The sudden itch on your cheek might just be a fleeting annoyance. But when that tickle becomes a constant irritant, it’s time to uncover the root cause and start the journey toward relief. Here are some common causes of facial itching and how you can soothe that relentless itch.
The Dryness Dilemma
An itch that arrives with no accompanying rash might just be a case of dry skin. The arid climate of winter or a particularly dry environment can often leave your skin craving for moisture, leading to an itchy sensation, particularly if you’re out and about often.
Post-Shave Woes
If you’ve just shaved and your skin is itching, you may be dealing with razor burn. This type of skin irritation can result from dry shaving, speedy strokes, using a blunt blade, or shaving against the grain of your hair growth. It’s more prevalent in people with acne or sensitive skin.
Unveiling Eczema
Eczema, the skin’s inflammatory response resulting in dry, itchy patches, may also be the culprit. Dr. Brendan Camp, a board-certified dermatologist, explains that this condition might cause “dry, pink patches of skin”. Aggravating factors could include harsh soaps, certain fragrances, low humidity, and exposure to allergens.
Spotting Seborrheic Dermatitis
Another possible cause is seborrheic dermatitis, which brings with it a greasy, scaly rash, generally on the scalp or face, causing redness and itching. This condition often shows up in the eyebrow and beard areas.
Allergic Reaction: Contact Dermatitis
The sudden itch that accompanies a red rash after using a new beauty product might be a classic case of contact dermatitis. This allergic reaction can occur due to skin irritation from environmental allergens or an ingredient in a skincare product, such as a fragrance, dye, or preservative.
Sunburn Strikes
A sunburn can cause more than just discomfort; it can also trigger an itch. Inflammation within the skin can impact the nerve fibers that send itch signals to the brain.
Pondering Psoriasis
Psoriasis, an autoimmune condition resulting in thick, itchy skin patches, can also affect the face, particularly around the ears, mouth, or eyes. These patches often respond to triggers such as infections, cold weather, or skin injuries.
Medication-Induced Itch
Occasionally, a new medication, such as aspirin, certain blood pressure drugs, or opioid pain relievers, can cause itching. Radiation treatments for cancer may have similar side effects.
Rare Causes to Consider
Sometimes, the itch isn’t skin-deep. Conditions like anemia, diabetes, liver or kidney disease, multiple sclerosis, shingles, and even mental health conditions like anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder can lead to itching.
The worst-case scenario could be an itchy mole on the face indicating skin cancer, although this is quite rare.
When to Seek Professional Help
If home remedies haven’t soothed your itch in a week or two, it’s time to see a dermatologist. They can examine your skin, diagnose underlying conditions like eczema or psoriasis, or direct you to a primary care physician if the itch seems to be symptomatic of another health issue.
Pair the itch with a rash, or notice your skin turning yellow. Don’t delay booking an appointment. And if you’re pregnant with an unrelenting itch on your face, check in with your ob-gyn. While mild itching is common during pregnancy, intense itchiness could be a sign of cholestasis, a liver condition, although in such cases the itching is usually on the hands and feet.
