WOMAN’S GP DR HELEN WALL ON HER TOPIC OF THE WEEK
Stop itchy skin ruining spring
Warmer weather bringing misery instead of joy? Here’s how to ease scratching – fast…
Been feeling uncomfortable recently? A combination of changing weather and rising pollen counts can leave many of us with an itch we can’t help but scratch (with or without a rash to match).
Most people don’t think of their skin as an organ, but it’s actually the largest one in the body and has a very challenging job – protecting us from trauma, infection and UV light. Skin also helps to regulate our temperature, which means it’s important we keep it hydrated and conditioned to prevent it from drying out, cracking and becoming irritated or infected.
SEASON OF DISCONTENT
An increase of allergens in the air, such as grass and flower pollens, plus a change in temperature, can dry and irritate the skin or lead to allergic skin reactions like hives (raised red circles on the skin).
More often than not, itchy skin is just an irritating nuisance that needs some TLC but, occasionally, it can be a symptom of something more serious, such as underlying liver, thyroid or kidney issues. As well as allergies causing untold levels of irritating itch, other common skin conditions that appear as the weather changes can include eczema (often triggered by the drying out of skin), prickly heat (small raised spots and an itchy prickly feeling) and insect bites from being outdoors.
Although parasite infections, such as scabies, are generally more common in winter, the UK is currently seeing a surge in cases (double the five-year average case rate). Itchy skin can also be more common during the menopause as skin dries out due to falling oestrogen levels.
EASE PAIN
To help the discomfort, and to stop making the condition worse, pat your skin instead of scratching it, hold something cool on your skin, have lukewarm baths or showers
