Does your body feel itchy when you step out of the shower? Wondering why? Well, there are a number of possible reasons and a number of solutions you can use to stop it.
Before we go into these solutions, let us look at the reasons why your body might be itching.
Source: Doctors’ Circle World’s Largest Health Plat
Why does your body itch after a shower?
The following reasons may cause the itchy feeling you get after a shower;
1. You have dry skin (xerosis cutis): If you have extremely dry skin, taking a bath further strips your skin of moisture. This could make you itch, especially if you take prolonged baths in too hot water.
2. You probably need to change your soap or cleaner: Perhaps you are sensitive to an ingredient in your shampoo, body wash or cleanser. If this itching starts after using a new product, you should stop using it at once.
3. Something called “Aquagenic pruritis”: This is a rare condition that you should already know you have. With this condition, water activates your nervous system; therefore, any contact with water causes extreme itchiness.
There could be other serious health reasons for your body to itch, but those conditions can only be diagnosed and treated by a doctor. If you try out some home remedies and yet your body continues to itch for hours or even days, then you should see a doctor immediately.
How to stop an itching body after bathing
If your itching does not die down after your shower, here are a few home remedies you can try;
1. Moisturize your skin while wet: Moisturizing your damp skin with a fragrance-free hypoallergenic moisturizer will help to lock in moisture. This relieves dry skin and leaves you less susceptible to itching.
2. Switch your soaps: The cleansing agent in your soap or body product is too strong for your skin. Opt for a gentler product.
3. Change your shower routine: Do not use too hot water to shower, and avoid taking prolonged baths. Lukewarm water is better for your skin.
4. Anti-itch powders or creams: You could apply powders that have cooling agents like menthol or calamine. If the itching is really unbearable, you could use an over-the-counter corticosteroid cream.
5. Pat, do not rub: Rubbing your body with a towel after your shower could cause the protective layer of your skin to rip off. Instead, gently pat your skin with a towel.
6. Change your laundry detergent: Perhaps your skin is reacting to your laundry detergent. Switch your detergent to something less irritating or harsh.
7. Incorporate essential oils into your skin routine: Oils like peppermint, chamomile, tea tree and rose geranium help to soothe itchy skin. You could use it right after your body lotion or mix it with your body lotion and apply it after a shower.
8. Drink water: Being dehydrated leads to dry skin, which in turn leads to itching. To prevent that, drink enough water.
An itchy skin can occur for a number of reasons, some more serious than others. If your itching persists for days, none of the remedies mentioned in this article will work. The only solution would be to see a doctor.
Disclaimer
A medical professional did not write this article. If you are experiencing any itchiness, please visit the nearest clinic.
