Deciphering your body’s signals: Is itchy skin a sign of menopause?

This article is intended for information purposes only and does not constitute or replace advice from a medical professional.

If you’ve noticed a constant itch or crawling sensation on your skin, especially at night, you could be experiencing a common, but unexpected, symptom of menopause. Around half of all women will experience itching during menopause, along with other skin changes like dryness, tightness and sensitivity. Read on to find out more about menopause and itchy skin. We’ll look at the best ways to treat skin itching and answer commonly asked questions like “Is itchy skin a menopause symptom?”

Understanding the link between menopause and itchy skin

Your hormone levels decline during perimenopause and menopause. Oestrogen is the hormone that supports skin health and its function. It helps to regulate collagen and oil production, keeping your skin feeling hydrated and healthy. So, when your body loses oestrogen, your collagen and sebum production also slows down, leaving your skin feeling drier, thinner and itchier. When your skin is itchy, your body releases histamine, which sends a signal to your brain that causes more irritation. Chronic itchy skin is medically known as Pruritus.     

Increased skin sensitivity and irritation

Itchy skin in menopause can affect any area of your body, but it’s most likely to occur on your face, neck, arms, legs, chest and back. Your elbows and scalp may also be affected. These areas can be more prone to dryness or irritation due to how thin the skin is and the fact that they’re often more exposed to the elements. The decrease in your body’s natural oils and collagen levels will also affect these areas more. You may notice that your skin has become sensitive to skincare products it could previously tolerate, leaving you with irritation or redness. Try to track when your skin is most itchy and note the areas affected. Is it during the night? Does your skin feel more irritated with the friction of clothing or after using certain skincare products? Realising what triggers your itching can help when trying to treat the problem.

Managing menopause and itchy skin: relief and care

Here are some tips on how to treat menopause and itchy skin at home, along with some lifestyle changes you can make and products that can help you find relief.

Skincare solutions for menopause and itchy skin

• Take lukewarm showers or baths; overly hot water can leave menopausal skin feeling dry and flaky. Bathe or shower for no longer than 15 minutes. 
• Avoid harsh body washes and soaps. Look for products to hydrate itchy menopause skin that use ingredients of natural origin and are free from sulphates. Sanex Expert Skin Health+ Menopause Body Wash instantly soothes and reduces tightness in both menopausal and perimenopausal skin, leaving it smooth and visibly hydrated. 
• Pat your skin dry using a soft towel and use a hydrating body lotion within 3 minutes of drying to lock in as much moisture as possible. 
• Use gentle cleansers and moisturisers that contain ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Avoid anything that will strip your skin’s natural oils, like exfoliants or foaming cleansers. 
• Wear SPF50 on your face and any exposed areas of skin every day. This will protect your skin from UV damage and prevent further skin irritation. 
• Adding a few scoops of porridge oats to your bath water is a natural remedy for soothing itchy skin that can give you some relief. 
• Use a cool compress or a cold gel pack to soothe itchy areas during a flare-up. 
• Keep your fingernails trimmed or wear gloves in bed to prevent scratching in your sleep.

Lifestyle adjustments for comfort

• Eat a healthy diet including lots of fruits, vegetables and whole foods. Focus on foods that include fatty acids and vitamin C, and try to limit refined sugar, processed foods and caffeine.
• Foods rich in vitamin E can boost skin health, like avocado, almonds, hazelnuts and pine nuts. 
• Prevent dehydration in menopause by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Try to drink two litres per day. 
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, if possible. Both nicotine and alcohol can have a drying effect on your skin that can accelerate ageing.
• Use a humidifier in your room at night. This will help to add some moisture back into the air.
• Wear breathable fabrics during the day and at night. Natural fabrics like cotton and linen allow your skin to breathe and hold sweat less than synthetic fabrics. 

Products to help soothe and hydrate

Your skincare routine should focus on products to soothe itchy menopause skin – for both your face and body. When it comes to body care, choose a shower gel or body wash made to soothe and reduce tightness in menopausal and perimenopausal skin, like Sanex Skin Health+ Menopause Body Wash. Your underarms are another unexpected area that can suffer during this time. Keep them feeling fresh and dry with Sanex Derma Care+ Antiperspirant Roll-on or Spray Deodorant, while protecting against body odour changes, hot flushes and night sweats. 

When to consult your doctor about menopause and itchy skin rash

If you’ve tried out natural remedies for menopause and itchy skin and the problem is impacting your daily life, you can make an appointment to see your doctor. They may prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which can help with menopause symptoms. However, HRT isn’t suitable for everyone, so speak to your doctor about whether this could be a good option for you. 

If you have a persistent rash, lump or swelling, it could be a sign of something more serious, so, in this case, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor.

FAQs

Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about menopause and itchy skin:

Is itchy skin a sign of menopause, and is it common?

Itchy skin at night is a common symptom of menopause. A drop in oestrogen causes a decline in collagen and sebum levels in your skin, leaving it feeling dry, thin, less supple and more sensitive. 

Can menopause cause itchy skin and dryness?

Menopause can cause itchy skin and dryness as your skin can suffer from declining collagen levels and less natural oils to keep it hydrated. This can leave your skin feeling parched and uncomfortable, and you may need to alter your daily skincare routine to tackle the problem. 

Is itchy skin at night a sign of menopause?

Yes, menopausal itching can get worse at night and can range from mild to severe. Skin itching at night is medically known as pruritus, and it can cause disruption to your sleep and your daily life.