Dry, Itchy Skin – Causes, Care, & Prevention

Dry, itchy skin is uncomfortable and can get worse if left unaddressed. Read on to learn about what can cause dry, itchy skin, strategies for helping prevent dry skin which can lead to itchiness, and ways to help restore the skin’s moisture for smoother, healthier-looking skin.

An itch is a tingling sensation which makes us want to scratch. That sensation is generally localized (i.e. on a specific part of our body such as our calves) but can be generalized too (i.e. all over the body). When something disturbs the skin’s moisture barrier it can lead to dryness which can then lead to itchiness.

Scratching is a natural reaction to dry, itchy skin, and may offer temporary relief, but frequent scratching can cause further damage to the skin’s moisture barrier and make the itchiness from dryness worse¹. This then prompts more scratching, causing more damage to the skin while the itching sensation persists. This is known as the itch-scratch cycle²

With this in mind, it’s important to take dry, itchy skin seriously and to care for it at an early stage.

There is a range of factors - both internal and external - that can contribute to dry skin which can then lead to itchiness:

• Genetics
  Dry skin can be caused by genetic factors, whether due to having a dry skin type or being genetically predisposed to certain skin conditions that can lead to dry, itchy skin³.
  
• The natural process of aging
  The skin produces fewer natural oils and loses its ability to retain moisture as we age, making it more prone to dryness⁴.
  
• Dehydration
  When your body isn’t getting adequate hydration, this can affect the skin as well⁵ and lead to dehydrated, dry, itchy skin.

• Climate and environment:  
  Dry air, particularly cold, dry air during the winter months, can strip the skin of its natural moisture, causing exposed areas of skin to become dry and itchy⁶. Similarly, dry heat or air conditioning used indoors can also be drying to the skin. 
  
• Photoaging 
  Prolonged and repeated unprotected exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays can cause damage to the skin known as photoaging, which can lead to dry, itchy skin⁷.  
  
• Bathing with hot water and harsh soaps 
  Repeated and prolonged exposure to hot water can cause damage to the skin’s moisture barrier and strip the skin of its natural oils⁸, leading to dry, itchy skin. Additionally, using bath products with harsh chemicals like traditional bar soaps has been shown to cause dry skin when compared to gentler, soap-free cleansers⁹.  

In addition to common causes of dry skin above, other sources of itchy skin can lead to worsening dry, itchy skin due to scratching. These include things like:

• Post-shave irritation which can lead to dry, itchy skin¹⁰ 
• Skin reactions from chemical irritants or allergens¹¹ 
• Insect bites and stings – scratching and washing around the area can lead to dry, itchy skin¹² 
• Underlying skin conditions such as eczema

If you experience itchy skin and are concerned it may be caused by an underlying skin condition, be sure to consult your doctor as soon as possible for a professional diagnosis. 

The first tip for caring for dry, itchy skin may sound obvious but is very important – don’t scratch! Scratching can make the itch worse and can be damaging to the skin.

Eucerin Itch Relief Intensive Calming Lotion immediately relieves and calms itchiness caused by dry skin, for itch relief up to 12 hours. Formulated with Menthol (external analgesic) and enriched with Ceramide-3, this calming lotion provides instant itch relief from dry skin and helps strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier, leaving skin feeling soft and smooth. Fragrance-free, dye-free, and paraben-free, this itch relief lotion is suitable for dry, sensitive skin and can be used daily.

Eucerin Skin Calming Itch Soothing Lotion is purposefully developed to keep skin moisturized, this gentle formula contains natural oatmeal that helps provide soothing itch relief and is further enriched with emollients that help moisturize dry skin for up to 24 hours. This daily moisturizing lotion calms and helps prevent dry, itchy skin while helping keep skin moisturized all day. long Fragrance- and dye-free, Eucerin Skin Calming Itch Soothing Lotion is suitable for dry, sensitive skin and can be used daily.

When it comes to dry skin, prevention is key. Applying a moisturizer at the first signs of dryness and then with regular use can help prevent dry skin from getting worse and becoming more dry and itchy.

Other measures that can help prevent dry, itchy skin include:

• In the winter, use a humidifier indoors to prevent air from drying out and bundle up when going outdoors to help protect your skin from the drying effects of cold, dry weather¹³.
• Keep baths and showers brief (5-10 minutes) and use lukewarm, not hot, water
• Wear breathable, comfortable clothing.
• Use mild, fragrance-free laundry detergents and avoid skin contact with harsh detergents or other potentially drying chemicals.
• Use soap-free cleansers and avoid potentially drying skincare products.
• Drink plenty of water to keep your body (and skin) hydrated.
  
• Wear sunscreen every day year-round (even on cloudy days), and take proper sun protection measures such as wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and avoiding direct sun exposure at peak hours of the day.

Eucerin is a dermatologist-recommended skincare brand with skin care products designed to restore and sustain healthy-looking skin. We understand that dry skin can feel itchy and uncomfortable and have created lotions for dry, itchy skin to help bring relief and restore skin’s moisture.

Explore Eucerin’s range of products for dry, itchy skin

The information provided herein is not intended to be medical advice. Nor is it intended to treat the underlying skin disease or condition. The information is provided solely to:

1. Moisturize, soften and smooth dry skin 
2. Improve the appearance of the skin 
3. Achieve healthier-looking skin