Acne is a skin condition that can show-up at any site. However, acne occurs quite commonly on your chest, shoulders, neck and face. Skin of humans has small-sized pores. When these pores are filled with dead cells or oil, it can lead to a blemish or zit. If such blemishes occur frequently, it can cause acne. But, why is my acne so itchy? It is worth your while to have needful inputs on it.
Scars of skin conditions like acne can lower your confidence levels and self-esteem. In some people, acne can result in depression. One good thing is: acne can be treated successfully. Various approaches are available for treatment, and for reducing scars. Typical signs of acne are: discoloration of skin, formation of spots or patches - due to hyperpigmentation, reddening, inflammation and softening of skin accompanied by pain.
Pores on skin lead to follicles deep within. Each follicle has an oil-secreting gland and a strand of hair in it. When follicles are making excessive amounts of oils, and when dead cells of your skin are stored-up in follicles, these cause microbial growth inside each follicle. This triggers a spell of acne.
Factors contributing to onset of acne are: changes in hormone levels - owing to puberty or pregnancy, endocrinal conditions like PCOS – polycystic ovarian syndrome, smoking of tobacco products, disturbed sleeping cycles, living in stressful conditions, etc.
In some cases, excessive use of cosmetic products such as moisturisers and / or cleansers – especially those with oily ingredients, use of hormone-based contraceptives and meds like lithium can also cause episodes of acne.
Why is my acne so itchy?
Scratching the spots of acne can offer some interim relief; but scratching can only worsen your symptoms. Itchiness is a very other common sign of acne. It results due to rampant drying of skin-based cells and due to fiction in-between blocked pores. These lead to an itchy skin.
Apart from the above, exposure to sources of UV rays – such as sun’s rays, sweating profusely, and living in hot weather conditions can aggravate itchiness. Your skin turning itchy is one of the unmistakable signs of the recovery process. While acne gets cured reddened skin gets substituted by healthier and newer skin. This process is called exfoliation wherein your body sheds off older layers to make way for newer skin.
In essence, it is the dead and flaky cells on skin that cause itchiness. But how can you avoid scratching when tour skin itches? Foremost of all, stay away from direct exposure to sun’s rays, apply natural moisturiser such as aloe vera to reduce redness and drying-up of skin, use calamine solution and / or anti-histamine meds.
Talk to a dermatologist to know which moisturiser suits your skin well. People who scratch may experience scaring of skin; such scars show-up when a damage gets deeper, underneath your epidermis. It is also a good thing to wash your face with milder soap solution, preferably soaps that have a moisturiser in them, keep your hands dry and clean, and never touch the spots of acne.
Those who sweat more, and those who have allergies to a few substances such as benzoyl peroxide at a greater risk. Moreover, people who scratch on reddened spots may pierce or pop their pimples. Such practices can let microbes gain access to your pimples. Over a period of time, infections can spread over to various other sites on your skin. This may trigger a more intense outbreak of acne.
You need to ensure dryness of skin is at bay; you may use medicated lotions or creams, whenever your skin gets drier. It is a good practice to enhance humidity level at home by using a humidifier. Your dietitian will advise you of foods that are good for skin, and for follicular wellbeing. To know more on why is my acne so itchy, talk to your dermatologist.
What Makes Acne Itchy?
An itchy acne feels agitating. But what causes acne to itch? There are many reasons for them to be itchy when acne starts appearing. The foremost cause is the inflammation. The body sends white blood cells to eliminate the bacteria or oil trapped under the skins. This battle brings in swelling and redness that stimulates itchiness.
Another scenario is when dry skin aggravates it. Such acne treatments dry out your skin, those with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. They reduce the bumps but strip away the fats that keep the skin moisturized. When the skin gets dry, it might begin to crack or flake away, and thus it becomes itchy.
In addition, some allergic reactions can also cause acne to itch. During the allergic reaction, people would react to the ingredients in their cleanser, moisturizer, or makeup. However, if you had suffered from itchy acne after you started using a new product, stop using it right away and consult with your dermatologist.
Friction is also a chief contributor: from clothes or even from your hands. Tight necklines, sweat-soaked tees, or resting your chin on the palm of your hand, these little acts can make acne spots rub-away irritating and thus elicit itching sensations.
Can It Be a Good Sign if Acne Itches?
Usually, an itching sensation means acne is going away. Sometimes, so to speak.
When acne heals, the skin from earlier stages starts to peel. This exfoliation clears the way for the new, smooth surface skin. At this stage, you will probably feel some itching, which most often is a good sign, indicating that the skin is repairing itself.
The itch, however, could be something bad if the feelings of itchiness grow or spread and come in the company of pain or pus. In that case, it might mean an infection of the acne, or some allergic reaction to a product. Sometimes a little itching means healing; too much, though, is a call for concern. If the itching is beyond your imagination, then don't guess about it; see your doctor or skin specialist
How To Stop the Itching
Here are a few easy techniques to make the itch go away:
Gentle washing of face - No scrubbing. Use a soft cloth and mild soap with some moisturizing properties.
Avoid scratching - Scratching may feel good for an instant, but it can cause a break in the skin and worsen acne.
Use cold water - Splashing some cool water on the face tends to relieve the itching.
Use aloe vera - It has soothing properties and hydrates the skin.
Something from a drugstore - Calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream might be fine for the itching.
One more thing, drink lots of water. Keeping hydrated can hasten skin healing and prevent it from drying out.
Keep Your Skin Happy
Following daily habits can prevent itchy acne from showing up again:
Change that pillowcase often - Oil and dirt may accumulate in it from your face and hair.
Shower after sweating - Sweat would clog pores and may possibly cause irritation if unwashed.
Never touch your face - Your hands have germs, and they can reach into your pores.
Go for oil-free skincare-Products that are labeled "non-comedogenic" are your friends.
Eating well will do its part as well. Leafy greens, fruits, and water-rich veggies really give your skin the vitamins it needs to heal and stay soft.
When to See a Dermatologist
If the itchy acne stubbornly persists unhealed in spite of your earnest home care efforts, then it may finally be time to talk to the dermatologist. There could be various cases such as prescription treatment with a cream, medicine, or even testing to detect allergies upon looking into the matter.
There are people whose skin disorders may resemble acne but just are not. Only a doctor can tell for certain, so the sooner you find out, the earlier it gets treated.
conclusion
So what causes itchy acne? Dry skin, healing skin, inflammation, or allergic reactions. Is itchy acne a good sign? Sometimes it is- if it is mild and part of healing. But if it gets painful or starts to spread, see a doctor.
Keep calm, be gentle with your skin, and do not hesitate to consult a doctor when needed. Clear skin does take time, but with care and patience, the healing shall come.
The skin needs its air. Don't be in a hurry. And, please, no scratching!
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.