I sometimes get questions through my website, usually from people who are living with chronic skin conditions. I always do my best to answer all of these questions. One relatively common question is about itching, and how to manage it. Because I hear this question so often, I wanted to share this information with everyone, instead of just with the individuals who ask me privately.
Itching is unfortunately a part of many different chronic skin conditions, and it can be really distracting and irritating. I’ve certainly experienced this myself -- alopecia areata is an inflammatory condition, and it can cause an itchy scalp. I know first-hand how annoying itching can be.
How can you deal with itching – so you can back to enjoying your life?
What can you do about itching?
There are quite a few different ways to deal with itching. Different things will work for different people, depending on your specific skin condition, which area is itching, what's triggering the itching, and your body's individual responses. You may need to try a few different things to get the itching under control.
Here are some effective ways to deal with itching that you can try:
Avoid scratching. This first tip is often the hardest! We naturally want to scratch an itch. However, while scratching might feel good in the moment, it actually irritates your skin more and causes further itching. It’s common for people with chronic skin conditions to get into an itch-scratch cycle, where itching leads to scratching, and scratching leads to more itching. Do your very best not to scratch, even when you’re feeling super itchy.
Check your products. Pay attention to anything that comes in contact with your skin – cleansers, shampoo, even laundry soap. Chemicals like fragrances can be irritating to the skin and may cause itching, so try to choose hypoallergenic and fragrance-free options.
Check your clothing too. Clothing that’s rough, scratchy, or tight could irritate the skin, much like scratching. Choose natural fabrics like cotton, and make sure they’re loose enough not to irritate your skin. Pay particular attention to areas like the seams and tags, which can easily cause skin irritation.
Moisturize. When skin gets dry, the skin barrier can sometimes crack, which leads to itching. Apply a lotion containing a good moisturizer, like glycerin or panthenol. Ideally, put this on right after you get out of the shower or bath, to lock in that moisture.
When you’re experiencing itching, cold compresses can provide quick relief. Wrap an ice pack in a towel and apply it to the itchy area, or drape a cold, wet washcloth over the area. It usually only takes about five to ten minutes to relieve itching using this technique.
Colloidal oatmeal is another great itch-reliever. This is simply dried oats that have been ground into a very fine powder. The FDA has actually approved colloidal oatmeal for relieving itching and irritation associated with a variety of different skin conditions – meaning that it’s certified to be effective. You can find colloidal oatmeal in a variety of different skin products, or you can make your own by grinding oats very finely in a blender or coffee grinder. When the powder dissolves in water (rather than sinking to the bottom), it’s ready – sprinkle about a cup of it into a bath and soak in it.
In some cases, a topical local anesthetic might help. For example, those who experience an itchy scalp due to a condition like alopecia areata might consider trying a shampoo with polidocanol. For those with itchy skin, topical products containing pramoxine or lidocaine may be an option. However, it’s important not to cover too large an area with a product like this, because some if it is absorbed through the skin. This can be very dangerous if the levels in the bloodstream rise too high. It can be used on small areas when you really need relief.
Corticosteroids are strong anti-inflammatory medications that can sometimes help to relieve itching. There are over-the-counter versions (such as hydrocortisone) as well as stronger prescription versions. It’s generally recommended not to use these for too long, because they can cause side effects like skin thinning, so this isn’t really a long-term solution. Talk with your doctor about this option to get personalized recommendations.
Antihistamines (like Benadryl) can also help to relieve itching when it’s really severe. However, they can also cause side effects (like drowsiness). There have even been some studies showing that long-term use of medications like these can increase the risk of dementia. It’s definitely best to be careful, and only use this option occasionally rather than relying on it too often.
Make sure you’re getting the right support
If you’re experiencing skin itching, make sure you’re connected with a medical professional. It’s really important to make sure you have the right diagnosis. For some conditions, prescription medications can make a difference. Although these can have side effects, and may not be effective for everyone, it’s still best to know what your options are so you can consider all of the options for dealing with your condition. Your doctor will also be able to watch out for any signs that your condition is potentially becoming worse, or that you’ve developed complications (like an infection).
I know it can be challenging to find a doctor who really listens to you and understands holistic skin health. I’d love to be able to help everyone with a chronic skin condition – I’m currently working on being able to offer my services as a doctor to people in more areas!
One way to find a doctor who you vibe with is to talk with like-minded women who also have skin conditions. Our communities are a great place to connect, and you can ask for doctor recommendations there. You can also get more tips and advice on managing your day-to-day life with a skin condition.
While learning to manage the itching from a flare-up is helpful, it’s also helpful to find ways to support your skin health so that you experience as few flare-ups as possible. That’s what Mind Gut Skin Academy (MGS Academy) is for. Using the latest science related to the mind-gut-skin axis, I offer evidence-based tips for how best to support the health of your skin to help you achieve your best skin health – as well as overall mental and physical health. The brand-new version of the program will open its doors soon – you can learn more here.
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