The itching in the body They are a common consultation in dermatology consultations. He itchy skin can be very annoying and scratching is not the solutionas it only irritates the skin and increases the risk of infections.

If it happens to you, you will ask yourself: «Why does my whole body itch?«Often, itching (technically known as pruritus) is caused by the skin drynesssomething common as we get older. Insect bites can also cause it in specific areas of the skin. However, there are many other reasons that can explain why we suddenly notice itching all over the body and some are not easy to identify.

Itching on the body due to skin problems

The atopic dermatitisIt is one of the main causes of itching. It usually manifests with redness that can sting and be very uncomfortable and are more frequent in the cold months.

Being in contact with certain chemicals can also cause the skin to become irritated and cause swelling, redness or blisters, something known as contact dermatitis.

• There are many substances that can cause contact dermatitis and they are present in countless products we touch every day such as soaps, perfumes, cosmetics, personal or household hygiene products and also in some metals like nickel.

The best way to avoid contact dermatitis It is avoiding the substance that causes it. However, it is not always easy to identify it. Therefore, it is advisable to always opt for natural cosmetic and hygiene products, without fragrances, perfumes or substances that can irritate the skin.

The psoriasis is another skin disease and causes a excessive peeling of the skin: While normally the skin renews itself approximately every month, in people with psoriasis it does so every 3 days. Peeling usually appears in outbreaks, especially during periods of stress, and causes intense itching.

On the other hand, the urticariawhich is usually caused by a allergy to a drug or foodis usually accompanied by red dots (similar to insect bites).

Itching in the body due to internal diseases

Noticing an itch in your body can be a warning sign that there is an underlying disease such as advanced kidney disease and it often appears in people who are about to need dialysis or who are already receiving it. When the kidneys do not work well, there may be an excess of certain substances in the body such as magnesium, calcium, phosphorus or histamine, which are suspected to be the cause of itching.

• The itching can spread throughout the body and be especially intense on the back, arms and legs.

Likewise, people who have a liver diseaselike the hepatitis Cthe cirrhosis or one bile duct obstructionit is common for them to suffer from generalized itching.

• In this case, the itch usually starts in the palms of the hands and feet and spreads to other parts of the body.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), itching is also common in people who have a disease that affects the bloodsuch as Hodgkin lymphoma or cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

On the other hand, some high blood sugar (glucose) levels They can cause dry skin. That is why the Itching is common in people with diabetes.

It can also occur in case of anemia or of thyroid problems (either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism).

Itching in the body due to nervous disorders

The multiple sclerosis It is a neurodegenerative disease that usually manifests itself differently in each person, which is why it is known as disease of a thousand faces. One of the signs may be itching, which some patients describe as a burning sensationas if pins were stuck in them.

He shingles or shingles is an infection caused by the varicella zoster virus (the same virus that causes chickenpox). When it is “activated”, itchy blisters appear, although in this case located in the affected area.

Natural solutions to relieve itching in the body

As we have seen, the Itching can have many different causes and the most important thing is to find out what it is so that we can remedy it. If the itching lasts more than two weeks, see your family doctor, who will refer you to a dermatologist if necessary.

In any case, these tips can help you soothe itchy skin:

• Moisturize your skin daily with natural products free of additives, fragrances and perfumes.
• Apply a cold damp cloth on the itchy area for about 10 minutes or until the itching disappears.
• Oatmeal is a renowned skin soother and a oatmeal bath It will help you reduce itching, as well as hydrate and soften your skin.
• Use loose cotton clothing or soft natural fabrics.
• Avoid stressbecause in some cases it can increase the itching. In this sense, the meditation techniques They can be very useful.