Itchy skin at night is one of the most common complaints during sleep. Most doctors agree that itching is caused by some sort of allergy or dermatitis. What causes itching during sleep?
Itching during sleep is often linked to eczema, hives, psoriasis, and other skin conditions. There are several reasons why itching might occur during sleep. Some of them include stress, anxiety, depression, and certain medications.
Eczema is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation of the skin. Over time, the symptoms worsen until they become unbearable. The good news is that there are natural ways to treat eczema without having to resort to prescription drugs. Here are some effective home remedies for treating eczema.
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Home Remedies for Eczema
Eczema is a condition where the skin becomes red, dry, itchy, irritated, cracked, and flaky. There are many different types of eczema; however, they all have one thing in common, they cause a lot of discomfort and pain. If you suffer from eczema, then you know how painful it really is. You may experience some of these symptoms:
- Itching
- Dry Skin
- Flaking Skin
- Redness
- Cracked Skin
- Painful Skin
There are many reasons behind eczema. Sometimes, people get eczema due to allergies. Other times, it could be caused by a fungal infection. However, the most common causes of eczema are food allergies and stress. Here are some tips on what you can do at home to treat eczema naturally:
Moisturize Your Skin
The first step to treating eczema is to moisturize your skin. When your skin is dry, it gets irritated and begins to crack. To prevent this, make sure that you use a good quality moisturizer. Make sure that it contains aloe vera gel and vitamin E. These two ingredients work together to keep your skin soft and moist.
Wash Your Hands Frequently
Another way to treat eczema is to wash your hands frequently. Washing your hands helps remove any bacteria that might be causing your eczema. Try using soap and water instead of hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizers often contain alcohol that dries out your skin. Alcohol can actually worsen eczema.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a succulent herb native to parts of Africa. Its gel contains various vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds. These compounds help to heal skin problems caused by dermatitis. Aloe vera is highly recommended for people who suffer from allergic reactions or have sensitive skin. You can use aloe vera juice directly on the affected area for faster healing.
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Apple cider vinegar is a great natural remedy for eczema. Mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 2 tablespoons of water and apply it to the affected area. Leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing off.
Egg Whites
Egg whites are rich in protein and vitamin B12. To make an egg white mask, mix two eggs whites with a few drops of olive oil and some honey. Apply the mixture to the affected area and leave it on overnight. Rinse off in the morning.
Honey
Honey is a great natural moisturizer for the skin. Mix equal amounts of raw honey and lemon juice to create a paste. Spread the mixture evenly onto the affected area and let it dry. Once dried, rinse off thoroughly.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is yet another great ingredient for treating eczema. Mix equal amounts of lemon juice and water to create a solution. Dip a cotton ball into the solution and place it over the affected area. Let it sit for 20 minutes before rinsing away.
Milk
Milk is a great moisturizer for the skin and helps to soften rough patches. Combine milk with warm water and add a few drops of lavender oil. Massage the mixture into the affected area until eczema goes away.
Reasons you feel Itchy Skin at Night
- Stress
- Lack of sleep
- Hormone Imbalance
- Poor Diet
- Genetics
- Medications
- Environment
- Exposure to UV Radiation
- Allergies/Intolerance
- Insect bites
- Skin conditions
- Sunburn
Stress
Stress is probably the number 1 cause of skin issues. When we aren’t getting enough sleep, our body starts producing cortisol, a hormone that makes us anxious and causes inflammation. Cortisol levels tend to rise throughout the day and peak right before bedtime. If you don’t get enough restorative sleep, your cortisol levels may stay high until morning, causing you to wake up feeling tired and stressed out.
Stress affects everyone differently, even if we don’t realize it. When we’re stressed out, our bodies release adrenaline, cortisol, and DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) into our bloodstream. These hormones have been shown to cause skin inflammation, especially at night.
Lack of sleep
Lack of sleep causes increased levels of cortisol, which is known to cause inflammation. Also, lack of sleep increases the production of histamine, which is responsible for some itchiness.
Hormone Imbalance
Another major factor in skin conditions is hormonal imbalance. Our hormones affect everything about our bodies, including how we look and feel. We have many different types of hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, and melatonin. These hormones regulate everything from mood swings to menstrual cycles to sexual desire. One of the biggest culprits behind hormone imbalances is stress. A lot of people suffer from low libido due to stress-induced depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
Poor Diet
Many people who experience acne are often overweight or obese. Obesity increases the amount of toxins circulating in our bloodstream, which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Eating a balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables helps keep your digestive system running smoothly. Fruits and veggies also provide antioxidants that help fight free radicals and prevent damage to cells.
Genetics
Some people just have bad genetics. While some people have naturally clear skin, others struggle with acne no matter what they try. There’s nothing you can do about your genes, but you can take steps to improve your lifestyle habits to reduce stress, eat healthier foods, and exercise regularly.
