Having continuously itchy skin on your face may tempt you to scratch, even though you know scratching will likely make the problem worse than ever. Itching may be the result of hundreds of underlying problems, but you may not need to see a doctor quite yet. Most causes of itching are straightforward and simple to remedy from home, according to MedlinePlus.
Causes
Itchy facial skin that doesn't come with visible changes such as a rash is most likely caused by skin dryness, according to the Mayo Clinic. Dry skin usually occurs as a result of extreme temperatures with low air humidity, overuse of central heating or air conditioning and showering too often in hot water. Other potential causes of itchy facial skin include skin conditions such as psoriasis, hives and skin inflammation and irritations or allergic reactions to substances such as wool, soaps, cosmetics and food, according to the Mayo Clinic. Internal diseases are unlikely to cause itchy skin in just one area of the body.
Home Care
Although your itchy facial skin may be a symptom of many conditions, helpful habits are similar for most conditions. Avoid aggravating your itchy face through scratching by keeping your fingernails short or wearing gloves and avoid wearing potentially irritating clothing, such as wool hats, on affected skin, recommends MedlinePlus. Washing your face and showering with lukewarm water, using a mild facial cleanser with a low pH, thoroughly rinsing soap from your face, patting your skin dry with a towel -- not rubbing it -- and following up with a face-formulated moisturizer will help keep your skin hydrated, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Considerations
Using a facial moisturizer may be all you need for itch relief, but if that doesn't work you may also consider using an over-the-counter 1-percent hydrocortisone steroid cream. Apply hydrocortisone cream away from your eye area to reduce risk of eye exposure, use the cream sparingly and avoid prolonged use unless instructed to do so by your doctor, recommends MedlinePlus. Steroid creams can cause problems such as thin skin.
Problematic Symptoms
Talk to your doctor or dermatologist if your face continues to itch for over two weeks despite your efforts to moisturize and reduce irritation to your skin, recommends the Mayo Clinic. Also get help if your itching is extreme and distracts you from daily functions, if you can't easily explain the source of your facial itching, if the itch spreads to other parts of your body or if you notice extra symptoms such as fatigue, changed bowel habits or urinary frequency, skin redness, fever and weight loss.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Your doctor or dermatologist may be able to diagnose the cause of your facial itch by examining the skin, but she may also need to perform a biopsy, blood test or skin scraping to confirm a diagnosis, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The treatment depends on the source of the problem. She may prescribe a prescription topical medication or an oral antihistamine to reduce itch from hives or eczema or prescribe a cooling topical cream to relieve general itching.
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