Itchy skin on any area of the body can be super uncomfortable and irritating. Itching might be caused by anything from sunburn and insect bites to rashes, dry skin, an allergic reaction, or other skin conditions like eczema, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.

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The first step to relieving itchy skin is identifying the source. According to the Cleveland Clinic, some of the most common causes of itchy skin are allergic reactions, pregnancy, dry skin, and reactions to certain medications.² Keep reading to learn more about these itchy skin triggers, as well as others.

Hot Water

Long, hot showers or baths can sometimes cause dry, itchy skin. To help prevent itchiness, the  Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends limiting bathing time to approximately 10 minutes or less and bathing with lukewarm water whenever possible.³

Dry Skin

This is often considered to be the most common cause of itchy skin. When skin loses too much moisture, it can disrupt the skin’s protective barrier, resulting in dry, itchy skin. To help soothe and hydrate dry skin, the Academy of Dermatology recommends applying a fragrance-free cream or ointment that features beneficial ingredients like urea, and dimethicone regularly.⁵

Skin Irritants

Itchiness can occur after exposure to external irritants, such as harsh soaps, detergents, and rough fabrics (like wool). This type of itching may be temporarily reduced by eliminating the source of the itch or making minor adjustments to your usual routine, such as wearing loose-fitting cotton clothing.

Weather

The weather where you live can also impact how itchy your skin feels. Cold weather during the winter months, for example, is a known trigger of dry, itchy skin.  This is often due to harsh conditions that can strip moisture from your skin, like low temperatures, dry air, and chilly wind. In warm weather, some people experience a reaction known as heat rash—which is caused by blocked sweat glands and usually appears as tiny, itchy bumps. While not directly caused by weather conditions, skin itches uncontrollably that you develop itchy rash and scaly patches from poison ivy, poison oak, and bug bites may be more likely during the spring and summer months.

Itchy Skin Conditions

Certain conditions, skin diseases and medical illnesses may also play a role in itchy, uncomfortable skin. Eczema and psoriasis, for example, are two skin conditions that are often accompanied by itchy skin.¹ Always speak to your doctor if you suspect your itchy skin may be related to a skin condition or illness.

Stress

Feeling stressed may worsen itchiness in some people. For this reason, it’s important to manage stress levels if you frequently experience itching skin.

Although the causes of itchy skin can vary from person to person, here are a few common aggravators that could make itching worse that you may want to avoid:

• Rough fabrics, such as wool
• Long, hot showers and baths
• Excessive heat and temperature changes
• Irritating soaps and detergents
• Prolonged scratching
• Stress