Itching – Causes, skin reactions & relief

What is itching?

Itching (medically known as pruritus ) is one of the most common skin symptoms worldwide. It can occur acutely or chronically and is triggered by a variety of stimuli – from dry skin and allergies to inflammatory processes. Itching is not a disease in itself, but rather a symptom indicating a disrupted skin barrier or nerve irritation. ^¹

How does itching develop?

^Itching occurs when certain nerve fibers in the skin are activated by chemical or mechanical stimuli. Messenger substances such as histamine , serotonin , or prostaglandins transmit the signal via the spinal cord to the brain, where it is perceived as tingling or the urge to scratch.

Causes of itching

• Dry skin: A lack of lipids and moisture destabilizes the skin barrier.
• Allergic reactions: Contact with fragrances, nickel or surfactants.
• Inflammatory skin diseases: eczema, neurodermatitis or psoriasis.
• Mechanical irritation: clothing, shaving, or friction.
• Stress and hormones can lower the skin's irritation threshold.

Chronic itching can become self-perpetuating: Scratching leads to micro-injuries, which in turn trigger new irritations – a so-called “itch-scratch cycle”. ³

How can itching be relieved?

• Moisturizing care: Products containing hyaluronic acid , urea or glycerin bind water in the skin.
• Barrier building: Ceramides and squalane strengthen the lipid mantle and prevent irritants from penetrating.
• Cooling products: Creams containing menthol or polidocanol have a soothing effect.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: Active ingredients such as panthenol or ectoine reduce irritation.
• Avoid triggers: do not use perfumed or alcohol-containing products.

Skincare products like Porcelain Skin Serum from NATURFACTOR contain soothing, moisturizing components that improve skin comfort and relieve feelings of tightness.

When should itching be medically evaluated?

If itching persists for more than six weeks, occurs at night, or is accompanied by visible skin changes, a dermatological evaluation should be performed. Chronic pruritus can also have internal medical causes, such as liver or metabolic disorders.^⁴

Prevention of itching

• Wear skin-friendly clothing made of cotton or bamboo
• Shower with lukewarm water and a mild cleansing product
• Apply moisturizing lotion immediately after showering.
• Drink plenty of fluids and keep the room air humid.

Conclusion

Itching is a signal from the skin indicating irritation, dryness, or inflammation. Targeted moisturizing care, barrier protection, and gentle formulations can break the vicious cycle of itching and scratching and permanently improve skin health.

Sources

1. Haut.de – Specialist portal for skin health: What happens when you itch? https://www.haut.de/juckreiz-hautwissen/
2. Pharmaceutical Journal Online (PZ): Itching – Pathophysiology and Treatment Options . https://www.pharmazeutische-zeitung.de/ausgabe-142020/juckreiz-verstehen-und-behandeln/
3. JDDG – Journal of the German Dermatological Society: Chronic Pruritus – Guideline Overview .https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ddg.13745
4. DERM.TV (Germany): Causes and treatment of chronic itching . https://www.derm.tv/juckreiz-ursachen-und-therapie/
5. Eucerin Science Portal: Itching in dry skin . https://www.eucerin.de/hautwissen/juckreiz