You want to scratch when you have itchy skin because it is an uncomfortable and irritating feeling. Rashes are not the only major cause of itching. Some people erroneously think that when your body itches, it is because there must be rashes.
Yes, you might have a rash when your skin itches. However, you can also have extremely itchy skin without having any visible rashes.
Although itchiness can be a result of poor hygiene, sometimes it’s simply due to an infection. Vaginal itching, for instance, can be due to a vaginal yeast infection.
However, people often use organic vaginal itch cream to get their vaginal itching relieved. These vaginal itch creams are natural and healthy for your vagina. If the vaginal itching worsens or you react negatively to any vaginal itch cream, stop it immediately and seek the doctor. This is also applicable to every other body part.
In addition to infections and poor hygiene, does tiredness cause body itching? In this article, we will analyze the relationship between tiredness and body itching. Why does your body itch when you are tired and just about to rest?
Does Tiredness Cause Body Itching?
When you are tired, does your body get itchy? Do you know why your body itches when you are tired? In this section, you will understand why. Some people don’t even know that the reason for their body itching at night is because of stress and tiredness.
The body’s circadian rhythm is the reason why you become itchier at the end of the day when you are tired. The hormone cortisol, which the body produces, is at its highest level first thing in the morning and at its lowest point in the evening. As cortisol levels fall in your body, the anti-inflammatory effects of innate cortisol are lessened.
As a result, you will experience weakening pain, higher fevers, and itchier rashes. Stress, anxiety, and exhaustion can make you experience body itching all over. This itching can end up causing eczema and other skin conditions like psoriasis to flare up.
Furthermore, skin loses water at night, resulting in dryness that can be itchy. That water loss is most likely caused by changes in the skin’s barrier function at night, which could also allow more irritants in.
Inflammation could also be a factor. The body produces more cytokines at night. Cytokines are proteins produced by the immune system that cause inflammation. This can cause itching or aggravate it. Simultaneously, the body’s production of corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation, decreases.
It’s also possible that you notice itching more when you’re sleeping than when you’re busy and distracted during the day.
How do You Solve This?
If you suspect that stress is causing you to itch, try the following before going to bed:
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Stretching
- Deep breathing exercises
- Progressive muscle relaxation
Here are other tips to help;
- Caffeine and alcohol should be avoided in the evening because they dilate blood vessels, causing more blood to flow to the skin.
- Switch from scented or deodorant soap to a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizing soap or non-soap cleanser.
- Always have a fan in your bedroom to help you forget about the itch. Keep your bedroom cool, and if the air is too dry, use a humidifier.
- Wear loose-fitting night garments made of a soft material like cotton or silk.
Other Causes of Body Itching
There are numerous causes of body itching beyond tiredness. You may be aware of some, while others may be strange to you. Before you conclude that tiredness is the cause of your itchiness, consider these factors.
1. Dry skin
Cracked, dry, and flaky patches on body parts, such are among the most frequent causes of itching on the body. Dry skin can also be a side effect of medication or be brought on by ailments. However, if the itching lasts too long, make an appointment with your dermatologist.
Collagen and natural oils produced in the skin drop with age. This is the reason why the skin becomes dry and flaky. So, older people are more likely to experience body-wide itching.
Dry skin is one of the simplest conditions to treat by consuming enough water and applying an emollient-rich moisturizer.
2. Menopause and Pregnancy
Some pregnant women have itching all over their bodies as a result of the numerous hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. It might be caused by an underlying rash or a more serious condition, such as psoriasis or acne. After giving birth, things typically improve.
Also, some women experience changes to their skin during menopause and perimenopause. Changes on the face, arms, legs, chest, back, and neck can result in itchy skin. In some cases, the T-zone of your face and your elbows may itch.
Oestrogen levels decline, which is problematic. This is because estrogen is linked to the creation of the natural oils and collagen your skin needs. Itchy skin is caused by a slowdown in this collagen production.
3. Infections
Infections that cause itching throughout the body include eczema, dermatitis, chickenpox, etc. In some rare cases, liver and end-stage kidney disease, hemorrhoids, and sexually transmitted diseases can be what cause the body itching all over.
4. Skin Reaction Due to Allergy
Some foods, like peanuts, seafood, eggs, soy, and wheat, can make some people’s bodies react negatively. The body may begin to itch as one of these reactions. If you eat dinner dishes that contain these ingredients, it may also be what causes the body itching all over.
5. Chemical Skin Care Products
Specific chemical components found in some cosmetics can cause an allergic reaction or itching. Some deodorants, soaps, and other cleaning products can cause one to itch. Furthermore, mosquito repellent creams also contain chemicals that can itch.
What About Vaginal Itches?
Both physical and emotional stress can cause vaginal itching and irritation.
It could happen if stress lowers your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections that cause itching. Stress-induced increases in the stress hormone cortisol can affect vaginal health and increase the risk of vaginal infections.
Unpleasant itchiness seems to call for scratching to ease it. Numerous women occasionally experience brief episodes of genital itching that go away on their own. However, when the itching is persistent or accompanied by a discharge, it is considered a problem.
Some other causes of genital itching include;
- Chemicals found in soaps
- Perfumes
- Lubricants
- Infection(including Sexually transmitted diseases)
- Feminine hygiene products
- Allergies
- Cancer
- Creams
- Skin conditions (psoriasis, eczema, etc.)
The list goes on and on.
It is important you know how to stop itching down there. This is because if the vaginal itching is not dealt with, it can lead to severe complications. People use vaginal itching cream to relieve itches. However, make sure a doctor supports any cream you want to apply. This is because they know the best itching cream for private parts.
Final Thought
Itchiness is a very uncomfortable feeling. It can be a normal body reaction or a sign of something more serious. Itchy skin at night when you are tired could be a result of body heat or dehydration.
However, if your nighttime itching persists after two weeks of using the home remedy, consult your doctor. Itching that disrupts your sleep or is accompanied by other symptoms should be investigated.
