Itching, a common yet perplexing bodily sensation, can be attributed to numerous causes. Aging, for instance, alters the skin’s barrier function, leading to increased sensitivity and itchiness. As Dr. Arndt explains, “The skin barrier doesn’t work as well as it used to, and things that may not have irritated you before may now be absorbed in the skin and cause itching.” The skin also experiences changes in its immune response, fat content, blood flow, and other aspects​​.

In some cases, itching is linked to severe liver disease, as discovered by researchers at Duke University. They found that a specific type of itching associated with liver disease arises from an unexpected source, shedding light on potential new treatments​​.

The immune system can also play a role in unexplained itching. A study by the Center for the Study of Itch at Washington University in St. Louis revealed that some people with chronic itching might have underlying immune system irregularities​​.

Various factors, such as hormonal changes during menopause and pregnancy, medications, and skincare products, can exacerbate itching, especially at night​​. Diseases affecting internal organs and autoimmune conditions, where the body mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, can also manifest as widespread itching​​.

Environmental factors like dry winter air can aggravate skin dryness and itching. To mitigate this, experts recommend protective clothing, humidifiers, limited bathing time, and frequent moisturizing with oil-based ointments​​.

Furthermore, anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, can also trigger intense itching. It can develop rapidly after exposure to allergens, to which the body has become sensitized​​.

Understanding the mechanisms behind itching, such as the role of GPCRs in skin’s immune cells, and how these signals are interpreted by the brain, is crucial for developing effective treatments​​.

In summary, itching can be a complex symptom with a myriad of potential triggers, ranging from skin changes due to aging, liver disease, immune system irregularities, environmental factors, to severe allergic reactions. Recognizing these various causes is essential for effective management and treatment.