5 Things No One Tells You About Itchy Skin

Fall is here, and with it comes cooler air, open windows, and... itchy skin? Many moms notice their kids (and even themselves) dealing with more itching as the seasons change. 

Seasonal allergies flare up as we start leaving the windows open to enjoy the crisp air. And all those fall activities—like hay rides, jumping in leaves, and school sports—can sometimes lead to irritated skin. 

But a few simple tweaks to your routine can make a big difference. Here are some surprising facts about itching and how you can help keep your family comfortable this season. 

Scratching Makes the Itch Worse 

Scratching might seem like a quick way to ease the itch, but it often makes things worse, especially during a flare-up. When your child scratches an itchy spot, they’re not just getting temporary relief—they might also be introducing dirt and bacteria from under their nails into already sensitive skin. This can lead to bleeding, more redness, and, in some cases, even infection.

Flare-ups are tricky. Sensitive skin doesn’t just stay irritated in one spot. The redness and swelling can quickly spread to the surrounding area, which makes the itch even harder to resist! It’s a cycle: scratch, irritate, flare up again.

The best way to break that cycle is to calm the inflammation as soon as possible. Our Nourishing Powder is designed for exactly that. With natural antihistamine, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, it works fast to soothe itchy, inflamed skin. You’ll see the redness fade, and your child will feel the relief, which means they’re less likely to keep scratching.

The sooner the itching stops, the sooner healing can begin. And as your child’s skin starts to look and feel better, their anxiety around the flare-up will ease, too. It’s not just about treating symptoms, but it’s about helping your child’s skin recover to prevent future irritation.

Scratching Can Prolong the Problem

Scratching might feel like a quick fix but it often makes the problem worse. If you’re a mom, you already know that kids can’t seem to resist scratching an itch, even in their sleep. This can lead to infections and more irritation. You’ve probably tried everything from mittens to soft, breathable fabrics to stop those little hands from making things worse.

But kids often scratch out of habit. Just like how we might twirl our hair or fidget without thinking. That’s why a lot of parents might use mittens at night, similar to how we put them on babies to keep them from scratching their faces. It’s a constant battle to keep your kids from aggravating their skin, especially when they’re unaware of it.

Even for adults, scratching can slow down healing. Long nails can trap dirt and bacteria, which increases the risk of infection. That’s why having a soothing product on hand can be a game-changer. It helps calm irritated skin, reduces the urge to scratch, and lets everyone in the family heal naturally.

 

 

What Can Trigger Itching in Kids

Itching often starts with common triggers, especially for kids. Pet dander is a major culprit: our pets carry allergens from outside and spread them throughout the house. Whether your pet is lounging on the couch, lying on your child's bed, or even just walking around the house, those allergens can lead to itchy flare-ups.

Outdoor allergens are another common trigger. Kids love playing in the grass, jumping in leaves, or spending time in school sports, but these activities can expose them to irritants that spark itching. And it’s not just the outdoors—indoor allergens matter too! 

Things like laundry detergents and dryer sheets can contain harsh chemicals that irritate sensitive skin. Plus, bacteria can build up on things like loofahs and stuffed animals, which creates an environment that can exacerbate itching.

When my daughter struggled with eczema, I had to rethink everything we used at home. I switched to natural, breathable fabrics for her clothing and bedding, and I made sure to use a gentle, hypoallergenic laundry detergent. It made a huge difference. I also invested in an air purifier to keep the air in her room clean, which helped manage her allergies and reduce flare-ups.

I know it's not easy to address all these triggers. Especially as your kids grow older and have their own opinions about what they want to eat and how they want to live. You’re also dealing with their changing hormones and stress levels. Managing their diet, daily routines, and even how they wash their body and face can be a challenge.

But if your child is itching, take a closer look at their environment and consider what might be contributing to their discomfort.

 

Your Daily Routine Plays a Big Role

What you use during bath time and laundry directly impacts your family’s skin health. In our home, we’ve found a routine that really works. 

For bath time, we use Dove Unscented Bar Soap—I’ve tried countless products, but Dove remains my go-to for its gentle touch on sensitive skin. We also use Molly's Suds for laundry, which keeps clothes free of harsh chemicals and helps prevent irritation.

For calming itchy skin, I swear by our Nourishing Powder. It’s all-natural and works wonders to soothe irritation, whether it's after a bath or right before bedtime. This powder has been a game-changer for us, especially after eliminating other irritating practices like bleach baths, which I don’t recommend at all.

We’ve also made sure to watch what we eat. We keep processed foods and sugary drinks to a minimum and opt for brands like Simple Mills and Annie’s Organic. These choices can help minimize flare-ups, particularly when we’re in that transition between seasons. 

One thing we use to keep the indoor air clean is an air purifier, which really helps as the seasons change and we turn the heater on. Small changes like choosing the right products and maintaining a mindful routine can make a big difference in keeping everyone’s skin happy and itch-free.

How Seasons Affect Itching

As seasons change, itchy skin can ramp up. Kids who are active in sports, like cross-country, can really feel it. Think about all that running: their arms rubbing against their legs, and the outside allergens and irritants adding to the mix. The temperature shifts can also play a role. When it goes from 80 to the 60s, or even back up again, it can make skin flare up more. 

For kids who are constantly on the go, keeping their skin clean and protected is key. A quick dusting of our Nourishing Powder before and after sports helps soothe and shield their skin, making sure their fun doesn’t turn into discomfort.

It’s also worth mentioning that diet can affect skin health (though teens might not make the connection!). Proper hydration and a balanced diet are so important! Plus, probiotics and prebiotics can make a big difference for gut health, which shows up in their skin. I always suggest a probiotic and prebiotic along with an allergy pill if needed. 

 

 

So, how can you identify when itching could be allergy-related? 

Look out for sneezing, watery eyes, or increased scratching. Big temperature swings or new allergens—like chlorine from pools or allergens from sports equipment—can trigger these reactions. If your child is in sports, did they shower right away after sweating, or did bacteria and debris just sit on their skin?

If itching is a persistent issue, it might be time to revisit daily routines and the products you use. With a little extra care and the right natural solutions, you can help keep your family's skin healthy and itch-free through every season.