What should I do if my neck and face become itchy at night?

Generally, itching on the neck and face at night may be caused by dry environment, exposure to allergens, pruritus, eczema, atopic dermatitis, or other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve symptoms under a doctor's guidance through general management, medication, and other treatments. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Dry environment: Low indoor humidity at night accelerates skin moisture loss, leading to dryness and itching on the neck and face. Using a humidifier indoors to maintain humidity between 40% and 60%, and applying a gentle moisturizing lotion to the neck and face before bedtime can help replenish skin hydration.

2. Contact with allergens: Dust mites or detergent residues on pillowcases and bed sheets may irritate the skin upon contact, causing itching. Wash bedding weekly in hot water above 55°C, sun-dry to sterilize, and use fragrance-free, non-irritating detergents to avoid direct skin contact with allergens.

3. Pruritus: Weakened skin barrier function combined with increased nighttime nerve sensitivity can lead to itching without visible rash. Patients should follow medical advice to take medications such as cetirizine hydrochloride tablets, loratadine capsules, or ebastine tablets, and avoid washing the affected area with hot water or scratching.

4. Eczema: Inflammation triggered by genetic or immune factors tends to worsen at night, manifesting as itching, redness, and papules. Patients may apply topical medications such as desonide cream, mometasone furoate cream, or hydrocortisone butyrate cream as directed by a physician, while keeping the affected skin clean and moisturized.

5. Atopic dermatitis: Associated with a hereditary predisposition to allergies, this condition causes severely dry and itchy skin that often flares up at night. Patients should use topical agents such as tacrolimus ointment, pimecrolimus cream, or halometasone cream under medical supervision. In severe cases, ultraviolet phototherapy may be used to reduce inflammation.

In daily life, wear loose, breathable cotton clothing to minimize skin friction. Maintain a light diet and avoid spicy foods, seafood, and other allergenic foods. Avoid drinking coffee or strong tea before bedtime, and maintain emotional stability to reduce nighttime skin itching and improve sleep quality.