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Reasons Why Your Body Itch After Bathing

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Reasons Why Your Body Itch After Bathing
Reasons Why Your Body Itch After Bathing

Have you ever felt that irritating sensation on your legs, hands or the whole of your body after bathing? Once I felt this way, I was forced to heap a lot of powder on my body just to feel good again. At a certain time during school days, it always happened to me after bathing. I didn’t really know what caused it at the time. I did feel the environment had something to do with it but I wasn’t certain. There are a few reasons why  your body itch after bathing. 

Itching after you take a bath isn’t a strange occurrence. For some people it is persistent. Often times it can be caused by dry skin and applying a lotion may not be enough treatment. Sometimes dry and sensitive skin needs more care to take away that dryness that results in itching. 

Some other symptoms of dryness like peeling, scaling or rashes are indicators that the skin needs a treatment.

Reasons Why Your Body Itch After Bathing

Several conditions cause itching after bathe. Some are harmless while others can be serious. Let’s explore some of these causes which are obviously the reasons why your body itch after bathing.

  1. Dry Skin

Dry skin lacks moisture and may feel itchy mostly after bathing. Cleansers, soap and water are all capable of removing the skin’s natural oil that helps to keep it moisturized. 

While taking hot showers, the soap and water strips away the skin’s oil. This causes the skin to feel dry and itchy. Sometimes, it could get to the extent of causing a crack on the skin.

A very effective way to prevent an itchy skin after bathing is to apply moisturizers immediately after bathing. There are heavy moisturizers such as cream, oil and ointment. Applying these while the skin is slightly damp helps to restore skin moisture. 

  1.  Reaction to Skin Care Products

Many people use products like cleansers, soap and hair products. Some of these products trigger allergy which leads to itching(contact dermatitis).

Some study reveals that fragrance is a very common trigger for skin reaction. In cases whereby moisturising alone does not take care of itching, it becomes necessary to try out new shower products. 

In trying out new shower products, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers are highly recommended. 

  1. Aquagenic Pruritus

This condition causes an activation to the nervous system. Activation to the nervous system is done by water on the skin. As a result, once you’re done bathing your skin becomes itchy. 

  1. Reaction To Laundry Products

Some laundry products can also cause itching on the skin especially when it comes in contact with the skin before bathing. Using such products on the towel can cause itching to the skin when the towel is used.

Using the towel after bathing can transfer some of the scent from the laundry soap or towel fabric to the skin. This can lead to itching and irritation. It is common when the person has an allergy to them.

People with sensitive skin are advised to avoid using laundry products with scents or dyes. 

  1. Eczema

Eczema (inflammation) may also lead to itching and excessive dryness. This situation causes red rashes/bumps to appear on the skin. Sometimes it feels more itchy after bathing. Scented body washes, soap and hot water, are also common triggers to itching from eczema. 

How To Treat Itchy Skin After Bathing

To treat itchy skin after bathing, here are some of the steps to take.

  • Avoid Using Products that contain Retinoids

Retinoids regulate epithelial cell growth. At the same time, they can worsen dry skin. Some examples of retinoids are rethinol, adapalene, and tretinoin. The use of rethinoids should be avoided unless prescribed by a doctor.

  • Keep Away From Using Wash Cloths and Harsh Sponges

These may cause regular irritation to the skin. 

  • Avoid long hot shower

Hot bathe increases the chances of having a dry skin. Add colloidal oatmeal or bath oil often to help moisturize the skin.

  • Moisturize skin when damp

Applying moisturizers when your skin is damp helps to lock moisture into your skin. Fragrance-free hypoallergenic moisturizers are very good for the skin. Stick to oil-free moisturizers in case of acne-prone skin. Always remember to store your moisturizers in a cool dry place. The fridge can serve as a good storage place. It provides an additional cooking benefit. 

  • Change Shower Routines

Long steamy showers could leave the skin dry and parched. Instead of long steamy showers, go for short showers that aren’t too hot. Showers that easily give the feel of a lukewarm temperature. This type may leave your skin healthier and less itchy.

  • Use Anti-itch Cream

Anti-itch cream with lactic acid may be used to relieve itching on dry skin. Pramoxine chloride is an ingredient that has been shown to reduce itching caused by dry skin. Therefore cream containing such ingredients will be good on the skin. 

NB: some other creams designed to relieve itching symptoms caused by inflammation do not usually work for itchy skin caused by dryness. 

  • Use Essential Oils

Essential oils can be used to prevent or treat itching. Dilute any essential oil of your choice with a soothing carrier oil. Carrier oils such as sweet almond oil can be used before applying to an irritated skin. Others such as peppermint, tea tree, and rose geranium all have potential benefits for relieving dry and itchy skin.

Other remedies for treating itchy skin after bathe include 

  • Limit the use of products that contain Alpha-Hydroxy Acid
  • Do not scratch the skin
  • Use a humidifier
  • Change your soap when necessary 

Conclusion

Experiencing an itchy skin after bathe isn’t strange. Most times simple changes in shower routine and procedure helps to address such issue. 

However in the case of persistent itching, seeing a doctor becomes necessary. Especially after exploring the natural remedy options. 

Itching can also be nerve-related. Health conditions such as nerve damage and multiple sclerosis may cause an over reaction of nerves in the skin. This can also cause itching. 

Seeing a doctor is very necessary to prevent other health conditions from springing up.

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