Dry and itchy skin

2 sourcesEvery line checked against its source

In short

Sometimes itching is caused by dry, cracked or irritated skin.

What helps6

Take lukewarm baths to cleanse and moisturize the skin without drying it out. Limit baths to once a day.
National Institutes of Health
Use a mild, unscented bar soap or a non-soap cleanser.
National Institutes of Health
Pat the skin dry after bathing instead of rubbing, and moisturize before it gets too dry.
National Institutes of Health
Use a moisturizer to seal in the water absorbed during bathing. Choose creams and ointments, and avoid lotions with a lot of water or alcohol, which can cause burning.
National Institutes of Health
Keep your home at a cool, stable temperature with consistent humidity.
National Institutes of Health
To ease itching: pat or tap your skin instead of scratching it; hold something cool on your skin, like a damp towel; have cool or lukewarm baths or showers; use an fragrance-free moisturizer or emollient regularly; keep your nails clean, short and smooth; wear loose cotton or silk clothing; use a laundry liquid or powder that's for sensitive skin.
NHS website

Things to avoid: do not wear tight clothes, or clothes made from wool or synthetic fabrics; do not spend a long time in the bath or shower; do not use fragranced soaps, deodorants or moisturizers.
NHS website

See a health care provider if itchy skin is affecting your daily life; does not get better with self care or keeps coming back; is caused by a new rash, lump or swelling that you're worried about; is all over your body; is severe; happens during pregnancy.
NHS website

These pages describe what the sources say. They cannot say what is going on with your skin.

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