Why does dry skin itch?

What makes dry skin itch more?

Long, hot showers, frequent washing, some soaps and detergents, and dry weather can all contribute to dryness. Aging also leaves skin thinner and producing less natural oil. Indoor heating removes moisture from the air, so the radiator and your moisturizer are working toward different objectives.1

Scratching does not always relieve an itch and can add pain and irritation. Repeated scratching can leave marks, break the skin or produce thickened, leathery patches. In eczema, thickened skin can remain very dry and itchy, keeping the cycle going even between flare ups.25

How to relieve dry skin itch

1. 1Wash gently. Keep baths and showers warm rather than hot, limit them to 5 to 10 minutes, and avoid scrubbing. Use a gentle cleanser instead of regular soap.
2. 2Pat your skin dry, then apply moisturizer while the skin is still damp. Moisturizers work best this way because they help lock in moisture.
3. 3Apply an unperfumed cream, ointment or lotion 2 to 3 times a day, or as often as needed. If nights are itchy, include an application before bed.
4. 4When the urge to scratch starts, hold a cool, damp cloth against the area. Pat or tap instead of scratching, and keep nails short and smooth.
5. 5Reduce ongoing irritation. Choose loose, soft cotton clothing and laundry products for sensitive skin, and avoid perfumed soaps and moisturizers.

Moisturizer helps hold water in the skin, which is a more useful job than making the bathroom shelf look busy. If regular moisturizing does not help, the next step is to check what is causing the itch rather than keep adding products.13

Why is the itch worse at night?

Your body loses moisture at night, and changes in temperature and hormones can also contribute to itching. A warm room with low humidity can make matters worse. Keep the bedroom cool, use soft cotton sleepwear and consider a humidifier if the air is dry.6

Moisturizer or a cool compress can provide immediate relief from nighttime itching. Symptoms can still take several days to several weeks to settle completely, depending on the cause. Itch that continues to interrupt sleep needs medical attention rather than a longer wait.6

When is it more than dry skin?

Eczema can start with intense itching before a rash appears. Dry, scaly patches, rough bumps, cracking or recurring inflamed areas are reasons to get the skin assessed. Eczema can look red on lighter skin, or dark brown, purple or grayish on darker skin.5

Itching can also come from an allergic reaction, a medication or another medical condition, even without a visible rash. If itching began after a new prescription, contact the prescriber; do not stop the medicine yourself. A pharmacist can help choose itch treatments, since antihistamines help only some causes.27

See a doctor if itching is severe, widespread, keeps returning or does not improve with self care. Get assessed for open sores, wounds that will not heal, pain, fever or yellow crusting. During pregnancy, tell your doctor or midwife about itching because it can sometimes signal a liver condition.567