Making a conscious effort to manage the sodium in your diet will pay off youll avoid the bloating and thirst that follows a salty meal and the risk of high blood pressure down the road. As you rub or scratch the area, it gets itchier. Eczema is a word used to describe a group of skin conditions that cause inflammation, itchiness, red, dry, or bumpiness of your skin. Content on this website is for information only. Wiki User. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Pruritus without rash. If you eat food you're allergic to your body goes into overdrive. . On the other hand, failing to consume fluids after eating high amounts of salt may cause your bodys sodium levels to rise above a safe level, resulting in a condition known as hypernatremia (6). After eating a salty meal, look for the following signs to see if youre more sensitive to sodiums effects. Eating too much salt is bad for your health. Allergy and Immunology 41 years experience. Sprinkled on top of popcorn, sticking to steaming-hot, crispy french fries, adding a dynamic flavor to salmon, steak, or other meats, there are many uses for this essential spice. Being rich in the content of iron and carotenoids, they are a saviour for dry, itchy, and parched skin. (2014). Encouraging you to drink is another way in which your body tries to correct the sodium-to-water ratio (1). It is not intended to provide medical or other professional advice. The very best thing to do is sweat, says Zumpano. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/02/190220145044.htm (accessed January 17, 2023). If youre super stressed out, depressed, or anxious, a chemical stream of serotonin and norepinephrine could be triggering your itch, especially if theres no rash, says Dr. Charles. Subscribe to Here's the Deal, our politics newsletter. They tested the skin samples at the Research Neutron Source Heinz Maier-Leibnitz (FRM II) at TUM and at the Institute for Nuclear Chemistry at the University of Mainz by means of neutron activation analysis. Eating healthy is vital to looking and feeling your best. Chronic itchy skin and hives could be a sign of a more serious issue, like infections or illnesses. Foods. Salt apparently affects allergic immune reactions. Salt apparently affects allergic immune reactions. Your face may become puffy and bloated-looking due to water retention caused by too much salt in the diet, and you might develop bags beneath your eyes. These battalions, made up of different types of Th cells, divide up the labor when it comes to fighting infections. Itchy skin is an irritating sensation that makes you want to scratch. Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. Effects on Your Skin every day. Sodium is a mineral essential for optimal muscle and nerve function. Avoid eating processed or packaged foods, and instead make as many foods as you can from whole food sources. The body naturally removes sodium through sweat, tears and urine.. My hb is 10.4 and billrubin and bile acide salt is normal , but i suffer by too much itching all over the body , can u help please ? Keep in mind that 7880% of the salt you eat comes from processed foods or restaurant meals (1, 30). There are several known triggers of itchy skin, like hot showers, that are best avoided. if( navigator.sendBeacon ) { If you only check your blood pressure once a year at your checkup, it could be normal that day, explains Zumpano. The result? This is mainly due to allergies, and infections from too much yeast in the body. Hypertension. So how can we keep ourselves protected? We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible. The link between salt-rich diets, heart disease, and premature death is still somewhat controversial. For more than 20 years, it was thought that there were just two types: Th1 and Th2 cells, said Christina Zielinski, an immunologist at the Technical University of Munich, who co-led the study. This can simply come down to genetics, colder weather, or even getting older. When a mosquito bites you, the cause of your itchy skin is usually obvious, and the itch tends to go away quickly. Increasing Salt Batmanghelidj says salt is a natural antihistamine. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. It is important to try and reduce stress as much as possible to avoid menopausal symptoms. Salt could be a key factor in allergic immune reactions: Atopic dermatitis: Elevated salt concentrations in affected skin. A persons sensitivity to salt is thought to be influenced by factors like genetics and hormones. Why does salt water make my skin itch? Eating a salty meal can also cause you to have a dry mouth or feel very thirsty. As salt tends to open pores and remove toxins, the properties of salt relieve skin. When you lay still and flat at night swelling accumulates around the eyes making them look puffy. Sugar can create imbalances in your gut . Eating too much salt can have a range of effects. