Why does my skin itch?

Every time after a bath my skin itches terribly. Moreover, I don’t just rinse with water, but wash thoroughly with soap and a washcloth - I wash off the dirt thoroughly. But the itching does not go away. Why? Maybe I don't wash off the soap well. What else can cause your skin to itch?

Anna D., Moscow region.

Alena Berezyuk , private practice doctor, Moscow:

– Anna, to successfully combat itchy skin, you must first of all know its cause and act on it. In any case, to alleviate the condition, you need to follow the following rules:

Monitor compliance with general hygiene and preventive measures. Limit the use of cosmetics that cause itching: body wash, nail polish, shampoo with various additives. Don't wear jewelry for a while.

Soften the skin after taking a bath with oils, petroleum jelly, moisturizing and softening creams, such as those based on oat and starch products. The duration of a shower or body bath should not be more than half an hour once a day or every two days.

Do not rub your skin too much after a bath when drying with a towel. Always keep your nails short and try not to scratch your skin.

Wear clothes made from natural fibers; underwear and bedding must be made of cotton. You should be very careful when using clothing made from natural wool, which often causes inflammatory skin reactions.

Limit your intake of foods that stimulate histamine production in the body. Namely: hard cheeses, seafood, canned fish, legumes, spinach, tomatoes, alcoholic beverages, coffee, tea, chocolate, strawberries, pineapples, bananas, spices, etc.

Do not take any medications without a doctor's prescription. Many of them have side effects in the form of itchy skin.
Avoid exposure to high temperatures, drinking hot food, alcoholic beverages - anything that causes vasodilation. Don't dress too warmly.

Creams and lotions containing phenol, menthol, ichthyol and resorcinol, or cooling the skin with wet compresses or a cold bath, reduce skin itching . It is not recommended to use alcohol-based products for these purposes.