When your face itches, it’s distracting and can be difficult to control. This happens often in the winter and during allergy season for many reasons. Learn more about why it happens and how you might find relief.
Common Causes of an Itchy Face
Verywell / Nusha Ashjaee
There are several causes of an itchy face that are the usual culprits:
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Treatment
If your itchy face isn’t life-threatening but is bothersome, there are things you can do to help. If you are itching due to allergies, taking allergy medication may provide relief.
If you have tried over the counter allergy medications and they haven’t worked, make an appointment with an allergist. There may be other medications that could help.
Other things you can do to improve dryness and reduce the chances that your skin will itch include staying hydrated (drink plenty of water) and using a humidifier when you are indoors, especially during the winter.
Cold winter air is irritating to the skin and heaters in our homes and offices dry the air as well. Adding moisture back into the environment with a humidifier could help.
However,taking hot showerscan actually make the problem worse. Showering with warm water is fine but hot water can irritate your skin.
Although the itchy skin is rarely serious, damage from scratching can lead to infections that could be serious. Be sure to seek treatment if you notice pain, redness, swelling, or develop a fever.
If you have tried all of these remedies and still don’t have relief, talk to your healthcare provider. There could be a different cause or treatment for the problem that you aren’t aware of.
2 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatology.10 reasons your skin itches uncontrollably and how to get relief.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry skin: Tips for managing.
2 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatology.10 reasons your skin itches uncontrollably and how to get relief.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry skin: Tips for managing.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Dermatology.10 reasons your skin itches uncontrollably and how to get relief.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry skin: Tips for managing.
American Academy of Dermatology.10 reasons your skin itches uncontrollably and how to get relief.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry skin: Tips for managing.
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