Itching worsens at night due to your body's natural circadian rhythm, which increases skin warmth, blood flow, and inflammation-promoting substances (cytokines) while lowering anti-inflammatory cortisol, combined with drier skin from water loss and fewer distractions (like work) that make you more aware of the sensation. Common culprits also include dry skin, bug bites (bed bugs, scabies), allergies, skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis), and stress, with underlying issues like thyroid or liver problems being less common causes.
For temporary relief of itching, try these self-care measures:
A food allergy could cause skin to itch at night. Iron deficiency anemia. Some people with iron deficiency anemia have itchy skin. Other symptoms include tiredness, pale skin, shortness of breath and fast heartbeat.
Body temperature: If you have a high body temperature at night, you could have itchy skin. Dry skin: Your body loses moisture at night, which can make your skin itchy. Hormonal changes: At night, your body doesn't produce as many hormones as it does during the day and certain hormones reduce inflammation (swelling).
Itching on the whole body might be a symptom of an underlying illness, such as liver disease, kidney disease, anemia, diabetes, thyroid problems and certain cancers. Nerve disorders. Examples include multiple sclerosis, pinched nerves and shingles (herpes zoster).
Rarely, nighttime itching signals a more serious health condition, such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland) or liver or kidney disease. Try these strategies to ease the itch: Change your bedding or pajamas to softer, cotton-rich versions. Don't linger in a bath or shower, which can lead to dry skin.
The observed reduction in pruritus severity in our meta-analysis may be attributable to these anti-inflammatory effects, suggesting that vitamin D could be particularly beneficial for patients with inflammatory skin conditions.
Itch is common in people who have a disease that affects their blood, such as Hodgkin's lymphoma or cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. It can also be a sign of advanced kidney disease and often develops in people who are close to needing dialysis or currently receiving dialysis.
Eight ways to quickly relieve itchy skin and how to prevent it
Choose natural, breathable fabrics to sleep in, such as cotton, bamboo or silk, which are soft against your skin. Many people prefer cotton – for nightwear as with bedding – as it can be laundered at high temperatures. Avoid items with seams or zips that might rub, irritate or that you might use to scratch with.
Oat Milk. Oat milk is currently enjoying a moment in the sun as a dairy-free, soy-free, and environmentally friendly alternative to milk. But, it can also be good for your skin. As anyone with naturally dry, eczema-prone skin knows, oats have natural calming and soothing properties.
Itching is a symptom of liver disease. You might itch anywhere on your body, but it's most common on the arms and legs, or the palms of your hands or soles of your feet. Some people itch all over. Itching in liver disease can vary from mild to exhausting.
See a GP if itchy skin:
does not get better with self care or keeps coming back. is caused by a new rash, lump or swelling that you're worried about. is all over your body. is severe.
With lymphoma, you can itch anywhere on your body, but it's common on the lower legs, hands, feet, torso (between waist and shoulders), or near affected lymph nodes, often worsening at night and without a typical rash, feeling deep and unrelieved by scratching. This itchiness is caused by immune chemicals (cytokines) irritating nerve endings, and can be a symptom of both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
What medications treat pruritus?
A lack of vitamin A or calcium can be the reason for itchy skin. To determine whether you are deficient in these nutrients, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional. They can evaluate your symptoms alongside test results to recommend the appropriate treatment and dosage.
A study into the relationship between vitamin B12 and itching has shown that some people with a vitamin B12 deficiency may experience itchy skin rashes. This itching can occur in different parts of the body, such as the arms, legs, back or abdomen.
Health conditions that can cause nocturnal pruritus include the following:
To stop intense itching, use cool compresses and oatmeal baths, apply fragrance-free moisturizers and anti-itch creams (with menthol or pramoxine), wear loose cotton clothing, trim nails, and try stress reduction; avoid hot water, harsh soaps, and scratching, but see a doctor if it persists to find the underlying cause.
These microscopic pests often thrive in mattresses, pillows and upholstered furniture. Visible signs of a mite infestation—Though mites are nearly invisible to the naked eye, you may notice tiny black specks or clusters—potentially droppings or dead mites—on bedding, upholstery or carpets.
"Demodex mites live on our skin and are especially prominent in areas where we have a lot of oil like the face or the middle of the chest." Even worse, said mites thrive in unsanitary environments, like Xu's dirty pillowcase.
Combine Clove, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Peppermint or Rosemary oil with water in a spray bottle and spray your bed, linens, and other furniture lightly with a fine mist. Once this mixture air dries, the scent should repel dust mites. Cinnamon bark oil can also be used to help control dust mites as well.
If your kidneys aren't working properly, you may notice one or more of the following signs: