An increase in dieting may contribute to itching and irritated skin. Whether this reaction stems from weight loss remains questionable. Often, people label itching as an effect of losing weight while dieting but, there isn't enough studies done to confirm that hypothesis. Itching while dieting can result from many factors. Some are minor, not deserving much attention at all. Others can be severe or life-threatening and in some instances it might be just what you wished for, a small indication that you are losing inches.
Potential
There may be other potential causes of itching and irritated skin while dieting. Food allergies might be the cause of the skin irritation. Because most diets let you eat new foods or eliminate foods, it is important to learn the alternative names for ingredients and pay close attention to fool labels. Balanced nutrition is key to the success of any diet. if you are exercising while on your diet, be sure to keep your skin moisturized and pay close attention to the weather. These two factors could also contribute to itching while dieting.
Misconceptions
Eating foods listed in diet guidelines should not be your only focus in dieting. If certain foods are restricted from your diet, it is important to know what supplements you need. There is a chance that the Recommended Daily Allowance, or RDA, of essential vitamins and minerals will be excluded. This can play a large role in causing skin irritation and itching. Be sure to consume enough of all of the recommended daily vitamins, especially A, C and E. Vitamin C plays a vital role in strengthening the walls of blood vessels. Vitamin A prevents dryness and a rough texture on the surface of the skin. Vitamin E protects cells from damage, strengthens blood vessels, has anti-inflammatory effects and helps to protect against ultraviolet sun rays. Zinc helps repair tissue and can help with skin problems such as acne and eczema.
Home Remedies
If you find that dieting causes you to itch, consult a doctor, especially if the itching is interrupting daily tasks. Apply an anti-itch cream or lotion to the affected area. According to the Mayo Clinic, A nonprescription hydrocortisone cream containing at least 1 percent hydrocortisone can temporarily relieve the itch. Avoid scratching the irritated skin. Choose mild soaps without dies. Take a cool bath and avoid substances such as perfumes that can irritate your skin.
Expert Insight
There isn't much research on the correlation of itching skin and diets. According to Mayo Clinic, when itchy skin is not accompanied by other irritations, such as hives or rashes, it is most likely a result of dry skin, which can cause skin to tear, and this can be extremely uncomfortable when it comes into contact with the sweat that is naturally produced during exercise.
Prevention/Solution
Although life-threatening symptoms are rare, don't completely ignore itching and skin irritations during a diet. Try to find out what triggered them and make changes accordingly. Keep track of what foods you eat, especially before you exercise, as the symptoms frequently are paired with dieting. Take note of the type of fabric your gym clothes are made of. Make a mental note of any new soaps, lotions or products that you may have started using. All of these may be the cause of your itching. Most importantly, let your doctor know of any external changes you see on your body. He can prescribe medicines that will have you back in the gym in no time. In the end, if you find that your itching means you lost a few pounds, simply scratch and keep up the good work.
References
- Mayo Clinic
- "ACE Personal Trainer Manual"; Cedric Bryant; 2003
- Effects of Poor Diet on the Skin
- Mayo Clinic: Itchy skin
