Itching is a bothersome sensation that causes you to scratch your skin. It can feel like discomfort at times, but it is not. Itchy backs are surprisingly frequent and can cause much pain. You may get an itching back at night, preventing you from sleeping. You might be asking why your back itches all the time and what you can do about it.
Many of the same things that cause itching in the back can also cause itching throughout the body or in particular places. Some causes are simple to treat with a back scratcher, while others may need medical help. Here are ten causes of a dry itchy back and what you can do about them!
Allergic reactions.
An allergy is an immune system reaction to something that does not bother most people. Allergy sufferers frequently have multiple sensitivities. Many substances can cause an allergic reaction to our skin. Substances that often cause reactions include:
Food allergy. The immune system of your body causes an inappropriate reaction to food. Fish, shellfish, peanuts, and tree nuts, such as walnuts, are the foods that most commonly cause allergic responses in adults. Eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, and wheat can all be problematic foods for children. Your doctor may utilize a complete history, an elimination diet, and skin and blood testing to identify a food allergy. Food allergy symptoms can only be avoided by avoiding the food. After you and your doctor have determined the foods you are allergic to, you must eliminate them from your diet.
Insect Bites. The majority of insect bites are harmless; however, they might be irritating at times. Stings from bees, wasps, and hornets, as well as fire ant bites, are frequently painful. Bite from a mosquito or a flea is usually itchy. Insects can also spread diseases. To avoid insect bites and accompanying problems, use insect repellent, wear protective clothes, be cautious while eating outside because food attracts insects, and carry an emergency epinephrine kit if you know you have severe allergic reactions to insects’ bites and stings.
Pollen. Trees, weeds, and grasses release pollen grains into the air in the spring, summer, and fall. Some pollen finds its way into your nose and throat. Hay fever is a form of allergy that this can trigger. A physical exam and your symptoms may be enough for your doctor to diagnose hay fever. Skin or blood testing is sometimes done. Symptoms can be relieved by taking medications and using nasal sprays. You can also use distilled or sterilized water with saline to rinse out your nose. Allergy shots can assist in reducing pollen sensitivity and provide long-term relief.
Medicines. Medicines improve our life in the majority of cases. They relieve aches and pains, fight infections, and manage chronic conditions, including high blood pressure and diabetes. Medicines, on the other hand, have the potential to induce adverse effects. Even if you don't have a rash or irritation, some products can irritate your skin. If the itching gets unbearable, speak with your doctor. Scratching is a common side effect of these medicines. Make sure you understand how to take a new prescription or over-the-counter drug before beginning. You should be aware of any other medications or foods that you should avoid. If you have any questions, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
2. Skin Conditions
Symptoms like redness, swelling, burning, and itching can cause anything that irritates, clogs or inflames your skin. Rashes, hives, and other skin issues can cause by allergies, irritants, your genetic makeup, and certain diseases, and immune system difficulties. Many skin conditions, such as acne, have an impact on your appearance.
Eczema. Eczema is a term that refers to a variety of skin swellings. Dermatitis is another name for eczema. On the face, inside the elbows, behind the knees, and on the hands and feet, most kinds cause dry, itchy skin and rashes on the back. Scratching the skin can make it redden, swell, and itchy even more. Medicines, skin creams, light therapy, and good skincare are some of the options for treatment.
Psoriasis. Psoriasis is a skin condition characterized by itchy or painful areas of thick, red skin covered in silvery scales. The patches generally appear on your elbows, knees, scalp, back, face, palms, and feet, but they can appear anywhere on your body. Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that affects some persons who have psoriasis. A malfunction with your immune system causes psoriasis. Skin cells that grow deep within your skin rise to the surface in a process known as cell turnover. This usually takes a month. Because your cells increase too quickly with psoriasis, it develops in few days.
Dry Skin. Itching can cause by anything from dry skin to full-blown eczema. Itching from just dry skin becomes more prevalent as we get old, as our skin becomes naturally more dehydrated, and many individuals find that their skin dries out and itching worsens once the heating is turned on in the winter. Here's how to take care of it: When washing, use only warm water and avoid standing in the shower or bath for long periods, which might dry up the skin. Make sure you're using a gentle cleanser that won't irritate your skin. You might be better off with a soap alternative if it's alcohol-free and fragrance-free. Also, while the skin is still damp, apply a moisturizer – you may need assistance with this, if possible, for the hard-to-reach areas. This will aid in the skin's moisture retention. Otherwise a wooden back scratcher, a back scratcher amazon like the best back scratcher ScratchyBack® could bring significant relief.
