Menopausal Dry skin, itching, and scratching. Why does it feel bugs are crawling on me? I'm not on acid?

According to the "Internet," we suffer two types of itching. I think there are three. Mine will be last.

From Medical News Today

Skin itching

Because the skin becomes drier and less elastic during menopause, people may be more sensitive to products such as soaps and detergents, which can irritate the skin and cause inflammation and itchiness.

Some people experience itching in addition to tingling, prickling, or numbness of the skin. This is known as paresthesia.

Others experience a rare type of paresthesia known as formication during menopause. Formication is having the sensation of insects crawling under the skin.

NOTE from me: I think this is more common than they think.

The intensity of itching may range from mild to severe. In more severe cases, itchy skin may cause significant disruption to sleep, as well as daily life.

Other skin changes may include:

·         dry skin

·         skin rash

·         reddened skin

·         small bumps on the surface

People should see a doctor if their skin is visibly irritated to rule out other forms of skin irritation, such as bacterial or fungal infections.

Genital itching

Reduced levels of estrogen mean that vaginal problems may arise or get worse trusted Source during or after menopause.

People may notice vaginal itching more often during menopause. Vaginal itching is called vulvar pruritus. This type of itching may occur more often if a person also experiences vaginal dryness, which is another common symptom of menopause.

Low levels of estrogen can make the vaginal tissues drier and thinner than usual. When this happens, it is called vaginal atrophy or atrophic vaginitis, which can make the vagina or vulva feel itchy and painful. It may also make having sex more painful.

The following factors can also cause vaginal itching:

·         irritation from soaps or detergents

·         inflammation

·         vaginal, vulvar, or rarely, cervical cancers

People are more likely to develop certain cancers after menopause. A person should see their doctor promptly if they notice any vaginal discharge or vaginal bleeding after menopause.

The Insatiable Itch

This is an unexpected, totally random stabbing itch that you must scratch no less than immediately. It is deep and seemingly impenetrable. Some itches you can slowly get to them or ward them off but not this one. It has none of those attributes and must be scratched on the double and as hard as possible. Relief comes in a wave over the body when you finally nab it, almost like an orgasm.

Creams and oils can help the first two, but nothing can be done as it is more profound than dry skin.

Try different things and be sure to recommend them to others. Good luck ladies!