Ever wondered why your skin feels itchy after taking a nice, long and relaxing shower? If you have, then rest assured, as you are not the only one.
What are the causes?
Let's briefly talk cleansing agents, as this could be one of the reasons why the skin could feel itchy.
Harsh/strong soaps could strip of the skin's natural oil and this could cause the skin to become sensitive and itchy.
It is also good to check the ingredients of the shampoo, shower gel or fabric softener used for example for towels. You could be allergic to certain ingredients such as fragrances, alcohol or menthol. This too could cause the skin to irritate.
Now let's focus on the main culprit of an itchy skin after a shower by highlighting two skin conditions related to dry skin.
First, eczema and specifically Atopic dermatitis, as there are different type of eczemas.
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease that causes inflammation, irritation and extreme itchiness.
Scratching leads to more discomfort as the skin may swell, crack, open with clear fluid coming out, crust and scale.
Now that we know what atopic dermatitis is, let's see what could happen after a shower.
Note that the skin barrier is weakened in people with atopic dermatitis and, therefore, more sensitive and easier irritable. Now add the long showers with for example strong/harsh soaps. The skin could become very dry, sensitive or irritated, thus, leading to itchiness after a shower.
Second, is xerosis cutis which is a synonym for dry skin. Everybody could have a dry skin. Long and hot showers with harsh/strong soaps will further strip the natural oils. The sebaceous glands will produce sebum to counter the dryness. However, the sebum production differs per person and as we get older the productions decreases. The skin becomes dehydrated and dry, which results in itching after the shower.
OK, so now you might wonder how to stop the itching?
First, it's good to identify the cause of your itchiness. Of course, if you have any doubts, do not hesitate to consult a dermatologist.
Below, we have listed a few tips to reduce the itchiness:
- Switch your body soap;
- Switch your laundry detergent;
- Pat your skin dry with your towel rather than rubbing your skin dry after your shower;
- Use a moisturizer all over your body right after you have stepped out of the shower.
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