Health Tips: Why Does My Body Itch After Bathing? What To Know

Itching after having a bath is not rare, lots of people experience itching all over their bodies or on specific areas just after having a bath. The condition is, however, not considered a serious medical issue, although it produces a great deal of discomfort and is a nuisance, clawing at your skin just after bathing is something I’m sure no one would be content with,  especially if itching continues for an extended period of time after shower. Itching is medically called pruritus, and it may leave scars and permanent damage to your skin.

There may be a number of reasons as to why you experience itchiness right after you finish your shower.

·       Repeatedly changing your soaps and shampoos:

Frequently changing your toiletries is not ideal for your skin, especially if you have a very sensitive skin. The different chemicals found in these products may irritate your already delicate skin.

• Hot water:

Bathing in very hot water can cause dilatation of the capillaries and increase blood flow to the skin. This may produce an abnormal sensation on the skin and activate the receptors before time, leading to itching. Hot water also causes dryness of skin, which is one of the causes for itching on the skin.

• Vigorous rubbing:

Scrubbing vigorously while bathing can cause irritation on your skin.

• Bathing with hard water:

This is considered one of the major causes of skin irritation after a shower. Bathing with hard water may leave a thin layer of soap on your skin and this causes itching. The calcium in hard water can also trigger dryness and itching.

• Frequent bath:

Bathing frequently may wash off the natural oils contained in your body which helps to moisturise the body. When you take long or hot showers, these oils can be stripped away thereby leaving your skin dry and itchy.
However, this condition can be resolved using simple home remedies

• Bath with lukewarm water instead of hot water
• Use your hands to gently clean your skin
• Dry your body gently after bathing with a clean soft towel
• Wear loose-fitting cotton clothes after bathing
• Apply coconut oil to soothe the irritated area as the anti-inflammatory properties of the oil help to control itching of skin after bathing.

Fight the urge to scratch. Constant scratching can damage your skin, which could make your itch worse. Although it’s difficult, try not to scratch. Keep your nails short and clean, so that if you do scratch you’re less likely to break the skin.

Avoid irritants. Harsh ingredients can irritate dry skin and trigger itchiness. Use mild, fragrance-free or unscented laundry detergents, cosmetics, and skin care products.