Our skin can go from looking perfect to irritated without us knowing why. We explain the causes and solutions to this problem.

Before we begin, let’s be clear about the concept of irritation: it is an inflammation of the skin with redness and itching or pain. It can also appear with dry skin, and often causes discomfort.

External causes

Any agent, product, or substance that comes into contact with our skin and that attacks it can cause irritation, triggering an inflammatory reaction and damaging the skin’s protective barrier.

Cosmetics

Some cosmetic products may contain agents that are irritating to the skin. They can be the alcohol in perfumes or colognes, detergents in soaps, and some active ingredients used in the formulation of creams and lotions…

Exfoliation that is too intense can also be behind skin irritation.

Thermal changes

The cold and sudden changes in temperature also affect the skin, drying it out and can cause irritation. The most exposed areas, such as the face and hands, are especially sensitive to this.

Solar radiation

Solar radiation is irritating to the skin, which is why it is so important that we use sunscreen daily. Sun-damaged skin is more sensitive to the action of other irritating substances.

Sweat

Sweat, especially when doing sports, can be the cause of irritation. Humidity, the components of sweat, and friction due to movement are dangerous combinations for the appearance of chafing and other irritations.

Fabrics

Garments and footwear made of synthetic fabrics that do not allow perspiration can more easily cause friction and irritation.

Chemical substances

Some chemical agents are irritating when in contact with the skin such as acids, chlorine, and the ingredients of some cleaning products…

Insects

Stings, insect bites, and/or contact with some animals (jellyfish,…) can also be the cause that triggers the irritative reaction.

Radiotherapy

External radiation therapy often causes skin sensitization and irritation.

Internal causes

They are those that are not due solely to direct contact of an irritant agent with the skin but have an internal origin or are due to a pathology, a state of the skin, etc.

Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by intense itching, very dry and sensitive skin, and a tendency to superinfection.

In Atopic Dermatitis, among other factors, there is a defect in the skin barrier, which is unstructured.

This defect favors the penetration of external agents, such as certain allergens and irritants, which have been identified as possible triggers for the outbreak of Atopic Dermatitis.

Xerosis

The lack of hydration of the skin weakens its functions and makes it more vulnerable to irritations.

Also, xerosis is usually accompanied by itching, and scratching will cause even more irritation.

Adverse drug reactions

Taking certain medications can cause, secondarily, irritating effects on the skin.

Allergies

It is an overreaction of the immune system to an agent that it recognizes as foreign. Symptoms often include irritation and itching.

Stress

Stress or nervous situations can also affect the skin, aggravating dryness, itching and irritation.

Solutions

If you know the cause of the irritation, the first thing you should do to improve it is to avoid contact with it.

• Try to maintain a cool temperature, neither too cold nor too hot, and without sudden changes.
• For skin hygiene, use products without detergents, the so-called syndets, which clean gently without irritating.
• The bath water should be warm and when you dry yourself, do it with small touches, without rubbing so as not to cause further irritation.
• Keep your skin well hydrated with suitable products that respect its nature and contain moisturizing, soothing and protective active ingredients for the skin barrier.
• Protect the skin from the sun using highly protective sun creams specific for atopic skin, with a multi-protective function against external agents.
• Apply a treatment cream that relieves itching, soothes irritation, and helps your skin return to normal as soon as possible.
• Avoid synthetic fabrics and tight garments that do not allow your skin to breathe properly. Wear loose cotton clothing.
• After playing sports, shower and hydrate quickly.
• Take care of your diet avoiding spicy, alcohol…
• In case of stress, a relaxing infusion or some natural medicine that your pharmacy recommends can help you.
• The best prevention for irritations is an inadequate skincare routine. Get in the habit of cleaning and moisturising your skin daily with gentle and effective products!