Dear Scratching,

Dry skin is the most common cause of itching, particularly the all-over itch, or the itch that covers a wide area, such as the back or legs. In winter, indoor heat and outdoor chill dry your skin. As you grow older, your skin produces less oil, which may aggravate the effects of winter weather. Frequent bathing, especially with soap, robs the skin of oils. Wool or synthetic fabric next to the skin can make a person itch, as can perspiration or frequent swimming. If you have this kind of dry, itchy skin, you have eczema — eczema being the general name for skin inflammation.

See if you can cure your itch by taking the following steps:

• Keep your baths and showers short, and use lukewarm (not hot) water. Cut back to two or three a week. Sponge bath the rest of the time.
• Discontinue deodorant soaps if you use them. Choose a milder soap and use as little of it as you can.
• If you take baths, add bath oil, cornstarch, or instant or colloidal oatmeal to the water.
• Pat yourself dry instead of rubbing.
• Apply a moisturizing oil or lotion, especially after a bath or shower. Avoid products that contain alcohol, which is drying.
• Make sure all clothing that touches your skin is well rinsed when washed. Try switching to a detergent that contains no perfume. Discontinue fabric softeners, bleaches, and other laundry additives for awhile to see if that helps. (You may be able to return to your regular washing routine later.)
• Wear cotton instead of wool or synthetics. Permanent-press and wrinkle-resistant fabrics may have formaldehyde or other irritating chemicals in their finish. Wash new clothing and towels before using them.
• Try not to scratch. You may irritate the skin further.

You need to go for medical help if self-treatment doesn't bring relief within a few weeks. Unexplained generalized itching can be a symptom of any number of serious disorders — so if you can't explain the itching and it won't quit with some of the above suggested changes, you need to make sure that it isn't a sign of underlying illness. It's probably only skin-deep — but if it doesn't go away with home remedies, there are a number of treatments your health care provider or dermatologist can suggest you try, from oral anti-histamines to phototherapy. Happy running!

Alice

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