Itching has an impact on sleep and quality of life and may be due to:
- dry skin
- medication (such as morphine or antibiotics)
- jaundice due to liver disease
- kidney disease
- chemicals released by cancer (especially some blood cancers)
Anything that causes increased blood flow to the skin can make itching worse. This includes alcohol, caffeine, spicy food, hot baths and warm beds.
Medicines can help control itching, depending on the cause. Anti-histamines are worth a try but don't always help.
Consider seeing your doctor for a medication review and blood tests.
Tips for dealing with itchy skin:
- If your skin is dry, use a simple moisturiser such as aqueous cream twice a day. A combination of aqueous cream and menthol can be helpful (Dermacool)
- If you store the cream in the fridge, it will feel cool and soothing when applied
- Try cool or lukewarm baths or showers
- Try adding a moisturiser such as Oilatum to bath water, and use aqueous cream instead of soap
- A little baking soda added to plain bath water can also help
- After bathing, apply moisturiser or aqueous cream while your skin is still damp
- Rub rather than scratch the itchy area (scratching increases histamine levels)
- Avoid things such as biological washing powders, scented soaps, bubble baths and products containing lanolin
- Wear light, natural fibres such as cotton and keep rooms cool
- Try distraction or relaxation techniques