Itchy and Scratchy: Five Reasons Your Skin Feels Irritated

This is a contributed post.

Is there anything quite as irritating as itchy skin? Tightness, dryness or a feeling that an army of ants are marching all over your body are just some of the symptoms! But why exactly does your skin feel so irritated? Here are five possible causes.

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1.  You Have a Medical Condition
An overgrowth of yeast in the body can cause itchy and inflamed skin. This can be caused as a result of antibiotics (as they kill the ‘good bacteria’ as well as the bad) pregnancy, uncontrolled diabetes and immune system issues to name a few. Even hormone imbalances or poor diet could be to blame. If you’re spending a fortune on athlete’s foot medicine and are fed up with the itchy sensation caused by yeast overgrowth, it’s important to get to the bottom of it. Other conditions causing itchy skin are eczema and psoriasis. It’s important to visit a doctor or dermatologist if you suspect you have these so you can seek the right treatment.

2. Your Skin is Sensitive
Even if you don’t have a medical condition, some people’s skin is naturally more sensitive than others. Certain perfumes, materials or chemicals in products like washing powder can cause a reaction leading to inflamed skin, rashes, and itchiness. Choose products which are specifically targeted for sensitive skin to avoid this issue, using all natural and organic skincare can help too. Don’t scrub at your skin and be as gentle as possible to avoid a reaction.

3. The Weather Is To Blame
Most of us suffer from skin issues when the weather is bad. First gale force winds and rain make it sensitive, and central heating strips out the moisture. Protect your skin as much as possible, try to avoid spending too long out in the elements. Face against the wind when you again, and use nourishing products to both protect and put back the hydration that’s lost.

4. You’re Not Using The Right Products
Speaking of products, not using the right ones or not sticking to a skincare routine could be one reason why your skin feels irritated. Dryness can lead to it feeling tight and uncomfortable. Invest in a day cream, night cream, eye cream and facial oil targeted to your skin type and stick to your routine. Using face masks every now and again too can help to replenish skin. A moisturizing body butter after a bath will help to keep the rest of your body from feeling dry. Gently exfoliating a few times a week is useful too, this will remove any dead skin flakes and freshen up your complexion. Be sure to use a facial exfoliator on your face and a body exfoliator on your body. Body scrubs are harsher and can damage delicate facial skin.

5. Your Bathwater Is Too Hot
Finally, submerging yourself into a piping hot bath might be just what you need after a long day, but it can dry out your skin. Having the temperature down a notch, or at least washing your face separately in cooler water can help to improve issues.