Caffeine & Itching

Caffeine is a bitter substance derived from plants that adds stimulant properties to numerous beverages, foods, medications and dietary supplements. Although most people can tolerate modest amounts of caffeine without suffering adverse reactions, caffeine might cause itching and other symptoms in some people. If you experience frequent, severe or persistent skin itching, seek guidance from your doctor.

Function

Caffeine might cause or contribute to rash and other itchy skin symptoms. According to "Eczema-Free for Life" by Adnan Nasir and Priscilla Burgess, caffeine intake might exacerbate itching linked with skin conditions, including eczema---a skin disorder that causes flaky skin on the elbows, scalp or other body areas.

Causes

If your skin itches with or without an apparent rash after consuming coffee, tea, soft drinks or other caffeine-containing substances, you might have a caffeine allergy or intolerance. Many people who believe they have allergies actually have intolerances, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. If you experience skin itching in addition to gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, stomach pain or vomiting that appears within two hours of consuming caffeine, you might have an allergy. A caffeine intolerance can cause skin itching without other, more severe symptoms. Caffeine also might trigger itching and outbreaks associated with skin conditions such as rosacea or dermatitis. Caffeine-containing medications and supplements also cause itching in some people.

Prevalence

Additional research is needed to determine the prevalence of skin itching in response to caffeine. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, approximately 2 percent of adults and 4 percent to 8 percent of children have food allergies; however, most allergies are not affiliated with caffeine. A greater percentage of the population, close to 20 percent, have food intolerances. Because caffeine is not a commonly known cause of skin itching, the correlation might go unnoticed or misdiagnosed.

Sources

Caffeine is present in an assortment of beverages, foods, medications and dietary products. According to the Mayo Clinic, the amount of caffeine in coffee ranges significantly but generally falls between 95 and 200 mg per 8-oz. cup. Tea contains approximately 40 to 120 mg per cup. Caffeinated soft drinks contain 23 to 54 mg per 12-oz. can. Energy drinks often contain excessive amounts of caffeine in addition to other stimulants, such as ginseng.

Though caffeine affects people differently, the Mayo Clinic describes excessive caffeine intake as consuming more than 500 to 600 mg per day. Various pain medications, such as Synalgos-DC and Excedrin Migraine and many energy-boosting and weight loss supplements also contain caffeine.

Suggestions

If you experience severe or persistent itching, seek guidance from your doctor. Though food intolerances can be difficult to assess, the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests avoiding or limiting foods and beverages that seem to trigger symptoms. Because caffeine is not a necessary substance, you can avoid it without suffering poor health. If you consume caffeine regularly or excessively, however, you might experience withdrawal symptoms, such as headache and irritability, after stopping its use. For best results, seek guidance from qualified medical experts.