Identifying and treating the cause of itchy skin is the way to get relief from the irritating sensation that makes you scratch. Common causes of itchy skin, such as dry skin, contact dermatitis, allergic dermatitis and pregnancy, can be easily treated with self-care measures to relieve itching and soothe the skin.
Dry Skin
Dry skin is the most common cause of itchy skin. A thin layer of natural lipids covers the skin and keeps moisture in. Using harsh soaps or taking long, hot showers strips this protective layer of fatty substances. Your skin, which is the body’s primary defense against infection, is left unprotected. Cracks associated with dry skin provide bacteria access into the body. This increases the risk for infections.
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis causes itchy skin. The upper layers of the skin become inflamed in response to direct contact with an irritating substance. According to the Merck Manuals, 80 percent of all cases of dermatitis result from contact with a chemical irritant. The chemical substance causes damage to the skin. Common irritants include the acetone in nail polish remover, acids or alkalis, such as drain cleaners. People have varied sensitivities that trigger contact dermatitis. An itchy rash that is confined to a defined area is associated with contact dermatitis.
Allergic Dermatitis
Allergic dermatitis triggers itchy skin. It is the response of the immune system to direct skin contact with an allergen. Sensitization can occur after one exposure or after many exposures to the irritant. Usually, once a person is sensitized, itching and skin inflammation develop within four to 24 hours after the next exposure. Common allergens that trigger allergic dermatitis are wool, latex rubber gloves, oil in the sap of poison ivy, poison oak and sumac, fragrances and metals such as nickel, which is a common component in jewelry.
Pregnancy
The March of Dimes notes that some women experience itchy skin during pregnancy. Many women have itchy skin around the breasts and abdomen during the second and third trimesters. The normal stretching of skin associated with pregnancy contributes to itchy skin.
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