When I get out of the bath I always get very severe itching on my legs, sometimes also on my arms, and in the worst case everywhere. It started about 10 years ago but has gotten worse ever since. It used to be only on my calves and only when I showered – when I took a bath nothing happened. It lasts about half an hour and then goes away by itself, but sometimes I scratch like crazy (without making wounds). I can’t see anything on my skin, it’s not particularly dry or anything, I’ve never been bothered by the sun, for example. I normally take a bath every 2 days (because showering was so itchy, but that’s not cut any longer…), I use ultra-PH-neutral shower gel for sensitive skin and everything you want, but it only gets worse… what’s going on and what can I do?
Answer
Best,
That itching is caused by the skin drying out (although you won’t see any flaking). The water and soap will dry out the skin and trigger the itching sensations.
Applying moisturizing cream will reduce the itching. Adjusting the soap can also help with these kinds of complaints. (eg pH neutral soap)
In any case, the message is not to shower or wash too often. Your skin has a protective layer that you wash off. In the bath or shower 1x / week is sufficient, although you can rinse extra with the warm weather (so without soap).
kind regards,
Answered by
Dr Jasper Verguts
Gynecology Obstetrics
Old Market 13 3000 Leuven
https://www.kuleuven.be/
.