Senior Living News

What Are Some Common Reasons for Older Adults to Have Itchy Skin?

A common culprit of itchy skin in older adults is dry skin. As you age, your skin may become drier, which can lead to patchy places and itchiness. Other common reasons older adults might experience itching skin include:

• Eczema. Certain skin conditions, including eczema, can lead to itching skin. You can develop such conditions as you age even if you never had an issue before or experience a resurgence of previous issues even though they've been under control for years.
• Allergic reactions. It's possible to develop new allergies or come into contact with new substances that can cause a reaction. Common allergens that can cause itching skin include fabric softener and laundry detergent, some kinds of fabric, medications and ingredients in personal care products like soap or lotion. Some foods can cause itching skin, and you might develop a food allergy you haven't had before, especially after taking certain medications or experiencing certain types of illnesses.
• Skin infections. A variety of skin infections can lead to itching, including shingles.  
• Side effects of medications. Some medications cause itching as a side effect. In some cases, this may come with a rash, but you might also experience itchiness without any visually apparent skin effects.
• Environmental factors. When the air around you is cold or dry, it can make your skin dry out and become itchy. On the other hand, some people experience itchiness when they're exposed to hot or humid environments.
• Certain chronic health conditions. Some conditions, including thyroid issues and diabetes, can increase the chance that you may deal with itching skin.

What Are Some At-Home Remedies for Itchy Skin?

Start by ensuring your skin is properly cleaned and dried. If you suddenly get itchy, it could be that you have some substance on your skin and don't realize it. Use mild cleansers made with natural ingredients and no fragrances to gently clean away debris and dirt that might be causing you to itch. Individuals who make their home in our independent living community can explore salon services at LifeStream to help ensure good scalp and hair care that may reduce itching.

Some other things you can do to help reduce itching skin include:

• Avoiding triggers. When you know what might cause you to experience uncomfortable itching, try to keep away from it. That can include fragrances, allergens or just dry air.
• Applying cold. Soothe irritated skin that might itch by applying a cold compress or a cool, damp cloth for a brief period of time.
• Wearing the right clothing. Avoid tight clothing made with fabrics that don't breathe well. When your skin is rubbed constantly by fabric, it can create irritated areas that might itch.
• Hydrate. Drink plenty of water to keep your body and skin moisturized.
• Use a humidifier. If you live in a dry area, especially during winter, use a humidifier to keep your space moist enough to cut down on skin issues.
• Protect yourself from bug bites. If you'll be outdoors, wear clothing that keeps pests away or apply safe bug repellant to reduce your chances of being bitten.
• Apply topical relief. If itchiness is caused by a bug bite, rash or other issue, apply topical relief to reduce itchiness so you aren't tempted to scratch.

When Is It Time to See a Doctor?

Chronic itchy skin can be a symptom of more serious issues, and it's important to see a health care professional if you're experiencing other symptoms such as severe fatigue, unexplained weight change or fever. Even if you feel fine other than your itchy skin, you may want to consult a medical professional such as a GP or dermatologist if you:

• Experience persistent itching that lasts for more than a few days, gets worse over time or doesn't get better with the application of at-home remedies
• See signs of infection around the itchy area, including redness and swelling or any type of oozing
• Have a rash or hives along with itchiness
• Experience the itchiness after starting a new medication, as you may need to discuss side effects and medication changes

At some point in life, everyone experiences itchy skin. Even if the itching is severe enough to keep you up one or two nights, it's not necessarily a life-threatening medical occasion. However, understanding your body, being proactive in addressing issues and seeking medical advice if you aren't sure about skin itching can help support peace of mind and a more positive outcome.

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