What causes itchy skin after showering?
For some people, having a bath comes with an uncomfortable side effect: pesky, persistent itching.
Read this #thread to find out why it happens and how to treat it.
#HealthyLiving
For some people, having a bath comes with an uncomfortable side effect: pesky, persistent itching.
Read this #thread to find out why it happens and how to treat it.
#HealthyLiving
Itching after you take a bath or shower isn’t uncommon. There are several culprits that could be the cause of your post-shower itchy skin and some are more common than others.
Below are a number of reasons behind what’s causing your skin to itch after showering.
Below are a number of reasons behind what’s causing your skin to itch after showering.
1. Xerosis cutis
“Xerosis cutis” simply means that your skin is too dry. Soaking your skin in hot water for extended periods of time can strip your skin of its natural oils, irritating skin that already lacks moisture. Sometimes that results in itching after a shower.
“Xerosis cutis” simply means that your skin is too dry. Soaking your skin in hot water for extended periods of time can strip your skin of its natural oils, irritating skin that already lacks moisture. Sometimes that results in itching after a shower.
The itching may mostly happen on your feet or legs because those parts of your body have so much contact with the water.
2. Soap sensitivities
It’s possible that the soap you’re using is drying out your skin as it cleans. A harsh soap may not always leave a rash that you can see but it can leave a lasting itch after your shower is over.
It’s possible that the soap you’re using is drying out your skin as it cleans. A harsh soap may not always leave a rash that you can see but it can leave a lasting itch after your shower is over.
Failing to wash all the soap residue off your skin after a shower can also be a source of itching and discomfort.
3. Aquagenic pruritus
With this condition, your nervous system can be activated by water on your skin. As a result, you get itchy after a shower or bath. This condition is rare, and if you have it, you probably already know.
With this condition, your nervous system can be activated by water on your skin. As a result, you get itchy after a shower or bath. This condition is rare, and if you have it, you probably already know.
Aquagenic pruritis causes immense itching after any contact with water, including washing your hands, and going into the pool.
How to treat itchiness after bathing
If your itching is persistent after a shower, you may want to consider using a home remedy as a treatment. Below are some ways you can prevent itching or treat it if it happens:
If your itching is persistent after a shower, you may want to consider using a home remedy as a treatment. Below are some ways you can prevent itching or treat it if it happens:
1. Pat your skin dry instead of toweling off.
Rubbing your skin with a towel after a shower can strip your skin of moisture. Don’t try to remove every water droplet from your skin. Instead, pat your skin dry with your towel after washing off.
Rubbing your skin with a towel after a shower can strip your skin of moisture. Don’t try to remove every water droplet from your skin. Instead, pat your skin dry with your towel after washing off.
2. Moisturize your skin while it’s still wet.
Applying moisturizer while your skin is just a bit damp will help to lock moisture into your skin barrier. Opt for a fragrance-free hypoallergenic moisturizer.
Applying moisturizer while your skin is just a bit damp will help to lock moisture into your skin barrier. Opt for a fragrance-free hypoallergenic moisturizer.
Consider using a moisturizer that’s “oil-free” if you have acne-prone skin. For an added cooling benefit, store your moisturizer in the fridge before applying it.
3. Switch your soaps.
If you’re having recurrent itching without a rash after you shower, maybe it’s time to switch soaps. Look for a soap with mild, hypo-allergenic ingredients. Moisturizing soap has been found to have a positive effect on reducing the symptoms of dry skin.
If you’re having recurrent itching without a rash after you shower, maybe it’s time to switch soaps. Look for a soap with mild, hypo-allergenic ingredients. Moisturizing soap has been found to have a positive effect on reducing the symptoms of dry skin.
4. Change your shower routine.
If you take long showers, you may be leaving your skin parched. Taking shorter showers with lukewarm water may give you skin that’s healthier and less itchy.
If you take long showers, you may be leaving your skin parched. Taking shorter showers with lukewarm water may give you skin that’s healthier and less itchy.
5. Try a cooling agent after showering.
Dermatologists usually recommend using menthol or calamine lotion at the site of itching and irritation.
Dermatologists usually recommend using menthol or calamine lotion at the site of itching and irritation.
6. Try using anti-itch creams.
Creams that contain lactic acid may be used to soothe itching from dry skin and to help bind moisture to the skin. Pramoxine hydrochloride is another promising ingredient that has been shown to decrease itching caused by dry skin.
Creams that contain lactic acid may be used to soothe itching from dry skin and to help bind moisture to the skin. Pramoxine hydrochloride is another promising ingredient that has been shown to decrease itching caused by dry skin.
Please note that over-the-counter creams designed to soothe itching symptoms caused by inflammation, like topical corticosteroids, don’t usually work to address itching caused by skin that’s just dry.
7. Consider essential oils as part of your shower routine.
You can use essential oils to prevent or treat itching. Dilute any essential oil that you choose with a soothing carrier oil, such as sweet almond or jojoba oil, before being applied to skin that’s irritated.
You can use essential oils to prevent or treat itching. Dilute any essential oil that you choose with a soothing carrier oil, such as sweet almond or jojoba oil, before being applied to skin that’s irritated.
Peppermint, chamomile, tea tree, and rose geranium all have potential benefits for soothing skin that’s dry and itchy.
8. Finally, drink more water.
Being dehydrated can lead to skin that feels dry. In general, make sure that you’re getting eight cups of water (or more!) each day to hydrate your body properly.
Being dehydrated can lead to skin that feels dry. In general, make sure that you’re getting eight cups of water (or more!) each day to hydrate your body properly.
With these tips, we hope you'll finally be able to put a stop to that annoying itch that occurs every time you shower. If you don't itch but know a friend or relative who does, please share this with them.
Do have a lovely evening.
Do have a lovely evening.
