Itchy Skin? Here’s What’s Causing It (and What Can Help!)

If your skin starts itching just at the thought of summer, you better read on! 

Itchy skin conditions can strike at any time of the year, but some people find warmer weather aggravates their skin even more. Sweat, sunlight, and sunscreen can irritate sensitive skin, causing rashes and general discomfort. And let’s not forget bites, stings, and eating too many strawberries! 

Here’s a quick overview of what can cause your itching and scratching, and what to do about it.

Common causes of itchy skin

Dry skin

Itchy, flaky skin needs hydration, stat! Flaking can be a sign that the stratum corneum, (the outermost layer) is low in moisture, which can weaken your skin’s protective barrier.

Your skin is made up of cells, proteins, lipids, and minerals. Among those lipids are ceramides, which help lock in moisture and act as a barrier against bacteria and irritants. When ceramide levels drop, the barrier weakens, leaving your skin dry and sensitive.

Hydrating both inside and out can help maintain those ceramide levels. Remember to drink plenty of water every day, especially during these warmer months. Essential fatty acids like Omega 3 fish oil can also support skin barrier function and hydration from within. And a rich moisturiser is essential! Bondi Sands Tropical Rum Body Moisturiser nourishes and hydrates the skin with vitamin E and jojoba, and smells divine. Too much time in the sun? Soothe that redness with Bondi Sands Hydra After Sun Aloe Vera, a plant-based formula made with algae for deeply hydrating relief. 

Skin allergies and sensitivities

Do cats, peanuts, or shellfish make you break out in an itchy red rash? It could be hives! Also known as urticaria, hives are red or skin-coloured welts that can appear within minutes after you’ve been in contact with an allergen. Hives can be the body’s response to allergens such as pollen, animal dander, insects, and grasses, but they can also appear after eating certain foods, such as nuts, milk, and eggs. Some people may also experience hives during times of stress or intense exercise.

• How to treat hives
  The only way to prevent hives is to completely avoid whatever causes it. Of course, this isn’t
  always possible, especially during spring and summer. If you’re prone to flare-ups, keep some antihistamines on hand. Dr Reddy's Hayfexo helps to relieve symptoms caused by hives, as well as perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis, itching, and other allergic skin disorders. Razene is another popular antihistamine that provides 24 hour-relief, so you only need to take it once a day.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot doesn’t just affect athletes! That itchy, scaly skin on your feet and between your toes is an annoying fungal infection known as tinea pedis. Up to 15% of us will experience it at least once in our lifetime. But that doesn’t make it any easier to bear!

Fungi love warm, moist conditions. Sweaty shoes and socks are just perfect - as are bathroom floors, showers, and changing rooms. The first sign of Athlete’s foot is itchy, peeling skin between the toes, which can progress into patches of red, flaky skin on the feet.

• How to treat Athlete’s foot
  Keep your feet as clean and dry as possible. Wash thoroughly with soap every day and dry between your toes with a clean towel or tissue. Always wear socks with closed shoes, preferably those made of natural fibres: synthetic fabrics can make your feet sweat more and prevent proper ventilation. Go barefoot as often as possible so your skin can breathe! And tackle those tickly toes with Neat Feat Natural Antibacterial Foot Spray, which contains antibacterial tea tree oil to relieve the itch while supporting skin health. 

 

Itchy skin conditions
The tricky thing about itchy skin conditions is that they can have many different causes. Dermatitis literally means “irritated skin” and it includes eczema (atopic dermatitis), contact dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff). Eczema is more common in children than adults, and typically appears on the face, hands, elbows, backs of knees, neck, and anywhere with skin folds. It can be triggered by allergies, weather changes, certain foods, stress, and even laundry detergent. Contact dermatitis is a reaction to something your skin has come into contact with, like jewellery, cosmetics, hair dye, or an adhesive bandage. Dandruff - an itchy, oil scalp condition - usually results from a fungal condition but can also be caused by hair care products, stress, and diet. 

• How to relieve itchy skin conditions
  The first thing to do is to figure out what’s causing your skin to itch. Try to connect your symptoms with something you’re eating or have been in contact with. You may need to see a skin specialist who can examine your symptoms and create a personalised treatment plan.
  In the meantime, you can care for your skin with pH-balanced skin care like QV Ceramides. The QV Ceramides Cleanser is formulated with the lipids that support skin barrier function and hydration, plus Niacinamide and Glycerin to help maintain moisture. Pair it with QV Ceramides Lotion, a triple moisturising formula that helps to reduce trans-epidermal water loss and keep skin hydrated for up to 24 hours. It’s dermatologist-recommended and tested, and suitable for use with sensitive, eczema-prone skin in both adults and children. 

Insect bites

Does it seem that mosquitos love you? It could be your blood type! Some research has shown that people with Type O or Type B blood are more ‘attractive’ to mosquitos. Other factors include having a high metabolic rate, eating sweet foods, being pregnant, or simply your scent. The Kiwi summer is peak biting season, especially on those balmy nights, and few of us can completely escape being bitten. Bees and wasps are also out in force at this time of year, and some kids don’t react well to being stung! 

• How to relieve itchy bites
  While using insect repellent can certainly help (as can laying off the sugary treats!), sometimes there’s no escaping those pesky bites. If you’ve been a victim of a mosquito attack, some Anthisan Cream can help soothe the itch. 

Don’t lie awake itching and scratching this summer! Support your skin from the inside out with a healthy diet, good hydration, and the right skincare products. If you need help, just ask one of our team! 

Always read the label and use as directed. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.