Causes of itchy skin in summer Effective tips to reduce it

Most people are exposed to allergies and skin problems in the summer, such as itching caused by sweat, and exposure to sunlight may cause skin irritation. In the following report, the Dalili Medical website reviews effective home remedies to relieve itching in the summer, according to our website

What are the causes of heat rashes on the body in the summer?

The appearance of skin allergies in the summer has many causes, such as:

Excessive sweating.

Psychological stress.

Taking some medications.

Genetic and environmental factors.

Hyperthyroidism.

Excessive caffeine intake.

Prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Thick skin care products that lead to clogged pores.

Symptoms of heat and sun allergies

The most common symptoms are:

The appearance of a rash and blisters.

A burning and itching sensation.

Inflammation and redness.

Dry skin.

Peeling of the skin.

Symptoms may worsen and intensify, such as:

Sunburn.

Heat rash.

Eczema.

What is an allergy and what are the types of summer allergies?

An allergic reaction that causes the skin to itch or redness indicates a wrong response by the immune system to something that causes an allergy, such as pollen.

There are several forms of summer allergies from the sun to different foods, such as:

Sun allergy Despite its name, "sun allergy" is not actually an allergy to the sun, but rather a reaction of the immune system in the skin caused by sunlight, and often causes a red, itchy rash. In rare cases, the skin reaction may be more severe, leading to the appearance of small hives or blisters that may spread to the skin in sensitive areas. Some individuals can also have negative reactions to certain ingredients found in sunscreen products, which lead to a rash. Chemicals such as oxybenzone and avobenzone may be the cause of these reactions.

Insect bites One of the most common allergy problems in the summer is insect bites, which may cause allergic reactions for those who suffer from this type of allergy. Bee stings, ant bites, and mosquito bites are common triggers. Signs of an allergy can range from mild redness to severe swelling.

Pollen Allergy The seasonal changes of spring and summer bring on an allergen activity, including pollen that fertilizes plants. People with allergies may experience contact dermatitis, a rash and itching that occurs after contact or indirect exposure to plants or grasses.

Heat rash is a common skin problem during hot, humid weather. It occurs when sweat gets trapped in the pores of the skin, causing red, itchy bumps. Heat rash usually appears in areas that experience friction, such as the neck, armpits, and groin.

Home Remedies for Itchy Body

Cold Compresses The sensation of itching and coldness travel through the same nerve fibers, so applying a cold compress can help engage the nerves and help overcome the urge to scratch. In addition, cold compresses help treat body itching after hair removal and sunburn by reducing the inflammation associated with itching. Home remedies for treating body itching by cooling the skin include the following:

Running cold tap water over the affected area or placing a cold, clean towel on the skin.

Taking a cold bath.

Making ready-to-use ice packs or by placing ice cubes in a plastic bag and applying them to the affected area for 5 to 10 minutes. This method may be useful in treating sudden body itching at home. Keeping moisturizing creams and lotions in the refrigerator is useful in treating body itching at home, as it provides direct cooling when applied to the skin.

Oatmeal bath: Colloidal oatmeal helps relieve dryness and treat body itching at home. Colloidal oatmeal is known as finely ground oatmeal that can be dissolved in water.

A colloidal oatmeal bath works to relieve itching by:

Forming a protective barrier on the surface of the skin and trapping moisture in the skin.

Reducing skin irritation as it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Reduces flaking, dryness, roughness, and itching in mild to moderate itching.

Taking an oatmeal bath can help treat itching all over the body when the rash is widespread, and it can also help treat itchy skin when exposed to the sun, as it soothes sunburn and hives, but bath time should not exceed 15 to 20 minutes. It is worth noting that colloidal oatmeal is widely available in many types of soaps, creams, and lotions.

Moisturizers Moisturizers such as body creams and lotions help moisturize the outer layer of the skin, and are useful in treating itchy skin at home. Moisturizers containing beeswax, coconut oil, and mineral oils prevent water loss by forming a layer on the skin, while moisturizers containing glycerin help repair the skin barrier. It is preferable to treat itchy skin due to dryness by using a good moisturizer that contains moisturizers and emollients, as moisturizers draw water to the skin, while emollients form a protective layer on the surface of the skin; Which helps to lock in moisture. It is recommended to apply the moisturizer directly after showering on wet skin for better absorption as the skin pores are open.