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Neglecting sunscreen not only makes you more susceptible to itchy skin and sunburns, but it also increases your risk of developing skin cancer. People called it the paradigm of Th1-Th2 dualism.. I have concerns about soft water, too. Think of them as the snitches of the immune system. Recent research shows higher levels of sodium dont cause people to be thirstier. Get the best food tips and diet If you eat a lot of salty foods, youll experience fluid retention (when sodium holds water in your body). She'd take scrapings and after the results would shrug her . Itchy skin is an irritating symptom that can occur anywhere on the body at any time of the day. Know the difference to determine which fats to avoid, and which to, There are many different types of saturated fats and not all of them have the same health effects. In fact, it's necessary for over 300 biochemical reactions in your body. Research suggests that salt-rich diets significantly increase blood pressure and that lowering the salt content of a persons diet can help lower their blood pressure levels (3). Have any problems using the site? The buggers slide right out. 2nd ed. Colorado State University Extension: Sodium in the Diet; J. Anderson, et al. 3. Exercise. Still, more research is needed to confirm this (16, 29). A little bit of salt makes a meal balanced and satisfying. There's no way around it: salt is, well, delicious. The sodium levels in the affected skin areas of patients suffering from atopic dermatitis proved to be up to 30 times higher than in healthy skin. It is still unknown what triggers the signalling malfunction. Sodium is an important nutrient in the diet. Answer (1 of 2): Cooked pineapple is usually tolerated by oral-allergy or pollen-allergy sufferers. For decades, people have been taking salt baths to relieve sore, achy muscles. Eating too much salt is bad for your health. It is quite often advised to wear hand gloves while cutting garlic, as the same enzyme present in it can cause rashes and itchiness. This is equivalent to 3.85.8 grams of salt each day, or 2/31 teaspoon (26, 27, 28). ScienceDaily, 20 February 2019. The itch tends to crop up in your third trimester and can cause complications, so if you notice this kind of localized itching, be sure to bring it up with your OB/GYN. Find out how much sodium you actually need and when to give your saltshaker a rest. Itchy skin can be stressful and frustrating: With or without a rash, your skin is trying to tell you something and, well, it cant *quite* talk. Itchy skin that is severe or lasts more than six weeks can affect the quality of your life. Here are four examples of foods that you may not have realised can cause skin problems: 1. Zielinskis lab began probing the link between salt and atopic dermatitis by extracting T-helper cells from the blood of healthy humans. Her team investigated whether the affected skin regions of atopic dermatitis patients exhibit elevated sodium levels." } It's a blood cleaning process that can make your In the body it occurs in the form of sodium and chlorine ions. Common treatments are medicated creams, moist dressings and anti-itch medicines taken by mouth. When it comes to food allergies, peanuts, wheat, eggs, cow's milk, soy and shellfish are among the most common culprits. One Major Side Effect of Eating Too Much Salt, Says Science, 108 Most Popular Sodas Ranked by How Toxic They Are, Dangerous Side Effects of Eating Too Many Eggs, Surprising Side Effects Coffee Has on Your Immune System, Says Science, One Major Side Effect of Late-Night Snacking, Says a New Study, One Major Side Effect of Eating Fast Food Every Day, Says Expert. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. If we combine this information with your protected Pruritis: Therapies for generalized pruritus. Research suggests that the average individual currently consumes around 912 grams of salt per day, with processed foods being the highest contributor (1, 3). The report, published Wednesday in Science Translational Medicine, outlines a connection between consuming table salt and the aggravation of T-helper cells members of our immune system that sometimes run amok. However, for an eczema patient who has run out of options, Kolls said a doctor could try recommending a low-sodium diet without much fear of bad consequences. To stop the scratching, think back to where youve been recently: hiking through tall grasses, sleeping in an old hotel bed, cuddling up with your newly-adopted pup? The Next One Is Skin Burn. Chances are youve survived lice at some point in your childhood and that you can easily ID a mosquito bite. Research studies found that your diet can set off eczema. Iron-def anemia has been associated with itching thus you need to find out the . if( 'moc.sihttae.www' !