Does The Menopause Cause Itchy Skin?

Itchy skin is not just annoying but can also be embarrassing. It can start in perimenopause but may not start until you reach menopause or when you’re in your postmenopause years. Not all women experience itchy skin, so you may not experience it at all.

So what causes itchy skin in perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause?

Oestrogen is important for maintaining healthy skin. It stimulates the production of collagen which plumps up and supports your skin. The drop in oestrogen levels leads to thinning of the skin. This change in thickness and texture is faster during perimenopause but continues into menopause and postmenopause. The change in thickness and texture can give you a sensation of itching. This can be mild or so severe that it disrupts your everyday life. 

You can get itchy skin on different parts of your body and this includes your face and breasts. Women experience itchy skin in different ways.

• Pruritus – the medical term for itchy skin
  
• Paresthesia – a sensation of numbness, prickling, tingling or pins and needles
  
• Formication – is linked to paresthesia but is more specifically a creepy crawly sensation as if ants are crawling over your skin
  

As well as itchiness you may get other changes to your skin. For example:

• Dry skin
  
• Rashes
  
• Small bumps
  
• Red/irritated skin
  

Skin changes naturally as we age anyway. It becomes less elastic and thinner. Then there’s the wrinkles that we’d rather not see when we look in the mirror. Changes due to ageing are natural and unavoidable. 

See your doctor though if any changes to your skin are accompanied by other symptoms or if you are worried about certain areas of your skin. Bacterial and fungal infections need professional treatment. Changes in moles such as size, shape, colour or irritation should always be checked by your doctor.

Menopause Skin Rash

The fluctuation in oestrogen levels during perimenopause, and the more stable but lowered levels of oestrogen when you reach menopause and the years after, are likely to make your skin more prone to rashes, spots, pimples and bumps.

You may find that your skin is more sensitive and is more likely to react to irritants than it was previously. Even things that never bothered you before may start to give you a rash. It could be washing detergents, personal hygiene or cleaning products, plants, or even an abrupt change in the weather. Things like fabric textures or pet hair may also trigger a skin rash and cause you irritation.

If you already suffer with eczema, acne or psoriasis you might find that your condition gets worse. Then there’s the possibility of sweat rashes caused by hot flushes and night sweats which can also cause skin rashes and discomfort.

There are a lot of simple things you can do to alleviate the discomfort and itching. Take a look at my Tips and Tricks at the end of this article for ways to reduce and/or treat the itching and irritation.

Menopause Itchy Scalp

It’s not just the skin on your body and face that can be affected by the fluctuation of hormone levels during perimenopause and the lowered hormone levels during menopause and postmenopause. The skin on your scalp can also be affected leading to irritation, rashes and itching.

A dry, itchy scalp is not only uncomfortable but can also be embarrassing. Having to give your head a good scratch at regular intervals is not something you want to be seen doing in public. You’re likely to worry that everyone will think that you’re infested with head lice or have some nasty skin complaint!

Don’t worry though, there are some simple Tips and Tricks that you can use to ease the irritation and reduce the need to scratch your head. See my Tips and Tricks Section below for help with itchy scalp and itchy skin.

Tips and Tricks

Vitamins C and B and Omega-3 fatty acids

Vitamin C is important for the creation of skin collagen and also helps the skin to repair itself. Vitamin B and Omega-3 fatty acids are also important for the health of your skin. Healthy skin makes you look and feel better too. Eating a varied and healthy diet and getting regular exercise will also benefit your skin. Here are a few of the foods you may want to include in your diet.

• Vitamin C – citrus fruits, bell peppers, kale, broccoli, brussel sprouts, kiwi, papaya, pineapple.
  
• Vitamin B – pork, poultry, fish, soya beans, eggs, vegetables.
  
• Omega-3 fatty acids – oily fish like sardines and salmon, walnuts, eggs, soy bean, butternuts.
  

There are a lot more foods that contain these nutrients so experiment with your diet a little. You will discover some really tasty food and improve your diet too.

Increase your hydration

It will help to moisturise your your skin from the inside out. Dehydration is bad for your bodily functions in general and is definitely not good for your skin. Swap some of the tea or coffee you have each day for water. Pour water over ice and add slices of lemon or lime to jazz it up a bit. 

Avoid hot showers or baths

Hot water can be drying for your skin and can aggravate skin that is already sensitive. Warm water is better and will leave you just as clean and fresh. 

Use gentle soaps or gels

Avoid fragranced ones, they may smell good but they can dry and irritate your skin. Opt for gentle moisturising bath or shower gels, preferably non-fragranced ones. You can also add Colloidal Oatmeal Powder to a warm bath to soothe irritated skin. It’s widely available online and in pharmacies. Always follow the usage instructions to get the best results.

