Slight cold may worsen itch

A new study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology finds that slightly cold temperatures may worsen itch from allergic reaction and skin inflammation. The researchers reported that intense cold has been known to reduce the itch response, but slight cold, especially in cases where the temperature changes from normal, to slightly cold, back to normal actually makes itchiness worse.

This has important consequences for people experiencing skin allergies, irritation, dry skin, or more advanced skin inflammation, such as in eczema, because this means that physically moving through various temperatures can make itchiness better or worse.

This would be especially important to keep in mind during winter months, where skin allergy sufferers may be moving from warm air to cold air, back to warm air.

This change in temperature, combined with dry, cold air, and winter fabrics such as wool, acrylic, and knit can make dry skin and eczema symptoms worse.

If you live in a place with a cold season, be sure to keep your skin well hydrated, and to avoid multiple, rapid temperature changes. This will reduce the itchiness factor.