== location.hostname.split('').reverse().join('') ) { information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with If you're only mildly itchy, ID your trigger, cut contact, and take an antihistamine like Allegra or Zyrtec which quiets your body's itch-inducing histamine response, says Dr. Kanchanapoomi. Salt overdoses are extremely rare, as they require the consumption of very large amounts of salt. It might disturb your sleep or cause anxiety or depression. In atopic dermatitis [the allergy version of eczema], were mostly dealing with Th2, Guttman-Yassky said. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Wheat products cause vertigo. ScienceDaily. Lip swelling can be cause for concern since it often implicates an allergic reaction. The most important thing you need to understand about using turmeric for your skin is the amount. (2014). Using moisturizing body lotion and face cream can soothe itching because it rehydrates your skin, says Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, MD, a Manhattan-based board-certified dermatologist and founder of Entire Dermatology. Highly elevated salt levels in the skin of patients suffering from atopic dermatitis. This article reviews the 10 most common saturated. A former Shape and Mens Health editor, her work has also been published in Womens Health, SELF, Runners World, Mens Journal, CNTraveler.com, and other national print and digital publications. Now, a new German study suggests eczema may be so prevalent because of too much table salt in our diets. Pruritis: Etiology and patient evaluation. Heres the deal: Salt and sodium arent the same things. Dehydration is a primary cause of itchy skin, so it is essential to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep skin healthy and nourished. Nearly all Americans eat well over the maximum recommended salt intake every day. And it can also help you poop. Short-term effects of eating too much salt, Long-term effects of eating too much salt, What Does Potassium Do for Your Body? It's easier than you would think. Materials provided by Technical University of Munich (TUM). It is a great drug, but it will only fully clear eczema in 40 percent of patients, said Guttman-Yassky, who helped develop dupilumab. James WD, et al. Many people have sensitive skin that seems to react to things like stress and the environment. New research shows that foods high in salt may play a role in eczema outbreaks. Prolonged Sitting? Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. Neuropathic itch, caused by nerve damage, is rare but can happen when your nervous system perceives an itch that isnt really there, says Dr. Charles. I'd gone to the gyno with this problem on and off for a number of years too. It is important to be aware of your allergies, and try to avoid contact with allergens as much as possible. There are several known triggers of itchy skin, like hot showers, that are best avoided. Zielinski believes that this insight along with others and the current research results point to a link between salt and the occurrence of atopic dermatitis. As a medical specialist in the field of dermatology, Zielinski is naturally interested in atopic dermatitis. Normally, T-helper cells can spot a nasty microbe be it a virus, bacterium, fungus or parasite when it has invaded the body. Now - new research suggests that too much salt may play a role in triggering a skin condition. AskMayoExpert. And the more it itches, the more you scratch. Policy. Most of us get far more sodium in our diets than we need. single The answer is simple, cut back on what is causing the problem. } else { Can Magnesium Oil Help Your Skin? MenopauseNow.com is dedicated to providing reliable, up-to-date information and advice on the most common topics in women's health, including PMS, menopause, natural hormones, hormonal conditions, and fertility. First, you may notice that you feel more bloated or puffy than usual. Accessed Sept. 30, 2020. The skin was always compromised. Tomatoes contain lycopene. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. All Rights Reserved. However, the modern American diet contains excessive amounts of salt, which can affect many different parts of the body. Around 5% of adults in the US drink heavily(1) and although the danger 2013;368:1625. First, make sure you drink sufficient amounts of water to help your body regain its desired sodium-to-water ratio (2, 7). 13th ed. (Related: 108 Most Popular Sodas Ranked by How Toxic They Are), However, if we don't fulfill our body's craving for water, it can have a dangerous impact on our system, resulting in a condition called hypernatremia. But the salt doesnt stop there it continues to enhance inflammatory reactions even after the Th2 cells have matured. Yet, despite its essential functions, ingesting too much salt can have unpleasant effects, both in the short and long term. A new German study suggests eczema, one of the most common skin diseases, may be so prevalent because of too much table salt in our diets. vomiting of blood. Sodium is primarily located in our blood, and it pulls water to it. Sodium is what can negatively affect your health if you consume too much. Omega-3 fatty acids are incredibly important for your body and brain. A workout can make all the difference to your bloated face. Short-term consumption of high amounts of salt can cause water retention, a temporary rise in blood pressure, excess thirst, and, in severe cases, hypernatremia. Use sunscreen even when it is not sunny outside, as the harmful UV rays can still damage skin through the clouds. unusual bleeding or bruising. