Itchy Skin at Night

Is your itchy skin leading to sleepless nights and disturbed routine? Itchy skin at night can be caused due to a number of factors. Though you may have suffered a lot due to itchy skin, itching especially at night is really disturbing. Let us know the various causes and remedies for itchy skin at nighttime.

What Causes Itchy Skin at Night?
There are a number of factors which can cause itchy skin at night. These are some of the common causes of itching at night.

Allergic Reactions: Allergies to chemicals in a mattress or bedding can be a cause of itchy skin at night. The fabric of the bedding or mattress can also intensify the itching. Some fabrics cause irritation to our skin, you must avoid wearing clothes made of such fabrics. This is one of the causes of itchy skin all over body. Also, itchy skin all over the body can be caused due to the use of a soap or detergent that you are allergic to. Read more on itching all over body.

Menopause: The body skin becomes dehydrated after menopause. It may become itchy at night if the fluids are not being consumed in the required amount. Itchy skin during menopause is a very common problem.

Liver Problems: Cirrhosis of the liver is a chronic disease that interferes with the normal functioning of the liver. This disease creates bile byproducts that travel to the skin and cause extreme itching which may become much noticeable at nighttime. The major cause of this disease is chronic alcoholism.

Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a skin disease, characterized by dry red patches covered with scales. This may mainly affect the scalp, ears, genitalia and the skin over bony areas. This skin disease can cause itchy skin at night mainly due to friction with rough bed covers.

Extreme Heat: If your skin is over-exposed to sun or tanning rays, this may lead to irritating and itchy skin at night. Keep yourself hydrated and cool by drinking lots of fluids like fresh fruit juices and most importantly water. Stay away from aerated drinks.

Hot Shower: Most of us have a habit of taking shower before going to bed. A hot shower is definitely good for relaxing your muscles, but this can also cause itchy skin at night. A hot shower dries out your skin and by the middle of the night, it becomes extremely dry due to friction with the bedding and clothes leading to itchy skin at night. This is one of the main causes of itchy skin after shower. Dry skin is one of the main itchy skin causes.

Itchy skin bumps can result from various skin diseases. The cause can be determined according to the location of the bumps. Itchy scalp can be caused due to head lice, folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicle), psoriasis, or lichen simplex which is a form of eczema.

Skin bumps due to acne can be seen on the face, neck, or trunk of the body, while certain skin disorders like eczema (dyshidrotic eczema) and psoriasis will affect the hands or feet. Insect bites will be found on the areas not covered by clothing or hair. Itchy bumps accompanied by skin rashes on the genitals can be due to molluscum, lichen planus, pubic lice or scabies. Skin stretching and hormonal fluctuations are the most probable cause of itchy skin during pregnancy. Read more on itching during pregnancy.

Remedies for Itchy Skin at Night

• You must moisturize your skin at least twice a day to avoid itchy skin. Applying a moisturizer soon after taking a bath will help avoid itching. Remember that damp skin retains moisture better than dry skin.
• Take shorter and cooler showers or baths because hot showers will dry out your skin and cause irritation.
• Oatmeal baths are very effective in treating itchy skin. You can also have a milk bath and sprinkle some oatmeal powder in it. Oatmeal bath powders are easily available.
• Keep away the harsh soaps and detergents, perfumes and deodorants. Switch over to mild and fragrance-free detergents and soaps.
• Keep your fingernails away from your skin. Scratching your skin will irritate and it and lead to infections.
• Clean your skin with water and dry it thoroughly before you go to bed. Also, apply a moisturizer.
• Make sure you wear loose and preferably cotton fabrics which won't irritate your skin. Also, use a proper fabric for your bedclothes and cushion cover.

Itchy skin at night can be avoided by maintaining proper skin care and hygiene. Remember to keep your skin clean and moisturized all the time and stay free from itching at night.