Does Your Skin Itch When You Finally Lose Weight?

Woman Scratching itching back

Most people wonder whether or not losing weight can have some side effects, including itching skin. Typical side effects can include cold intolerances, diarrhea, and constipation, which are often less consequential.

Woman Scratching itching back

Besides, these effects may appear if the weight loss is rapid. But Does Your Skin Itch When You Finally Lose Weight? is skin itching a side effect of weight loss?

Your skin may only itch depending on your method of weight loss. However, weight loss itself doesn’t result in itching skin. Your skin can itch due to a keto diet resulting from a skin rash. Moreover, frictional irritation can cause an itch, which can be uncomfortable.

If you’ve achieved weight loss results but feel uncomfortable with an itch, this article is for you. We’ll discuss the possibility of having itching skin after losing weight.

Is it normal to feel itchy when losing weight: The Possible Side Effects?

You should be aware that losing weight may have specific side effects. The process can be refreshing and makes you feel more accomplished. Moreover, the results you achieve can be more encouraging that you can sculpt your body as you want.

However, it may concern you whether or not you can experience any side effects when losing weight or after dropping some extra pounds. Also read This: Is It True If You Scratch Yourself You Can Burn Calories?

Healthy weight loss is usually safe and doesn’t predispose you to side effects. It naturally triggers your body mechanisms to operate substantially more than they’re used to, but not too intensive to make the process unhealthy. However, losing weight too fast can be detrimental as it can quickly compromise your health and lead to some side effects.

What Are the Side Effects Of Weight Loss On Skin?

We’ll get into the details about the possibility of developing an itch when losing weight, we find it feasible to look into the possible weight loss side effects you might encounter. Some of the less consequential weight loss side effects include the following:

  • Diarrhea

When starting a weight loss program or changing your diet, you may experience changes in digestion that result in loose or frequent bowel movements.

That can be due to increased fiber intake, changes in the gut microbiome, or sensitivity to certain foods. These symptoms may resolve independently within a few days as your body adjusts.

However, please consult your healthcare provider, as this may indicate an underlying medical condition or nutrient deficiency if you experience severe or persistent diarrhea. Read This: Does Shaking Your Leg Help You Lose Weight?

  • Hair loss

Losing weight too quickly or following a very low-calorie diet can cause hair to thin or fall out. Usually, the body may divert resources away from non-essential functions like hair growth to prioritize essential functions like organ function and energy metabolism.

In some cases, hair loss may also be a sign of a nutrient deficiency such as iron or protein. A balanced diet with adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals can help prevent hair loss during weight loss.

  • Constipation

You may experience constipation when starting a weight loss program or changing your diet. That can be due to a lack of fiber or fluids in the diet, contributing to reduced gut motility.

Eating a fiber-rich diet, drinking plenty of fluids, and staying physically active can help promote regular bowel movements. In some cases, a fiber supplement or laxative may also be recommended by your healthcare provider.

  • Cold intolerances

As body fat decreases, the body may feel colder due to reduced insulation. That can be especially noticeable in colder environments or during the winter months.

Layering clothing, wearing warm socks and shoes, and drinking warm beverages can help manage this side effect. Additionally, staying active and maintaining a healthy body weight can help prevent extreme cold intolerance.

Please note that the above symptoms result from rapid weight loss and not when you lose weight healthily and gradually. Itching can be among the possible side effects, but it’s usually consequential and more specific to your weight loss technique.

Does Itching Result from Losing Body Fat?

You can experience itching skin when losing weight, but that depends on your weight-loss technique. A ketogenic diet can lead to some side effects, including irritation.

“I had one lady with preexisting allergies, and we found out she was allergic to so many foods on the ketogenic diet (she was taking), and we had to find out what she could take,” says Dr. Eric Berg, a licensed chiropractor offering educative resources and information on people’s health. These allergies, as he insinuates, can lead to itching skin when losing weight.

Another possible reason for itching, as Dr. Berg explains, is a congested gall bladder and liver when on a keto diet. Moreover, fat cells expel toxins that cause reactions, notably itching.

A low-fat diet can also contribute to itching skin due to dry skin. Irritational itching due to high-contact activities can also be the precursor for itching, which can be short-term but somewhat irritating. Read This: Can Shaking Your Body Help You Lose Weight And Burn More Calories?

Do Medical Conditions Cause Itching When Losing Weight Or Body Fat?

While losing weight healthily may not impact you negatively, some medical conditions can trigger skin itches, which can be uncomfortable. These medical conditions may increase your chances of having irritated skin when losing weight, and include the following:

  • Eczema

Eczema is a chronic skin condition characterized by red, itchy, and inflamed skin. Environmental factors, such as changes in temperature or humidity, often trigger it. Eczema can be aggravated by weight loss, as body fat loss can cause the skin to become dry and itchy.

  • Psoriasis

Psoriasis, an autoimmune disorder, can cause the skin to become thick, red, and scaly. It is often triggered by stress or other environmental factors, such as changes in diet or weather. Weight loss can exacerbate psoriasis symptoms, as the skin may become dry and itchy.

  • Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones. That can cause various symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain, and dry, itchy skin. Weight loss can exacerbate hypothyroidism symptoms, including skin itching.

  • Liver disease

The liver disease can cause itching skin due to a buildup of bile salts in the skin. That can lead to a condition known as cholestasis, characterized by severe itching and other symptoms such as jaundice and dark urine.

Understanding how these diseases predispose you to skin irritation when losing weight can be handy. It’s, therefore, more thoughtful to consult with your healthcare provider to determine your condition and how to avoid this nagging side effect.

Is There a Remedy for Itching Skin When Losing Weight?

When losing weight, irritation can be possible. The glad tiding is that you can minimize this effect. In this case, you can utilize several techniques to help you avoid it, as discussed below:

Moisturize regularly: Moisturizing your skin is essential to keep your skin hydrated and supple. Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer daily, especially after showering or bathing, when your skin is still slightly damp. That can help lock in moisture and prevent dryness and itching.

Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated is essential for overall skin health. Drinking plenty of water can help prevent dryness and itching by keeping your skin hydrated. It is recommended to drink at least eight glasses of water a day or more if you are physically active.

Avoid hot showers: Hot water can strip the skin of natural oils and exacerbate dryness and itching. Instead, try taking lukewarm showers or baths and avoid using hot water to wash your face or hands.

Wear loose-fitting clothing: Wearing tight clothing can rub against the skin and cause irritation. To avoid this, wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing that allows your skin to breathe.

Have an oatmeal bath: Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties and can assist in soothing itchy skin. You can add colloidal oatmeal to your bathwater to help reduce skin irritation. Colloidal oatmeal is available at most drugstores, and you can add it to warm bathwater.

Conclusion

You can have an itch when losing weight. However, that depends on your weight loss technique and the process’s health. Some diseases and conditions can exacerbate itching and make the process pretty uncomfortable. Please note that healthy weight loss doesn’t cause such side effects, so it’d be prudent to consult with your healthcare provider to assess your situation if the condition persists.

Medical Discalimer: The information provided here On Geeks Health website is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you have or suspect a medical problem, promptly contact your healthcare provider. Reliance on any information in this response is solely at your own risk.
Vanessa Roberts
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