Medications
If you’ve been taking medications for a long time, it could be affecting your skin. Certain drugs, especially those that suppress immune function, can increase the risk of developing acne. Talk to your doctor if you’re concerned about any prescription medication you’re currently taking.
Some medications can lead to dryness and itching. Common ones include antihistamines, antidepressants, and birth control pills. If you find yourself experiencing these symptoms, talk to your doctor about alternative options.
Environment
The environment around you can play a role in how your skin looks and feels. Air pollution can irritate your skin and make it red and inflamed. Dust particles can settle into your pores and clog them up. Polluted air can also leave you feeling fatigued and exhausted, making you less likely to exercise. Sun exposure can also contribute to dry skin and dark spots. Try to avoid overexposure to sunlight. Wear sunscreen and use a moisturizer to protect yourself from the sun.
Exposure to UV Radiation
UV radiation comes from the sun, tanning beds, and even fluorescent lights. Too much of it can lead to premature aging and wrinkles, while not enough can result in skin cancer. If you spend a lot of time outside, wear sunscreen and sunglasses to protect your eyes and face.
Allergies/Intolerance
If you suffer from allergies or intolerance, it’s likely that your immune system is overreacting. Your body may be trying to protect you from something harmful, but in doing so, it releases chemicals that cause irritation and discomfort. Try to avoid allergens, irritants, and sensitivities whenever possible.
Insect bites
Bugs and insects often leave their stingers behind after they bite us. Sometimes, though, they don’t remove them. In those cases, the stinger can get stuck under the skin and give us an itchy rash.
Skin conditions
Skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema can make your skin more sensitive to things like pollen, food, and environmental factors. Talk to your dermatologist if you suspect any underlying issues.
Sunburn
Sun exposure leads to sunburn, which can cause redness, swelling, and itching. If you experience any of these symptoms, try using aloe vera gel on your affected area. You can also use baking soda, witch hazel, or tea tree oil to help relieve the pain.
Treatments when you feel Itchy Skin at Night
Avoiding scratching
Itching is a painful sensation caused by irritation of the skin. It may be due to dryness, heat, cold, or any other condition causing inflammation. In order to stop itching, the best thing to do is to avoid scratching the area where the itch occurs. When you scratch the area, you create tiny wounds in the skin, which causes further irritation. If the itching persists, then you should consult your doctor to get some treatment.
Treating dry skin
Dry skin is often aggravated by exposure to windy conditions. Exposure to air-conditioners and heating systems can also cause dry skin. You can keep your skin moisturized by using lotions and creams. A good way to treat dry skin is to use a humidifier. Humidifiers help in keeping your body moist and reduce the chances of getting dry skin.
Moisturizing your skin
Moisturizing your skin prevents dryness and helps in maintaining the moisture content of your skin. To maintain proper moisture levels in your skin, you need to drink plenty of water. Water helps in flushing out toxins from your cells and keeps your skin hydrated.
Using sunscreen
Sunscreen is an effective method of protecting your skin from harmful rays of ultraviolet radiation (UV). Sunscreen blocks UV rays and reduces the risk of sunburn, premature aging of the skin, and cancer. You should apply sunscreen for 15 minutes before going outside.
Sleeping well
Sleeping well is essential to prevent dry skin. Try to sleep on a mattress that provides adequate support and comfort. Use a pillow between your knees for additional comfort. Also, try to avoid sleeping on hard surfaces.
Exfoliating your skin
Exfoliation is an effective way to remove dead skin cells and dirt from your skin. You can exfoliate your skin once a week. Sugar scrubs are great for exfoliating your skin. You can make sugar scrub yourself. Mix 1 cup granulated white sugar with 2 cups warm water and add a few drops of lemon juice. Stir until the mixture becomes smooth. Continue stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Add a few drops of orange oil if desired. Apply the scrub over your face and neck twice a week. Rinse off with lukewarm water.
Massaging your skin
Massaging your skin helps improve circulation and blood flow. This increases the oxygenation of your skin, making it soft and supple. You can massage your skin daily.
When to see your doctor?
If you’re concerned about any skin conditions, talk with your primary care physician or a dermatologist.
- Itching doesn’t get better within two weeks.
- You can’t sleep because the itch is so intense.
- You may have other symptoms, such as weight loss, fevers, weakness, or skin rashes
FAQs
How do I stop Itching at Night?
Avoiding scratching
Treating dry skin
Moisturizing your skin
Using sunscreen
Exfoliating your skin
Foods to avoid Itchy Skin
Can stress cause itching?
What to drink to stop itching?
Summary
You wake up with a burning sensation, and it seems to get worse throughout the night. What does this mean? Is it a sign of something serious?
Itching is often a symptom of skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. These disorders cause the skin to become red, inflamed, and dry, resulting in discomfort. In some cases, itching can also be a symptom of allergies, infections, or psychological issues.
Sometimes, itchiness can be a sign of a medical condition. If you notice symptoms that don’t go away after a few days, seek medical attention immediately.