Don’t Rub Your Skin

When drying yourself after your shower or bath remember not to rub your skin. Patting gently all over is far more gentle and less damaging. Harsh rubbing with your towel can aggravate the itching.

Moisturise your skin 

After having your shower or bath use a moisturiser. You can treat yourself to a good quality, unfragranced moisturiser for this, but petroleum jelly and aqueous cream are cheap and effective moisturisers. If your skin is particularly dry you can moisturise it in between bathing or showering too.

Swimming and sea bathing both dry out your skin

The chlorine in a swimming pool and the natural saltiness of the sea are both drying to the skin and can cause irritation. It’s a good idea to protect your skin beforehand with an emollient or a barrier cream. After swimming or sea bathing you should wash off the chlorine or salt as soon as possible and moisturise your skin again. If you suffer with an itchy scalp make sure your hair is rinsed free of chlorine or salt by using a gentle, unfragranced shampoo, and a good conditioner. Wearing a swimming cap to protect your hair and scalp is also a good idea.

Use Non-Fragranced Laundry Detergent

Laundry liquids/powders and fabric softeners are kinder to the skin if they’re not fragranced. There’s quite a few available that are gentle on sensitive skin. The others may smell nice but are likely to make your itching worse. Don’t overdo the amount of liquid/powder or softener you use in the washing machine or it will become more concentrated. If your clothes etc only needing freshening up you will only need a small amount to get your laundry clean and fresh.

Wear Natural Fabrics

Loose cotton clothing can really help if your skin is driving you crazy. Cotton is a natural fabric that lets your skin breathe more freely. If you have to wear a uniform or certain clothing for work then change your clothes as soon as you get home for something more skin friendly.

Use Sunscreen Or Moisturising Balm

Sunscreen is a must in warmer weather. Not only will you be protecting your skin from harmful rays but you will be protecting it from the drying effect of the sun. Dry skin is more prone to itching so even if you’re not going out for long put the sunscreen on. Using an aftersun moisturiser is a great idea too.

Cold, windy, winter days can cause your skin to dry out. Most of your body will be covered up in an effort to stay warm but your face can suffer the effects of the winter months. Chapped cheeks and lips are a common problem during the colder weather. Always moisturise your face and use a moisturising lip balm before heading out for some fresh air and exercise. It will help to combat dryness and irritation and help to protect your skin from the elements. 

Putting your coat hood up, even when it’s not raining, will also help to protect your face during the colder months. A hat or a hood will also protect your hair from drying out in windy weather and help to protect the skin on your scalp from the harsh elements.

Anti-histamines

Antihistamines are generally used for allergies but some women with itchy skin caused by hormonal changes find that they help. Speak to your pharmacist for help and advice on these.

Shampoo

Shampoos designed to relieve an itchy scalp are widely available in supermarkets and pharmacies. However, you can make your own itchy scalp treatment easily at home. 

• Add 2-3 drops of tea tree oil to your regular bottle of gentle shampoo to help ease the itching. Tea tree oil is believed to have both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. There are also over the counter tea tree oil shampoos available in store.
  

• You can also use tea tree oil to make a soothing scalp oil. Dilute 2-3 drops of tea tree oil in some vegetable oil and massage into your scalp. Leave in for 1-2 hours then wash it out with a gentle shampoo. You can use this as a regular treatment but always follow the dilution instructions that come with your tea tree oil.
  

• Apple cider vinegar (unpasteurized) is another treatment for itchy scalp that can be used as a soothing hair and scalp rinse. Mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of warm water in a non-metallic container. After washing your hair with a gentle shampoo gently towel it dry. Then pour on the diluted apple cider vinegar, making sure that your scalp is covered with it.  Leave it on for at least 5 minutes then gently rinse it out with cool water. There’s no need to worry about smelling of vinegar as the smell disappears once your hair is dry. You can also add 1 cup of apple cider vinegar to a warm bath to help relieve itchy skin.
  

• Scalp massage stimulates the blood flow to the scalp and improves its circulation. Massaging your scalp helps to get the nutrients into your hair follicles and is also a great way to relieve stress (especially if someone else is doing the massaging for you). Certain essential oils massaged into the scalp are believed to have a beneficial effect on hair growth – aloe vera, coconut oil and rosemary oil are a few examples. Massaging a suitable oil into your scalp will also help to moisturise the skin and relieve itching. Tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint and rosemary oil are some of the essential oils that are used to relieve an itchy scalp. Always follow the dilution guidelines that come with any essential oil that you buy as most essential oils should not be used undiluted.
  

See your doctor if your itching or rashes are causing you severe discomfort or you are concerned about changes to your skin or moles. Your doctor can prescribe suitable medical treatment and also offer you professional help and advice. Your doctor can also refer you to, or recommend, a dermatologist (skin specialist), Trichologist (scalp and hair specialist) or another suitable practitioner.