Honey Honey has antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties; making it one of the effective ways to treat body itching at home. Honey helps moisturize the skin and heal wounds by keeping the wound environment moist and providing a protective barrier. Its organic acid content also provides gentle exfoliation. Honey is one of the great ways to treat skin allergies and itching at home. Applying Manuka honey to eczema lesions has improved the condition of the skin and reduced irritation.

Mint is one of the plants used to treat body itching with herbs, as it is extracted from it

It is essential and is menthol which has a cooling effect and can help relieve pain and itching. Peppermint oil in treating itching in pregnant women. Peppermint oil reduced the severity of itching in pregnant women when used twice daily for two weeks. When using essential oils, such as menthol oil in treating body itching at home, it should be diluted with a carrier oil before applying it to the skin.

Aloe vera as one of the ways to treat body itching at home in relieving the symptoms of atopic dermatitis due to its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Aloe vera can help treat eczema, but it can cause mild skin irritation. When using aloe vera products to treat body itching at home, it is recommended to choose a product that contains a high concentration of aloe vera extract.

Petroleum jelly or Vaseline Petroleum jelly or Vaseline is useful in treating body itching due to dryness, especially in cases of severe dryness and cracking of the skin. Petroleum jelly is gentle enough to be used on all areas of the body, even the face, eyelids and lips, but it should be avoided on the face with oily skin, as it may stimulate the appearance of pimples in these cases.

It is preferable to apply petroleum jelly to the skin while it is damp after bathing, however it can also be used on dry skin throughout the day as needed.

Topical corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory medications used to treat many skin conditions, as they help treat body itching and allergies by reducing inflammation, itching, peeling, and oozing. Some of these creams can be dispensed without a prescription and contain 1% hydrocortisone, and others are dispensed by prescription in certain cases, such as treating eczema. Creams containing topical corticosteroids help relieve itching caused by allergies, but they are not effective in treating body itching from bugs or other insect bites, or itching resulting from skin irritation for reasons other than allergies. Corticosteroid creams should not be used for more than two weeks; To avoid side effects, such as skin thinning, do not apply creams containing corticosteroids to the face without consulting a doctor.

Topical antihistamines: In some cases, topical creams containing antihistamines may be preferred to treat itching rather than oral antihistamines to avoid their side effects, unless the doctor recommends otherwise.

Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial and antifungal properties, which helps reduce itching. How to use: Mix a small amount of apple cider vinegar with twice as much water and wipe the affected area with a cotton ball.

Coconut oil: Coconut oil contains anti-inflammatory and moisturizing substances.

How to use: Gently massage the affected area with coconut oil several times a day.

Sodium bicarbonate: Sodium bicarbonate helps soothe itching and relieve irritation.

How to use: Mix half a cup of sodium bicarbonate in a bathtub filled with lukewarm water and soak your body for 15-20 minutes.

Chamomile tea Chamomile has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

How to use: Soak chamomile tea bags in boiling water, let it cool and place it on the affected area for 10-15 minutes.

Neem (Azadirachta indica) thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties can be useful in treating a number of skin conditions including eczema, rashes, acne, scabies, psoriasis and various infections. It also contains antioxidants that prevent aging and activate skin cells. You can boil some neem leaves, and place a cotton ball soaked in the solution on the affected area for at least 10 minutes.

Calendula is very effective in treating rashes, soothing the skin, stomach ulcers, and eczema. It also treats bruises and wounds thanks to its anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties. You can apply calendula oil to the affected area and leave it for a few hours. Repeat at least twice a day until you see improvement, or put the oil in hot bath water while you shower.

When should you see a doctor?

Home treatment for body itching can be effective in many cases, but you should see a doctor if you do not respond to home treatment or if any of the following symptoms appear:

Itching that lasts for more than two weeks or worsens regularly.

A rash, pimples, or unusual swelling appears next to the itching.

Signs of infection, such as inflammation or oozing sores.

Itching that spreads throughout the body.

Itching that disturbs sleep.

These symptoms may indicate an underlying health problem that requires medical attention. Your doctor may recommend cortisone creams, topical medications to relieve itching, possibly antihistamines, and medications to treat the underlying cause.

Tips for Preventing Allergic Skin Reactions

Here are some helpful tips:

Skin Test

If you have sensitive skin, test any new product on a small patch of skin first, before applying it to your entire body. Apply a small amount of the product to the inside of your arm and wait 24 hours to check for any adverse reactions.

Wear Protective Clothing

When you are outdoors, especially in wooded or grassy areas, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants and closed-toe shoes can help protect your skin from insect bites and stings.