For example, your body temperature and the blood flow to your skin both increase in the evening, warming your skin. A rise in skin temperature can make you feel itchy. At night, you release more cytokines, which increase inflammation. Meanwhile, production of corticosteroids — hormones that reduce inflammation — slows.
On top of these factors, your skin loses more water at night. As you might have noticed during the dry winter months, parched skin itches. When itchiness hits during the day, work and other activities distract you from the annoying sensation. At night there are fewer distractions, which can make the itch feel even more intense.
These include:. If a condition like a nerve disorder or restless legs syndrome is causing the itch, see your doctor to get it treated. To treat nighttime itch yourself, you can try an over-the-counter or prescription medicine.
Some of these medicines relieve just the itch. Others help you sleep. A few do both. To help you sleep, you could try melatonin. This natural hormone helps regulate sleep. When you take it nightly, it has a sedative effect that can help you sleep through the itch.
If stress aggravates your skin, try techniques like meditation, yoga, or progressive muscle relaxation to calm your mind. Irregular circadian rhythm has been linked to several underlying health conditions. Hell hath no fury like a skin scorched!
This is mainly experienced with menopause or pregnancy due to fluctuating levels of the hormone estrogen, which can cause the skin to become dry, flushed and itchy. Eczema causes patches of skin to become inflamed. Continued scratching can result in red, cracked, and rough, dry skin.
Hives is a non-contagious rash sometimes triggered by an allergic reaction. It causes inflammation and fluid to accumulate under the skin, giving the skin a red, raised, itchy rash. Triggers can include certain foods, medications, infections, insect bites, and scratching. Some other possible causes behind allergic reactions that often result in itchy skin include:. Allergies are triggered when certain cells in the body perceive a threat and release a substance in response called histamine , which triggers inflammation as a protection mechanism.
Psoriasis develops most commonly on elbows and knees and is marked by inflamed, red, raised plaques of skin. These microscopic mites are carried on infested clothing, bedding, or furniture and they make themselves at home by burrowing into the skin and laying eggs. It is most often transmitted by prolonged skin to skin contact, however. So make sure that whoever you share your bed with also gets treated. This causes skin infection and itchy red rashes, not to mention a serious case of the heebie jeebies!
Lice are wingless parasites that feed on human blood, dance on scalps, and lay eggs on hair shafts. These small, wingless insects feed on warm-blooded animals like us. They enjoy loafing around on sofas, mattresses, and clothing. They prefer to dine between midnight and 5 a. Talk about a pain in the butt! Itchy skin is a common experience for those with end-stage renal disease or chronic liver disease.
Consult a doctor if your itchiness is accompanied by unintentional weight loss, quickened pulse, puffy eyes, or an enlarged thyroid signs of hyperthyroidism — or weight gain, worsening fatigue, constipation, or dry skin signs of hypothyroidism.
Stress, anxiety, depression, or chronic stress can make your skin crawl even without a physical cause, making you feel an overwhelming urge to scratch. Symptoms tend to be worse at night when resting or trying to sleep. Symptoms can include fatigue, shortness of breath, or a tingling feeling in the legs, like that of an itch.
A chronic itch could be an early sign of some cancers. If your itch has been bothering you for a while and has no obvious cause, it could be worth it to consult a doctor. This is a rare cause of itching and is more likely to concern those with night sweats, fevers, chills, and unintentional weight loss. Itch-sensing nerves can malfunction , causing a phantom itch that has no physical trigger. If the nocturnal itching is due to depression and anxiety , your doctor may prescribe you antidepressants such as mirtazapine.
If the chronic itching is caused by a constant immune attack, then immunosuppressants like a calcineurin inhibitor can reduce inflammation. Phototherapy utilizes a UVB wave link to decrease inflammation and discontinue response. Gabapentin can treat anxiety and insomnia, while Gabapentin can get rid of the sensation of itchiness.
If you have menopause, then hormone replacement therapy, especially estrogen medication, can help alleviate dry and itchy skin. The warm sensation from the water would dilate the pores on your skin to allow the moisture to be trapped inside. Afterward, apply moisturizer onto your skin, where it can seep through the pores efficiently. Keep in mind that when you take a bath, you can use scent-free soap, oatmeal, or baking soda. You can apply a closer mean oil base in an alcohol-free moisturizer before bedtime.
The best example would be Eucerin, Cerave, and Cetaphil. If you prefer something natural, you can try vitamin E and Aloe vera. Aloe vera comes from a cactus-like plant where you cut up the leaves to obtain the gel-like substance from them. The jelly substance contains anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that can help trap moisture and alleviate any pruritus symptoms.
A common culprit for itchy skin at night is dry skin. If you run a humidifier in your bedroom , it provides moisture in the air that can replenish your skin. You can apply a cool, damp cloth on your skin before bedtime. The cloth can lower the temperature of your skin to reduce itching. You can turn on some music or use a fan to create airflow.
If you keep scratching at night, it can make the symptoms worse. The best thing to do would be to wear mittens or gloves to avoid scratching. Keep in mind that stress and anxiety can increase itching. Fortunately, meditation before you fall asleep can help reduce stress and decrease nocturnal pruritus. You can also practice relaxation techniques such as visualization to help you with meditation.
If you have long fingernails, it can make you want to scratch more. If you trim them down, you can reduce the chance of further skin irritation. Wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothes can get skin plenty of ventilation, therefore reducing nocturnal pruritus.
The problem with dogs and cats is that they love to play outside in the backyard. When they are outside, they tend to bring home dirt, debris, and possibly fleas. Bed bugs are the primary culprit for nocturnal itching. If you see red or bloody streaks or little linear dots, then that might be a sign of bed bug infestation. The significant part about chamomile tea is that it relaxes you and helps you fall asleep. When you are at the maximal level of peacefulness and relaxation, you are less likely to be scratching throughout the night.
In fact, it might decrease that tingling sensation and the urge to scratch. This type of oil provides a relaxing effect that can help decrease the need to scratch. If nighttime itching is causing you some issue, here are some lifestyle changes that you can partake to reduce the symptoms.
Drinking water can alleviate dry skin, therefore, decrease scratching and improve the pruritis.
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