Feeling itchy after a shower is usually due todry skin.
In most cases, applying moisturizing lotion can help to prevent and sootheitchy skinafter a shower.
When this barrier doesn’t stay hydrated, it doesn’t function properly.
Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health
To maintain hydration, the skinssebaceousglands produce an oily, waxy substance calledsebum.
Sebum forms a protective barrier that helps keep the skin moisturized.
Dry skin can become scaly, rough, cracked, and fissured.
DermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
Itchiness can occur as a result of dry skin and in some circumstances becomes chronic itch.
There are numerous causes of dry skin.
For instance, aging is linked to drier skin.
Treatment
The best way to manage dry skin is to keep it hydrated and moisturized.
In some cases, a prescription may be required.
Also, have a go at prevent dry skin by avoiding triggers such as harsh soaps or cleaning products.
Avoid scratching the skin, as it can cause the dryness and itchiness to get worse.
Rubbing or Friction
When rubbing or friction causes itching, it is calledintertrigo.
As a result of the rubbing, skin can become inflamed, itchy, and irritated.
It is more common in people who have obesity and is also more common in warm weather.
It may help to separate skin folds and gently dry them with gauze or a clean, soft towel.
you could use antiperspirant cream or powder to keep the skin dry.
Wearing loose clothing made from soft, gentle fibers can help to avoid irritation and itching from friction.
Cotton and silk are soft and help the skin breathe so it stays dry.
Also, take a stab at keep showers to five to 10 minutes.
The skins sebaceous glands produce sebum to form a protective barrier that helps keep the skin moisturized.
With xerosis, your skin will be:
Xerosis can also cause painful skin cracks on the hands andfeet.
This skin condition is common in cold, dry climates.
It can affect people of any age, but older adults are more likely to have it.
Xerosis typically only happens in the winter, but for some people, it can be a year-round problem.
The chronic form of the condition is calledasteatoticeczema.
“Asteoatosis” means a lack of oil.
Winter itch usually does not need treatment other than skin self-care tips you might do at home.
Limit shower length, use mild cleansers, and only use the cleanser on the underarm and groin areas.
If you suspect that you have an allergy that is causing itchy skin, speak to your healthcare provider.
Your healthcare provider may give you a prescription medication to help you manage your eczema or psoriasis.
Polycythemia Vera
Polycythemia vera(PV) is a chronic bone marrow disease.
It causes the body to make too many red blood cells.
People with PV have thicker blood and are at high risk forblood clots.
People with PV may have itchy skin, especially after a hot bath or shower.
One reason why this may happen is that the body releases more immune cells that make histamine.
This substance is linked to allergic reactions.
This test measures the proportion of red blood cells in a volume of blood.
If this is abnormal, additional studies are ordered.
PV has no cure, but its symptoms can usuallybe managed.
The main goal of treatment is to lower the risk of blood clots.
This may includehaving blood drawnoccasionally and taking low-doseaspirin.
Hodgkin Lymphoma
Hodgkin lymphomais a cancer of the lymph nodes.
It causes the lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, groin, or chest to grow.
Itching can beone of the main symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma.
The immune system makes proteins called cytokines to fight cancer.
When these proteins get into the nerves in the skin, they can cause itching.
Certain activities, like drinking alcohol and showering, can trigger itching episodes.
Some medications used to treat Hodgkin lymphoma can have itching as a side effect.
Diagnosing Hodgkin lymphoma involves taking a tissue sample from the node and testing it.
Hodgkin lymphoma is typically treated with a combination ofchemotherapy, radiation, andstem celltreatments.
Home remedies such as keeping your skin clean and moisturized can help soothe the itching associated with Hodgkin lymphoma.
Cholinergic Urticaria
Cholinergic urticariais a bang out ofhives.
Strong emotions may also cause hives in people with cholinergic urticaria.
The hives incholinergic urticariaare smaller than a mosquito bite.
Cholinergic urticaria can often be treated with certainantihistaminesyou take by mouth (oral).
Antihistamines that do not make you feel tired are called non-sedating antihistamines.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Aquagenic Urticaria
Aquagenic urticaria(AU) is a rare kind of hives.
The condition triggers when water comes into contact with the skin.
People with AU get hives within a few minutes of water touching their skin.
The response happens no matter the water’s temperatureit’s not just from hot water.
The cause of aquagenic urticaria is unknown.
AU is diagnosed by placing a drop of room-temperature water on a person’s skin.
If a hive forms within a few minutes, the person has AU.
AU can often be managed with non-sedating antihistamines.
However, unlike AU, itching from IAP does not come with a rash.
Finding the right ways to manage the condition might take some trial and error.
They can ensure you find a treatment that works to relieve your symptoms.
Summary
Itching after a hot shower or bath is common.
It’s usually triggered by winter itch when dry, cold air strips moisture from your skin.
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