Hormonal changes during menopause can cause a range of skin complaints, including hot flashes, sweating, and itchiness. This is because of the vital role the hormone estrogen plays in skin health.
This article explains the cause of itching, or pruritus, during menopause. It also gives information on how to treat itching during menopause, including possible home remedies, diet tips, medical options, and prevention methods.
Can menopause cause itching?
During menopause, levels of the hormone called estrogen begin to decline.
Estrogen is important for skin health. It helps the skin to stay moisture by stimulating the production of natural oils and collagen. Collagen is a protein that maintains the strength and elasticity of the skin.
A decrease in natural oils and collagen can cause the skin to become drier and thinner than it was before menopause, which can make it feel itchy.
People can often prevent or treat itchy, irritated skin by following a new skin care routine or making specific diet and lifestyle changes.
The following home remedies may help to relieve itchiness during menopause:
Use a cool compress
Applying a cool, wet compress to itchy areas can help to soothe irritation. Covering the area with a damp towel overnight may be particularly helpful if the itching disturbs sleep.
Take an oatmeal bath
Bathing in colloidal oatmeal can help to alleviate itchy skin.
Colloidal oatmeal is oatmeal that is in a fine powder form. Suspending this powder in water enables skin to absorb the cellulose and fiber contained within the oats easily. These substances soften and soothe the skin.
Use colloidal oatmeal in a warm bath. Avoid using hot water, as hot baths can make the itchiness worse.
People can find colloidal oatmeal in most drug and beauty stores or online.
Moisturize regularly
Moisturizing the skin after a bath or shower can help to lock moisture into the outermost layer of the skin. This helps to alleviate dryness and associated itching.
Those with pruritus should choose a perfume-free moisturizer suitable for dry, sensitive skin. Natural moisturizers, such as aloe vera gel or coconut oil, are renowned for their skin-soothing properties.
People can reduce the likelihood of itchy skin during menopause by doing the following:
- Avoid hot baths or showers. These can strip the skin of essential oils. Using lukewarm water is better for those with irritable skin.
- Pat yourself dry after bathing. Rubbing skin dry after a bath or shower can further irritate sore or itchy skin. Patting the skin lightly with a soft, clean towel should prevent further irritation.
- Avoid scratching. Although tempting, scratching the itch can tear and damage the skin, especially if it is already sensitive or inflamed. Instead, apply a cool compress to relieve itchiness. Wear gloves at night to stop itching in your sleep.
- Use scent-free skincare. Scented soaps and perfumes contain harsh chemicals that can further irritate the skin. Perfume-free soaps and cleansers marketed for those with ‘dry and sensitive skin’ are a safer option.
- Reduce alcohol and nicotine intake. These substances have a drying effect on the skin and can cause premature skin aging.
- Wear soft, loose fabrics. Cotton and loose-fitting clothes are less likely to irritate skin than wool or synthetic fibers that may also cling to the skin.
- Avoid strong sunlight. Harmful UV rays from the sun can further irritate dry, itchy, or sensitive skin. Use a high SPF sunblock suitable for sensitive skin.
- Stay hydrated. Water is essential for keeping the skin healthy and preventing dull, itchy skin.
Outlook
Itchy skin during menopause may be the result of a fall in estrogen levels. People can often treat the itchiness with home remedies, OTC medications, and by avoiding certain products.
If someone’s skin is very itchy and does not get better with home remedies, they may need prescription medication. A doctor will also be able to advise as to whether HRT is an appropriate treatment option.
Menopause symptoms improve over time and should not usually continue into the years following menopause.
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