QUESTION: At night I often suffer from sudden itching all over my body. My skin shows nothing, but by scratching I sometimes break the skin. Is there anything I can do to prevent that itching?
ANSWER: “This question is difficult to answer because we don't know the cause of the itch † My advice to combat itching is to keep the skin oily with, for example, a rich cream with lactate or urea. Creams with menthol can also be anti-itching.
If the problem persists despite applying a greasy cream persists, it is wise to visit your doctor for further examination.
Here are at least a few tips to prevent scratching the skin:
– Always have short and clean nails without sharp corners.
– Wearing cotton gloves (available at the pharmacy) while sleeping also reduces scratching.
– In addition, cover the body as much as possible by wearing long nightwear.
– Another tip to combat itching is to cool the skin with, for example, a cool pack or gently tap the skin with a cooled spoon.
One thing is clear:scratching the skin will only make the itching worse and should therefore be avoided in any case.”
Kristien van Tongeren, skin therapist in Dermatological Center Dermicis Haarlem
