the skin and increases the risk of infections.
If it happens to you, you’ll ask yourself, “Why does my whole-body itch?” Often, itching (technically known as pruritus) is caused by dry skin, something common as we get older. Insect bites can also cause it in specific areas of the skin. However, there are many other reasons that may explain why we suddenly notice itching all over the body and some are not easy to identify.
ITCHY BODY DUE TO SKIN PROBLEMS
Atopic dermatitis is one of the main causes of pruritus. It usually manifests itself with redness that can sting and be very uncomfortable and are more frequent in the cold months.
Being in contact with certain chemicals can also cause the skin to become irritated and there is swelling, redness or blisters, something known as contact dermatitis.
- There are many substances that can cause contact dermatitis and are present in countless products that we touch every day such as soaps, perfumes, cosmetics, personal or household hygiene products and also in some metals such as nickel.
The best way to avoid contact dermatitis is to avoid the substance that causes it. However, it is not always easy to identify. Therefore, it is advisable to always opt for cosmetic and natural hygiene products, without fragrances, perfumes or substances that can irritate the skin.
Psoriasis is another skin disease and causes excessive peeling of the skin: while normally the skin is renewed approximately every month, in people with psoriasis it does so every 3 days. Flaking usually appears in outbreaks, especially in periods of stress, and causes intense stinging.
On the other hand, hives, which is usually caused by an allergy to a drug or food, is usually accompanied by red dots (similar to insect bites).
ITCHING ON THE BODY DUE TO INTERNAL DISEASES
Noticing an itching in the body can be a warning sign that there is an underlying disease such as advanced kidney disease and often appears in people who are about to need dialysis or who are already receiving it. When the kidneys do not work well, there may be an excess of certain substances in the body such as magnesium, calcium, phosphorus or histamine, which are suspected to be the cause of itching.
- The itching can spread throughout the body and be especially intense on the back, arms, and legs.
Also, people who have liver disease, such as hepatitis C, cirrhosis or a bile duct obstruction, are often over-the-top itchy.
- In this case, the itching usually starts on the palms of the hands and feet and spreads to other parts of the body.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), itching is also common in people who have a disease that affects the blood, such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma or cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
On the other hand, high blood sugar (glucose) levels can cause dry skin. That is why itching is common in people with diabetes.
It can also occur in case of anemia or thyroid problems (either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism).
ITCHING OF THE BODY DUE TO NERVOUS DISORDERS
Multiple sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease that usually manifests differently in each person, which is why it is known as the disease of a thousand faces. One of the signs may be itching, which some patients describe as a burning sensation, as if pins are stuck in them.
Shingles is an infection caused by the varicella zoster virus (the same virus that causes chickenpox). When it is “activated”, blisters appear that cause itching, although in this case located in the affected area.
NATURAL SOLUTIONS TO RELIEVE ITCHING IN THE BODY
As we have seen, itching can have many different causes and the most important thing is to find out what it is in order to remedy it. If the itching lasts more than two weeks, see your GP, who will refer you to the dermatologist if necessary.
In any case, these tips can help you soothe itchy skin:
- Hydrate your skin daily with natural products free of additives, fragrances and perfumes.
- Apply a cold damp cloth on the area that itches you for about 10 minutes or until the itching disappears.
- Oatmeal is a renowned skin soothing and an oatmeal bath will help reduce itching, as well as moisturize and soften your skin.
- Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing or soft natural fabrics.
- Avoid stress, because in some cases it can increase itching. In this sense, meditation techniques can be very useful.
