Whenever you are dealing with an itch, all you want to do is relieve it so you need to scratch it. And as understandable as that is to do, there are some itches that are not safe to scratch. And it goes beyond being tickled.
Scratching after being tickled is fine but not when it comes to many other situations that involve itching. You will not be happy to learn this because being itchy is difficult and distracting. However, there are 10 itches that you should not scratch at all. Let’s go over those now.
#10 – Dry Skin
The reason that you are itching from dry skin is due to the fact that the protective layer of your outer skin is cracked. The ceramides which are the fats that create a sealant by keeping moisture in as well as keeping foreign invaders out are scarce in supply. If you scratch dry skin, you are only increasing your chances of opening up your skin and allowing it to be vulnerable to infections. Be sure to moisturize your skin to prevent this from happening.
#9 – Insect Bites
You have an insect bite or a sting, it is easy to want to scratch it due to the fact that your body releases histamines. That is based on it detecting the saliva from the insect. However, scratching insect bites will also cause your skin to open up and increase the chances of it becoming infected. You can place an ice pack to help with the itching or get OTC itch creams as well.
#8 – Scabs
Scabs happen when a wound in your skin is nearly healed but not quite. Once it is healed, the scab naturally falls right off. However, the nerves can cause an itching sensation as the skin heals. And if you scratch it, you will prolong the healing process and open up your chances of an infection as well. Scratching off scabs too soon before the skin is healed will only cause those problems to happen. You can always put cool menthol on the scab to lessen the itch.
#7 – Sunburns
When you have a sunburn, your body is sending an inflammatory response so the skin does heal. And when that happens, you will be itching. And when you are itchy from a sunburn, oh that can drive you mad. If you scratch the sunburn, you are only causing the skin to break, and to slow the healing process. That will only cause the itch to get worse. When you want to do is find an aloe gel to help provide you with relief as well as a cold compress.
#6 – Eczema
Eczema refers to skin that is inflamed and it can be a result of various causes such as allergens that are airborne, diet, and fragrances. And it is itchy but scratching it will only cause further complications. You could, in fact, end up with a condition called lichen, simplex chronicus which causes the skin to get wrinkly, harder, and thicker. It will become harder to treat when it gets to this point. You will need to see your doctor if you have eczema as you may need special topical treatment.
#5 – Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disorder whereas the immune system produces new skin cells at a rapid speed. Skin cannot shed dead cells quickly which is why they are stuck with having a flaky and red appearance, and it causes itching. Scratching will cause bleeding and you will need special psoriasis treatments for it.
#4 – Contact Dermatitis
This is a type of eczema that happens when your skin is in contact with an allergen. You end up developing a rash days after your skin was in contact with something that made it itch. If you scratch, you will cause it to bleed, be susceptible to infections, and make it itchier. Be sure to put a cold compress on the itchy area and get some OTC hydrocortisone cream as well as OTC allergy medications to help soothe it.
#3 – Dandruff
Dandruff is embarrassing and it is a result of a fungus on the scalp called Malassezia which causes inflammation, intense itching. And flakes will come down. Scratching it will only cause it to itch more and worsen the inflammation. You need a dandruff shampoo to fix the issue.
#2 – Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is a fungus that may have been picked up and ended up on the foot. It causes the skin to appear scaly, the soles of the feet to become red and it causes a burning itch. You will want to scratch it but by doing that, you are only causing the fungus to spread. You can also cause a fissure. You need OTC antifungal cream to treat it.
#1 – Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are clusters that are found right under the anus and rectal mucus membrane which is something that is hard to talk about. This can be caused by pregnancy, or weight gain, or having to strain too much from being constipated. They are painful and itchy, and scratching them only makes it worse. You need OTC hemorrhoid cream and witch hazel also helps relieve the itching.
Those are the 10 itches to not scratch at no matter how tempting. Instead of scratching, hang in there and go right to the remedy!
