Prepare for common itching (1) Explanation of the causes of itchy skin Main causes of itching in daily life A constitution prone to itching Among the symptoms that appear on the skin, itching is one of the most distressing. Severe itching can lead to mental stress, such as being unable to get enough sleep or being unable to concentrate on studying or working. This article will explain in detail the main causes of skin itching and how it occurs. Main causes of itching in daily life There are various causes of itchy skin in everyday life. Let's look at some of the main possible causes of itching. Dry skin When skin becomes dry, its barrier function weakens. Skin with a weakened barrier function becomes more susceptible to external stimuli and reacts hypersensitively to even minor irritations, making it more prone to itching.Itching caused by dryness is more common during the dry seasons from autumn to winter, and the symptoms tend to worsen as the temperature and humidity decrease. Also, when you get warm under blankets or in bed, the temperature difference can irritate the skin and increase the itching. As skin tends to dry out with age, it is more common in the elderly. sweat A sudden increase in sweat secretion from eccrine sweat glands, coupled with thickening of the epidermis around the sweat ducts, can cause sweat to accumulate in the glands and ducts, resulting in blister-like heat rash. This can cause itching and inflammatory reactions (such as red rashes). Additionally, components in sweat can irritate the skin, leading to itching. This is one of the causes of itching that is common during the hot and humid summer season. insect bites When you are bitten or stung by insects such as mosquitoes, gnats, fleas, ticks, or bees, an allergic reaction occurs due to substances in the insect, causing itching and inflammation (redness and swelling). House dust House dust is a mixture of dust, mold, mites, fibers from clothing, and hair and dander from people and pets found in homes. Allergic reactions, such as itching, can occur when house dust comes into contact with the skin or is inhaled. rash A skin rash is a type of contact dermatitis caused by direct contact with a substance on the skin, resulting in inflammation accompanied by itching and redness. Potential causes of skin rashes include ingredients and surfactants in cosmetics and hair care products, metal products such as jewelry, and plants and animals such as lacquer. The causes are diverse.Furthermore, contact dermatitis can be classified into primary irritant contact dermatitis, which is caused by irritation from the causative substance, and allergic contact dermatitis, which is caused by an allergic reaction to the causative substance. Side effects of medication Sometimes, taking medications, whether oral or topical, can cause itching. This is often an allergic reaction to the drug and is called a drug rash. A constitution prone to itching The causes of itching vary from person to person, but those who are prone to itchy skin often share the following characteristics: dry skin In healthy skin, the skin's surface has a normal barrier function that protects it from external stimuli. However, if this barrier function weakens, it can no longer prevent external stimuli from penetrating deep into the skin. People with dry skin have a weakened barrier function, making them more prone to itching caused by irritation. Allergic constitution An allergy occurs when the immune system, which is normally responsible for eliminating foreign substances that enter the body, overreacts to a specific substance, causing symptoms. People who are prone to allergies are thought to be predisposed to producing a substance called IgE antibodies. stress Some people experience itching due to stress, but the mechanism behind this is not well understood. However, it seems that allergy symptoms can worsen due to mental stress, so it's a good idea to be careful. We take care to post accurate information,Please point out any incorrect information. Please submit any comments regarding medical information here. Return to the list of guides categorized by health symptoms.