Waking up with marks on your body can be disturbing.
This article will explore potential reasons for waking up with scratches and potential prevention and treatment of each cause.
You may also be scratching yourself by accident by keeping your fingernails too long or wearing jewelry to bed.
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If your scratch is bleeding, you may need to cover it with a bandage.
You may also want to remove jewelry or irritating clothing before bed.
Dermatographia
Also known as “skin writing,” dermatographia ordermatographismis a condition similar to hives.
For most people with this condition, dermatographism will disappear within half an hour.
Your healthcare provider may suggest a skin care regimen or use over-the-counter (OTC)antihistaminesto control these reactions.
Xolair (omalizumab), a prescription anti-inflammatory, is being researched as a treatment for this condition.
Early trials have shown that the medication improves the quality of life for people with dermatographism.
Experts are unsure what causes dermatographism, making it challenging to pinpoint prevention techniques.
Rash
Rashes can irritate and lead to itching.
Certain conditions cause itching and rashes as side effects or symptoms.
Common examples include:
Treatment for itching with a rash depends on the cause.
A healthcare provider can help you manage conditions that lead to rash, such as eczema or psoriasis.
Treatment may include anti-inflammatory medications,immunotherapy,or other procedures.
Preventing a rash depends on the punch in of condition.
For instance, dehydration can be prevented by drinking plenty of water.
With contact dermatitis, avoid the substance that causes an allergic rash.
These disorders can lead to various abnormal movements during sleep.
Addressing underlying stress and psychological conditions or any physical issues that increase itching may help treat your parasomnia.
Insects and other critters can live in your bedding or burrow into your skin well before sleep.
Many of these pests are so small you may not even notice them.
They are more active when you are still or sleeping and leave visible marks by morning.
Scabies infestations might require ascabicidemedication to kill these particular pests.
Keeping pets and other animals away from your bed can help prevent scratches from pets and specific infestations.
Treating your pets with preventiveinsecticidesdesigned to keep fleas andticksaway is also a good idea.
Preventscabiesby avoiding skin-to-skin contact with an infested individual.
Be sure to practice safe hygiene and sexual practices with others.
Most of the time, scratch marks go away on their own.
Certain medications to treat the underlying cause of the scratches may require a prescription from your provider.
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