Itches when exposed to heat at night, but improves with cold.
Jun 01, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wan
Introduction
Itching at night that worsens with heat and improves with cold is usually caused by eczema, allergic dermatitis, or cholinergic urticaria. Patients are generally advised to use medications under a doctor's guidance. Under medical supervision, patients may apply topical treatments such as tacrolimus ointment or calamine lotion, or take oral medications like levocetirizine hydrochloride tablets for treatment.
Itching at night that worsens with heat and improves with cold is usually caused by eczema, allergic dermatitis, or cholinergic urticaria. Patients are generally advised to use medications under a doctor's guidance. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Eczema
Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes red rashes or papulovesicles in localized areas, often accompanied by oozing and stinging pain. Heat can irritate the affected skin and exacerbate symptoms, while cold exposure may provide relief. In such cases, patients may apply topical medications such as tacrolimus ointment or desonide cream under medical supervision.
2. Allergic Dermatitis
This condition is typically associated with exposure to allergens and presents with redness, swelling, and warmth on the skin surface. Symptoms tend to worsen with heat but improve with cold, which helps reduce skin vasodilation and alleviate discomfort. Patients should follow medical advice to apply calamine lotion or compound acetic acid dexamethasone cream topically to relieve symptoms.
3. Cholinergic Urticaria
Cholinergic urticaria is a type of hives commonly triggered by intense physical activity or taking hot showers—mainly due to thermal stimulation. It manifests as red patches or wheals on the skin accompanied by itching, with symptoms improving after cold showers. In such cases, patients should take antihistamines such as loratadine tablets or levocetirizine hydrochloride tablets under a doctor’s guidance.
Patients experiencing abnormal skin conditions should promptly visit a dermatology department at a hospital for timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent disease progression.
