Sleep is a natural process that helps regenerate and recreate your entire body but any disturbance that keeps you restless can result in long term health issues.
One of the reasons that you are not able to take full rest even after a long day of work is that you have an itching problem that keeps you restless at night.
It is important to analyze all the reasons that cause itching and look for a solution to cure them once and for all.
Why does my body itch at night? Read this guide, and you will learn!
Reasons Why Your Body Itches At Night
Disturbed sleep affects your overall body functions and restrains your ability to perform your day to day tasks.
The causes of itching could be natural, health-related or they be may be due to other common factors. We will analyze each of them step by step.
Common Causes
There can be many common causes for body itching one of which is excessive dryness of the skin due to exposure to a dusty environment.
If you work at a factory or in conditions where the atmosphere is contaminated then dryness is to be blamed for the itching.
Another reason why you have to scratch your skin so much at night maybe because the weather is cold and your skin is not as moisturized as it should be.
Bed bugs or ants are also a common cause of night-time itching. The easiest way to deal with this issue is to put your mattress under sunlight for one to two days.
Another common reason for the problem is scabies, one of several skin conditions that cause itching and rashes. It’s caused by a mite called sarcoptes scabiei.
If you think that your issue falls within the ambit of scabies, then it is important to restrain it as soon as possible because it can spread quickly after physical contact.
Skin allergies are also the reason why you may have to face an itching problem every night.
Allergic dermatitis takes place when the skin comes in direct contact with an allergen and the resultant rash or a red spot could also turn into a bump or blister.
Moreover, food, chemical or cosmetic allergies can make the skin itchy and create a feeling of restlessness.
Natural Causes
Natural causes are inherited reasons that may result in making your skin itchy at night.
The first among these causes is a hormonal disorder which means that low estrogen levels may be causing the condition.
These estrogen levels are themselves a result of certain underlying diseases or medical conditions.
The second important one amongst natural causes is genetic factors.
Research suggests that a defective gene with an inherited skin disorder is also among the several possible reasons of body itching, especially on the legs.
One way to deal with the natural causes of itching is by finding out how other members in your family who have the condition are coping with it.
The point to remember here is that a collective effect is much more powerful than individual effort.
Health Causes
Eczema and hives are some of the skin conditions that can cause excessive itching.
The itchy skin may also point towards an underlying kidney or liver disease.
It could also be a result of an iron deficiency or a thyroid problem. It’s best to visit a doctor and get it checked.
Moreover, psychological conditions, namely depression, stress and schizophrenia can also cause the condition to occur.
Another condition that is not very common includes restless leg syndrome (RLS), a neurological condition that causes an unpleasant sensation in the legs and a resultant itching in the legs.
Other nerve disorders, namely multiple sclerosis, and diabetes can also cause the skin to become itchy and irritable.
In more severe cases, skin can also get itchy due to certain types of cancer such as leukemia or lymphoma.
Treating The Itchy Skin
Itchy skin is a problematic issue and can hamper not just your sleep but also your ability to perform your daily tasks efficiently.
The good news is that this problem can become quite manageable if a certain set of precautions and rules are adhered to.
Let’s have a brief look at how we can manage this problem effectively.
1. Moisturize Your Skin
The most important step is to regularly use a moisturizer to make the skin less dry and hence, less itchy.
Different skin creams are made using different ingredients and it is advisable to select one that suits your skin type.
2. Sign Up For Therapeutic Sessions
Seek the solution of your issue in therapy as it can very well offer training to minimizing the skin scratching.
This will prevent any red spots on the skin that appear due to constant scratching.
3. Keep Your Skin Clean
Keep your skin clean as much as possible to avoid the urge of scratching it in case of itching.
Maintaining good hygiene is the key to avoid or minimize not just major skin diseases or allergies but also other bacteria and diseases.
4. Take Safety Measures
A smart way to deal with the issue is to take safety precautions before the skin begins to itch.
It is also always advisable to avoid exposure to environments that could worsen the issue.
5. Act Fast
Last but not least, remember to act fast and consult a medical practitioner to get to the bottom of the issue and treat it permanently.
Your timely actions can help manage the disease and simply the process of treatment.
Another way to manage your problem is to go to sleep on time as well as condition yourself to not scratch your skin when you feel the urge.
Could My Itchy Skin Be Due To A Fungal Infection?
Yes, if your skin is itchy, it could be due to a ringworm infection such as jock itch, athlete’s foot, or toenail fungus.
This is because fungal infections cause itchiness, and oftentimes redness and flakiness around the skin.
If you believe you have a fungal infection, you can use natural remedies to treat it.
Click here to read more about natural remedies for fungal infections!
Final Words
Body itching is the major cause of restlessness and improper or inadequate sleep. This is reason enough to treat and remedy the condition on a priority basis.
Maintaining good hygiene and adhering to a few precautions can help anyone manage the issue on a long term basis.
Hopefully, now you can answer the question “why does my body itch at night?“, and you have learned what to do about it!
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