PRURITIS: Itching after bathing, Causes and simple solutions

Overview

Spending time under the shower enjoying the serenity of the bathroom and reminiscing good thoughts is very pleasurable for most people but for someone who suffers from uncomfortable itchy skin, the bathroom experience is quite the opposite. This is as a result of the uncontrollable itching that comes after.

Pruritis is caused by dry skin. The water washes away the skin's natural oil causing the skin to be dry and itchy. Although the treatment isn't as simple as just applying cream or body moisturiser, it may need extra attention. In serious cases, symptoms such as peeling, cracking and scaling of the skin would require extra attention and care must be taken to treat it.

Finish this article to find out the solution.

What causes itching after bathing:

Many things can lead to itching after bathing but the most common causes include:

1.) Dry Skin:

The skin becomes dry when there is no moisture and this can make it tight and itchy. Bathing with hot water can wash off the skins natural oil, and this can lead to skin dryness. Also, some soaps and Cleansers cause skin dryness when the skins natural oil is washed off.

2.) Eczema: 

Eczema which is an inflammation of the skin that can lead to itching and excessive dryness. When the condition is chronic, a red rash or bumps appear on the skin. With eczema, the skin can get itchier after bathing.

3.) Reaction to skin and laundry products:

Scented creams, soaps, detergents and other laundry products can trigger allergic reactions when they come in contact with the skin. The term is known as contact dermatitis.

The National Eczema Association explain that fragrance is one of the most common ingredients that can cause a skin reaction.

Solutions and treatments include:

1.) Bath with cool water: 

Bathing with cool water instead of warm or hot water will allow the skin pores to stay closed and the natural oil trapped inside the skin.

3.) Keep bath as short as possible:

Taking short and cool baths not more than once or twice a day.

3.) Moisturize properly:

Use a heavy moisturising cream immediately after bathing, this will keep the skin locked and fully moisturised.

4.) Do not scratch the skin:

Avoid scratching the skin, it can lead to irritation or even skin injury which will worsen the itching.

5.) Read product labels:

Read the labels of skin products if it contains an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Avoid or limit the use of products containing AHA as an ingredient, it may cause burning or itching on dry or sensitive skin.

6.) Pat down skin to dry: 

After a bath or a shower, pat down the skin gently to dry. Avoid scrubbing the towel against the skin to keep it humidified.

7.) Use a humidifier:

This can be especially helpful in dry climates or throughout dry/winter season. Low humidity can worsen dry skin.

8.) Avoid scented products:

Scented, toxin containing soaps and creams should be avoided as much as possible, they cause eczema and worsen dry skin.

9.) Avoid using products that contain retinoids:

Retinoids are biochemicals that regulate the epithelial cell growth, but they can be an irritant and worsen dry skin. Retinoids include retinol, adapalene, and tretinoin. Avoid products that contain retinoids unless prescribed by a doctor or physician.

10.) Avoid products that contain fragrance, menthol, and alcohol: These can cause further dryness, irritation, and itching.

Conclusion 

Itchy skin can be frustrating but there are simple remedies to improve the condition of your skin. Following these steps will help you live a happier life.

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