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Key takeaways

  • Itchy Skin (Pruritus) can be triggered by dry air, heat, sweat buildup, or caused by skin conditions as well as surface microorganisms1-2.

  • Scratching introduces surface bacteria into micro-tears, which can lead to infection and skin disease3.

  • Moisturizing regularly and keeping cool in hot weather helps protect your skin from dryness3-4, which can trigger skin itching and can expose it to infection because of a vulnerable skin barrier4.

  • A lack of sleep can throw off the release of hormones  and proteins that help cells control inflammation5, which makes you feel itchier — good sleep hygiene5 can help prevent this.

  • For germ-related itching, you might want to consider using a cleanser that kills 99.99% of bacteria and fungi in as early as 30 seconds based on in-vitro data9.

Itchy skin (pruritus) is a common problem1 that almost everyone experiences at some point2. Whether caused by warm tropical weather, sweat buildup after a workout, skin conditions like alipunga, or subtle microbial growth on the skin1-2, an irritating itch can distract you throughout the day and disrupt your sleep at night1-2.

While skin itching is common, you don’t have to always tolerate it. Here are five practical ways to help stop the itch and restore comfort to your skin.

1. TIP #1: Don't Scratch

When an itch strikes, your natural reflex is to scratch it immediately. As a matter of fact, humans in the older times did this in order to get rid of insects and parasites3. 

But while scratching can temporarily relieve itchy sensations, it can damage the outer skin barrier and introduce bacteria into those tears, potentially leading to infection and skin disease.3 Instead of scratching, you can try calming down the sensation with a cool compress1 against the area.

2. TIP #2: Moisturize Regularly

Aside from being one of the causes1,4 of itching, having dry skin can also make you more prone to skin cracks where germs4 can enter — more so if you scratch3. Moisturizing regularly after showering1,4  locks in hydration and helps keep the skin barrier healthy to keep dryness-induced itching at bay4.

3. TIP #3: Stay Well-Rested

Did you know that sleep is crucial to calibrating the functions of your skin5? That includes your skin pH, blood flow, and skin temperature5 — and potentially even your hormones.

A lack of sleep could then throw off the release of hormones and proteins that mediate inflammation, making you feel a little itchier.5 To help prevent this from happening, it is advisable to have a regular sleeping pattern and perhaps find calming bedtime routines to give you the sleep you need5.

4. TIP #4: Keep Cool During Hot Weather

You might find yourself getting itchy in warmer climates, as the heat can dry out your skin3-4 and the sweat can trigger that need to scratch2. For Filipinos especially, the blazing heat can bring on an itchy, prickly sensation, especially among kids and those who work outdoors6. To help manage this, you can wear light, loose clothing that can help keep you dry and cool, while staying in well-ventilated spaces6-7.

5. TIP #5: Use Products That Relieve Skin Itching

While cleaning your skin can help temporarily relieve itching, washing with regular soap might not be enough8. Using an antiseptic cleanser like POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Skin Cleanser not only relieves skin itching, but it also kills 99.99%9 of bacteria and fungi on the skin in as early as 30 seconds based on in-vitro data.

Take Control of Your Skin Comfort

You don't have to live with persistent skin itch. By avoiding scratching, maintaining hydration, keeping cool, and using POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Skin Cleanser as indicated, you can keep going on with your day.

If symptoms persist, consult your doctor or dermatologist.
Not recommended for children below age 2.
Not recommended for continuous daily use throughout the year.
®: BETADINE is a Registered Trademark of iNova Pharmaceuticals.
ASC I0002P091826B

Povidone Iodine Betadine Skin Cleanser 120mL blue bottle against plain white background

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POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) 7.5% SKIN CLEANSER

References

  1. Rupert J, Honeycutt JD. Pruritus: diagnosis and management. Am Fam Physician. 2022;105(1):55-64.

  2. Roh YS, Choi J, Sutaria N, Kwatra SG. Itch: Epidemiology, clinical presentation, and diagnostic workup. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2022;86(1):1-14. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2021.07.076

  3. Mack MR, Kim BS. The Itch-Scratch Cycle: A Neuroimmune Perspective. Trends Immunol. 2018;39(12):980-991. doi:10.1016/j.it.2018.10.001

  4. Mayo Clinic Staff. Dry skin: symptoms & causes. Mayo Clinic website. Published January 25, 2023. Accessed August 19, 2026. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-skin/symptoms-causes/syc-20353885.

  5. Afzal UM, Ali FR. Sleep deprivation and the skin. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2023;48(10):1113-1116. doi:10.1093/ced/llad196

  6. Zenarosa DH. Beat the heat: gov't doctor's guide to keeping your skin healthy this summer. Philippine Information Agency website. Published April 8, 2026. Accessed August 20, 2026. https://pia.gov.ph/features/beat-the-heat-govt-doctors-guide-to-keeping-your-skin-healthy-this-summer/.

  7. Mayo Clinic Staff. Heat rash: symptoms & causes. Mayo Clinic website. Published May 6, 2022. Accessed August 20, 2026. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heat-rash/symptoms-causes/syc-20373276.

  8. Langley J. From soap and water, to waterless agents: update on hand hygiene in health care settings. Can J Infect Dis. 2002;13(5):285-286. doi:10.1155/2002/105306.

  9. Tan et al. Comparative in vitro evaluation of the antimicrobial activities of povidone-iodine and other commercially available antiseptics against clinically relevant pathogens. GMS Hygiene and Infection Control 2021,Vol. 16, ISSN 2196-5226