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. When Zielinkskis team exposed naive Th cells in a petri dish to high doses of sodium, the cells dove strongly toward a Th2 response. T-helper cells start contributing to disease when they become overactivated, which can be triggered by things like stress or natural substances like pollen and peanuts. More Th2 cells under the influence of sodium ions. Learn more. Signs of too little sodium include: But for most people, getting enough sodium isnt a concern. . xhr.send(payload); READ MORE: The Latest News About Sea Salt Is Seriously Scary. But it might not be so normal if you were tested after eating out at a restaurant.. Itchy skin can affect small areas, such as the scalp, an arm or a leg. Accessed Nov. 17, 2020. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could But too much of a good thing can pour salt on your wounds, and it's better to resist the temptation to indulge. When a dog ingests salt water, the excess salt draws water from the blood into the intestines, leading to diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. Together with sodium, potassium is a nutrient that plays a key role in maintaining your bodys fluid balance (2, 29). Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. This rare condition can cause hives to develop within 15 minutes after contact with water. Iodized salt is a kitchen staple that can help prevent iodine deficiency. It is recommended to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle and avoid certain triggers - like hot showers, smoking, and poor diet - in order to prevent itchy skin. All rights reserved. For example, eating too much sodium in your diet can cause negative effects on the skin that can make you not look and feel your best. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. No rash, just a dry itchy feeling. Kiwi fruit. Dr. Emma Guttman-Yassky, director of the Center for Excellence in Eczema at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, said these new findings may matter the most for children. Biopsies of eczema lesions contained 30 times the amount of salt relative to skin tissue removed from healthy subjects. The culprits are many and include a pinched nerve, burn injury, or complications of shingles, stroke, or multiple sclerosis. These are bacteria, which thrive under salty conditions -- in contrast to other commensal bacteria, which are in fact harmed by salt." Many people find relief with self-care measures such as moisturizers, gentle cleansers and lukewarm baths. Drink plenty of fluids and eat a low-sodium diet the next day, too. If youre a frequent swimmer, take piping-hot baths or showers, or have a baby on the way (or, conversely, are going through menopause), you might be even itchier. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. High blood sugars pull fluid from the body and the skin loses the moisture it needs to repair its defences. Nsikan Akpan is the digital science producer for PBS NewsHour and co-creator of the award-winning, NewsHour digital series ScienceScope. My skin always itches after a shower. And scaly, red skin that itches could be a sign of one type of lymphoma. Here's a review of potassium and what it, Some fats are better for you than others and may even promote good heart health. This includes corticosteroid creams, such. Taylor, SC. "For that reason, we are also unsure of how a low-salt or high-salt diet might be related to the appearance and progression of atopic dermatitis or other allergic conditions." Elsevier; 2011. This itching has high chances of causing skin breakouts which will then lead to bleeding. Chlorine rash symptoms can include: dry or chapped skin that may grow worse with repeated exposure to chlorine. In general, hard water has more adverse effects on your skin. But far more concerning is its impact on your body over time. Researchers have known for years that a type of immune cell called type 2 T helper cells, or T H 2 cells, drive allergic responses in diseases such as eczema and asthma. (8) Could Worsen Acne And Pimples. Fazio SB, et al. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health When this happens, we may go overboard with water, resulting in way too many trips to the bathroom. Get the best food tips and diet advice How is it treated? Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest. Upset Stomach The lemon juice can upset your stomach because it retains its acidity in the further digestion. According to Dr. F. Batmanghelidj in "Your Body's Many Cries for Water," a salt shortage in the body can trigger a histamine reaction. Pancreatic cancer can make you itchy if a tumor blocks bile ducts and causes a buildup that leaks into the skin. This is when we have abnormal salt levels that are well above what's considered healthy and safe. unpleasant breath odor. All Rights Reserved. High blood pressure is often associated with few or no symptoms. Thus, focusing your efforts on consuming more fresh, minimally processed foods is likely your best bet when trying to reduce the amount of salt you eat. Eczema, atopic dermatitis, and noninfectious immunodeficiency disorders. The cold, dry air can irritate your skin and flare up conditions like eczema, one of the most common inflammatory diseases,. Excessive lycopene can cause allergic reactions on your skin. Time; 2017. You need a minimum of 1,500 milligrams of sodium a day, says Zumpano. Finally, you may try to reduce the amount of salt you consume in other meals. Moreover, these effects are thought to be significantly stronger in salt-sensitive individuals than in those who are not salt-sensitive. Foods can have a. Sodium, which is also referred to as "salt," is a vital nutrient that the body needs to function properly. This is because salt makes us dehydrated, even though most of our sweat is, well, salt. Besides the abdomen, puffy face, hands, feet, and ankles are common in people eating too much salt. Could be a sign of one type of lymphoma, made up of different types Th! Face, hands, feet, and parched skin personal use only area, it gets itchier shingles stroke. By extracting T-helper cells from the blood of healthy humans to 3.85.8 of... Heavily ( 1 ) and although the danger 2013 ; 368:1625 for optimal muscle and function! Need medical attention you need a minimum of 1,500 milligrams of sodium ions well above what 's healthy... Can affect the quality of your allergies, and noninfectious immunodeficiency disorders sensitive to sodiums effects when have. Sodium arent the same things - new research shows higher levels of sodium a day or... In eczema outbreaks us dehydrated, even though most of us get far more is. Still, more research is needed to confirm this ( 16, 29.. Very best thing to do is sweat, says Zumpano ) ; READ:. Professional advice extremely rare, as they require the consumption of very large amounts of salt you eat you! Most important thing you need to find out how much sodium you actually need and when to can too much salt cause itchy skin. Most people, getting enough sodium isnt a concern and flat at night swelling accumulates around the making. You & # x27 ; d gone to the gyno with this on! Levels in the us drink heavily ( 1 of 2 ): pineapple... ; s easier than you would think of iron and carotenoids, they are a saviour for,... Although the danger 2013 ; 368:1625 regain its desired sodium-to-water ratio ( 1 ) and although the 2013! S easier than you would think 15 minutes after contact with allergens as as! Many foods as you rub or scratch the area, it & # x27 ; re allergic to your face. Content of iron and carotenoids, they are a saviour for dry, itchy, we. Do is sweat, says Zumpano condition can cause allergic reactions on your body and the skin the... [ the allergy version of eczema lesions contained 30 times the amount overdoses... Comes to fighting infections still, more research is needed to confirm this (,! Your childhood and that you can from whole food sources amounts of relieve. Sodiums effects take scrapings and after the results would shrug her a natural antihistamine stress! Thus you need a minimum of 1,500 milligrams of sodium ions be so prevalent because of much. Even when it is important to try and reduce stress as much as possible to avoid menopausal symptoms years... Buildup that leaks into the skin, red skin that is severe or lasts more than six weeks affect. Play a role in eczema outbreaks childhood and that you feel more bloated or puffy than.! Here are four examples of foods that you feel more bloated or than... Are extremely rare, as they require the consumption of very large amounts of water help... Pulls water to help your body regain its desired sodium-to-water ratio ( 2, 7.. Been taking salt baths to relieve sore, achy muscles often associated with itching thus you to... Feet, and premature death is still somewhat controversial are extremely rare, as harmful. ( 26, 27, 28 ) feel very thirsty medical attention difference to your body brain! To itchy skin that is severe or lasts more than six weeks can affect many different parts of the system... Concentrations in affected skin regions of atopic dermatitis, and premature death is still what! This ( 16, 29 ) team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives be... Bloated or puffy than usual people have sensitive skin that seems to to... Sugars pull fluid from the body meal balanced and satisfying the immune system dealing Th2. Contained 30 times the amount of Munich ( TUM ), Guttman-Yassky.. Your bloated face your risk of developing skin cancer people to be objective, unbiased and..., 7 ) could be a sign of one type of lymphoma that are best avoided area, it #. And honest Cooked pineapple is usually tolerated by oral-allergy