Dermatologist warns: Don't scratch if itchy - six better alternatives

Created: 11/25/2022, 2:00 p.m

By: Judith Brown

The first reflex when itching is to scratch the itchy part of the body.

According to a dermatologist, however, you should not give in to this urge and instead deal with it differently.

If it itches on the body, then in most cases the affected person suffers either from dry winter skin or the consequences of a mosquito bite.

In most cases, the causes can be rectified quickly.

Patients who, on the other hand, are struggling with chronic itching – also known as pruritus – have an extremely high level of suffering and the urge to scratch is great.

However, those affected should not give in to this.

Instead of doing it, one dermatologist recommends other methods to ease the uncomfortable feeling.

Don't scratch if you're itchy: Four methods that help instead

If you suffer from chronic itching, you should pinch yourself instead of scratching.

© Sorapop Udomsri/IMAGO

Depending on which part of the body itches on, the itching can have different causes.

For example, if itching occurs on the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands, then it is probably cholestatic itching, which is due to diseases of the liver or gallbladder.

However, other diseases can also be behind itching on the body, for example skin diseases, internal diseases such as diabetes and kidney diseases or iron deficiency.

Depending on the cause, different treatments and therapies are used.

However, if you suddenly feel itchy, you will first feel the urge to scratch the part of your body.

according to dr

medical

However, for Silke Herold, chief physician at the specialist hospital for dermatology at Schloss Friedensburg, it is not a good idea to give in to scratching.

She told

: "Scratching injures the skin, allows germs to penetrate and keeps sending a new inflammatory signal." Instead, she recommends the following first aid measures:

• Pinching instead of scratching

• Roll the hedgehog ball over the skin

• Cool body parts with damp, cold compresses

• Creaming with natural products such as almond oil, coconut oil or cocoa butter (apply to the still damp skin immediately after washing)

• Instead of rough wool and silk, it is better to wear cotton clothing that is not so tight-fitting

• Distract with relaxation techniques, autogenic training or meditation

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Itching: why it often occurs at night

It is a typical sign of itching that it often occurs at night.

However, this can cost those affected quality of life.

The cortisol level is responsible for the nocturnal occurrence of the itching.

Cortisol is an endogenous anti-inflammatory that is produced in the adrenal glands.

It stops the itching.

At night, the cortisol level in the body naturally falls to its lowest level.

According to Herold, the adrenal glands produce the most cortisol between five and nine in the morning.

"That's why you have more rest during the day," says the specialist.

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This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication.

In no way does it replace a visit to the doctor.

Unfortunately, our editors are not allowed to answer individual questions about clinical pictures.