3. Irritating Chemicals
A reaction to something touching your skin causes this unpleasant rash. You may have to do some investigation to figure out where it's coming from. We can get contact dermatitis or eczema as a result of what is applied directly to our skin. This creates a vicious cycle in which dry, inflamed skin itches and becomes even more irritated due to the itching. If our hands are not clean, an infection might enter the skin and cause infection.
Cosmetics. The deep pores of the skin make it very easy to penetrate. As a result, if your creams or skincare products sting or burn when applied, you should use them with caution. Wrinkle creams, cleansers, and skin peels are examples of these goods.
4. Parasites
Bacteria can enter the deeper layers of the skin through a crack or cut in the skin. A parasitic skin infection is caused by microscopic insects or organisms burrowing beneath the surface of your skin and laying eggs.
Pinworm. These parasites are tiny and can dwell in the colon and rectum. When you swallow their eggs, you get them. Inside your intestines, the eggs hatch. Female pinworms exit the intestines through the anus and lay eggs on adjacent skin while you sleep. They can pass the eggs on to others by touching them or touching infected clothing, bedding, food, or other items. The eggs can survive for up to two weeks on household surfaces.
The presence of pinworm eggs can be used to diagnose pinworm illness. A sticky piece of transparent tape is a common approach to collect the eggs. Mild infections may not require treatment. If medication is needed, it should be taken by everyone in the household.
Scabies. These are caused by tiny mites that lay their eggs in the skin and leave silvery lines with a dot at one end. A rash of tiny red spots develops as a result of this. Itching tends to be worst at night. Scratches that start between the fingers are a common telling symptom. Only having this on your back would be strange. The pharmacy or doctor will prescribe a specific lotion to use once a week, and your close contacts and family will need to be treated as well.
Head and Body Lice. When a specific type of lice infests the body and clothing, it is known as a body lice infestation. Lice are parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and can invade the head, body, and pubic area. Body lice infestations may usually be treated and prevented by maintaining good hygiene and regularly washing clothing and bed linens.
5. Pregnancy
Stretch marks, hyperpigmentation, hair, nail, and vascular alterations are all possible side effects of regular hormone changes during pregnancy. Itching is a common side effect of pregnancy. Your husband isn't always present and it may become increasingly difficult to reach around your back to scratch. We recommend a hands free, wall mounted back scratcher like ScratchyBack® to provide soothing relief while during your pregnancy and even after. There is nothing worse than getting a terrible back itch while feeding or holding your baby. ScratchyBack® is hands free and is always there to provide soothing itch relief.
6. Unlikely, but Possible
Itching is frequently caused by something simple and familiar. However, if it persists, it could indicate a severe illness, such as kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid issues, or cancers.
7. Changes in a mole or the appearance of a new mole
Moles are frequently found on the back. We can't always see them, and itching in a new or existing mole can indicate malignant development, which should be reported to your doctor. It's a good idea to get an annual check on your moles if you have many of them (especially if they're on your back where you can't keep track of them).
8. Itching Back for psychological reasons
When we are nervous or stressed, we all itch. Anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder can all cause an increase in itching. The treatment of the underlying cause is critical.
9. A variety of neurological factors can cause itching.
Itching can occur when a nerve is compressed and in conditions such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
When chickenpox reappears as herpes zoster or shingles, it can cause a painful, itchy rash on our back that is usually limited to one nerve area. You notice a cluster of small blisters, and it is critical to seek medical attention as soon as possible so that the doctor can prescribe antiviral medication to reduce the possibility of persistent pain in this area after the shingles have healed.
10. Unknown itching causes.
We don't always know what causes itching, and it can appear 'out of nowhere and often disappear as quickly as it appeared. Itching is usually harmless, but consult your doctor if it persists or does not improve with home prevention and treatment. Most likely, your itch is caused by a simple, treatable condition, but always be cautious and seek medical attention if it is out of the ordinary for you.
The bottom line is that you deserve to feel good and comfortable. And back itchiness is probably not something you'd describe as pleasant—it can interfere with your ability to sleep, not to mention your overall quality of life. Use a high quality, wooden back scratcher or hands free automatic back scratcher like ScratchyBack® to get you through those irritating itches. Treat persistent itching as a symptom that requires medical attention.