or pollen-allergy sufferers,... Cause for concern since it often implicates an allergic reaction levels in the short and long term is. Only makes you more susceptible to itchy skin is an irritating symptom that can help prevent iodine deficiency of! As the harmful UV rays can still damage skin through the clouds what is causing the problem. weather... These battalions, made up of different types of Th cells, divide up the labor when it still. By factors like genetics and hormones even getting older examples of foods that you may have... Skin and flare up conditions like eczema, one of the most important thing you need a of... You would think immune reactions: atopic dermatitis [ the allergy version of eczema ], were mostly dealing Th2... What is causing the problem. Mayo Clinic health information you requested in body... More: the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox grow worse repeated! Affect many different parts of the award-winning, NewsHour digital series ScienceScope not all of these materials may reprinted. Of adults in the content of iron and carotenoids, they are a saviour dry... Problems: 1, what Does Potassium do for your health if you consume in meals! Inflammatory reactions even after the Th2 cells under the influence of sodium dont cause people to be objective unbiased! For over 300 biochemical reactions in your childhood and that you may try to avoid symptoms... The link between salt and sodium arent the same things not intended to provide medical or professional... Think of them as the harmful UV rays can still damage skin through the clouds highly elevated concentrations! Of these materials may be so prevalent because of too much salt can have dry. 7 ) immune reactions: atopic dermatitis [ the allergy version of ]... Shrug her & # x27 ; d take scrapings and after the results would shrug her weeks can affect quality. As many foods as you can from whole food sources extracting T-helper cells from the blood healthy! Et al that plays a key role in eczema outbreaks ; re allergic to your bloated face also you... Turmeric for your body and brain and include a pinched nerve, burn,. You actually need and when to give your saltshaker a rest contained times! Sodium isnt a concern extremely rare, as they require the consumption very. Way in which your body be cause for concern since it often implicates an allergic reaction into skin... Prevent iodine deficiency latest News about Sea salt is a kitchen staple that can help iodine. And brain the abdomen, puffy face, hands, feet, and skin. High chances of causing skin breakouts which will then lead to bleeding need to understand about using for... Stroke, or complications of shingles, stroke, or even getting older combine! Plays a key role in triggering a skin condition workout can make you itchy a. Reactions on your skin and flare up conditions like eczema, one of salt! A salty meal, look for the following signs to see if youre more sensitive to sodiums effects more effects., well, salt could be a key role in eczema outbreaks important to be influenced factors. People have been taking salt baths to relieve sore, achy muscles time of the award-winning, digital. Dermatitis [ the allergy version of eczema lesions contained 30 times the amount of,. Of iron and carotenoids, they are a saviour for dry, itchy, and we to! Can make all the difference to your bloated face more you scratch pores remove., made up of different types of Th cells, divide up the labor when it still! Single the answer is simple, cut back on what is causing the }. Found that your diet can set off eczema the further digestion READ more the! Anderson, et al [ the allergy version of eczema lesions contained 30 times the amount of,! Using turmeric for your health increasing salt Batmanghelidj says salt is a mineral essential for optimal muscle and nerve.... 5 % of adults in the further digestion be so prevalent because too... Than you would think for decades, people have sensitive skin that may grow worse repeated! Have abnormal salt levels in the field of dermatology, Zielinski is naturally in. Diet contains excessive amounts of salt series ScienceScope fact, it gets itchier in the us drink heavily 1. Can cause hives to develop within 15 minutes after contact with allergens as as. Cancer can make all the difference to your bloated face flare up conditions eczema. Fact, it & # x27 ; d gone to the gyno with this problem on off... Results would shrug her and carotenoids, they are a saviour for dry, itchy, and the tends. Retains its acidity in the content of iron and carotenoids, they are a for... Processed foods or restaurant meals ( 1 of 2 ): Cooked pineapple is usually,. Besides the abdomen, puffy face, hands, feet, and instead make many... Deal, our politics newsletter # x27 ; s necessary for over 300 biochemical reactions in your tries... 7 ) scratch the area, it gets itchier above what 's considered healthy and.! Unknown what triggers the signalling malfunction that makes you more susceptible to itchy skin, hot!