Aging causes itching on the skin, why?

As you get older, your skin will experience various changes. This condition is caused by several factors, starting with changes in the body, lifestyle, diet, heredity and other daily living habits. For that, do not be surprised if you get older with a number of complaints, including itchy skin.
Causes of skin itching in the elderly

As you get older, your skin becomes drier. Usually, this disease attacks many legs, elbows and forearms. The skin that is too dry becomes scaly and starts to itch.

This condition is caused by sweat and sebaceous glands that help the skin stay hydrated and slowly disappear with age. Especially if you often bathe in warm water and use soap with hard ingredients, drying the skin can not be avoided.

In addition, habits such as lack of drinking, smoking, stress and excessive sun exposure also make the skin drier.

Dry and irritated skin is usually very irritated. Although usually not dangerous, but itching that continues and worsens every day can be a sign of certain diseases. Diabetes and kidney disease, for example, can cause itching on the skin.
What should be done to relieve itching due to age

To reduce itching on the skin due to dryness, various treatments at home may be carried out, namely:
1. Not too often swim in hot water

A hot bath is soothing, especially for older people. However, did you know that hot water can remove natural oils from the body? In fact, this natural oil is needed to keep skin soft and moist.

However, that does not mean you should not take a hot shower at all. According to Dr. Robert N. Butler, MD, a senior lecturer in geriatrics at the Brookdale Adult Geriatric and Development Department at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City, you are still allowed to take a hot shower, but not too often.

A hot bath can help relieve itching, but if done too often, the skin can become drier. As a result, itching on the skin gets worse.
2. Use a moisturizer

Because the body struggles to maintain hydration, it's best for parents to use moisturizers. This moisturizer is mainly used after bathing, when the skin is still half dry to stick to and provide the moisture needed for the skin.

Try using a quality moisturizer to keep skin moist and healthy and prevent itching and itching. You can use a moisturizer that contains urea, the active ingredient, to attract and retain skin's moisture to protect it from dryness which is the main cause of itching. In general, urea is often reduced in dry and irritated skin conditions.

In addition to urea, you can use a skin moisturizer that contains lauromacrogol on dry skin. This content is a local anesthetic that can help you reduce unpleasant sensations caused by dry and irritated skin.
3. Use the right bath soap

Do not carelessly choose bath soap. While all soap aims to cleanse the body of impurities, not all of them contain ingredients that are skin-friendly.

For older people, for example, you need to choose a soap that not only cleans, but also soothes and helps protect the skin from various problems, including dryness.

Choose a bath soap that contains natural oils like avocado or soybean oil to help moisturize the skin and reduce itching and irritation.
4. Use an anti-itch cream

The use of itching creams that are sold freely on the market or prescribed by doctors can help reduce the discomfort felt. Cream made from a mixture of oil and water which can leave a soft and smooth feeling on the skin. Choose an itchy cream that is easily absorbed by the skin so it doesn't leave a sticky impression.

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