Does Kratom Make You Itchy? Causes and Tips for Relief

Does Kratom Make You Itchy? Causes and Relief for Itching

Kratom has become increasingly popular in recent years for its ability to boost energy, ease pain and promote feelings of calm and well-being. However, some kratom users have reported experiencing itchiness after taking the herbal supplement. So what's behind this kratom side effect and what can you do to get relief from the itching?

Why Does Kratom Make You Itchy?

There are a few possible reasons why using kratom may cause itchy skin for some people:

• Histamine release - Kratom contains alkaloids that may trigger histamine production in the body, causing allergy-like symptoms such as itching.
• Opiate effects - Kratom acts on opioid receptors which can sometimes induce itching in some users, similar to other opiate drugs.
• Contaminants - Low quality kratom may be contaminated, exposing users to substances that could irritate the skin.
• Withdrawal - Long-term kratom use followed by cessation can cause itching during withdrawal periods.
• Damaged skin barrier - Kratom dehydration effects may damage the skin barrier, allowing allergens in that provoke itching.

However, itching is considered a relatively rare side effect of kratom. It seems to occur more frequently in those taking high doses of potent strains of kratom.

Itching Due to Histamine Release

One of the primary causes of kratom-related itching is the release of histamine. The alkaloids found in kratom leaves can stimulate the histamine receptors in the body similar to an allergic reaction, even if no allergy exists.

Histamine is a chemical produced by the immune system during an allergic response. When histamine is released, it binds to receptors causing characteristic allergy symptoms such as:

• Itching of the skin, eyes, ears, throat, or nose
• Hives, rashes, and skin redness
• Runny nose and watery eyes
• Sneezing and coughing

The same receptors that trigger inflammatory responses to allergens may also react to the complex blend of alkaloids in kratom. Higher kratom doses appear to provoke more histamine release leading to itchiness in susceptible users.

Itching Similar to Opiates

In addition to stimulating the histamine response, kratom also interacts with the opiate receptors in the central nervous system. Binding to these receptors can produce side effects reminiscent of other opioid drugs like prescription painkillers or heroin.

Opiates are notorious for causing itchy skin and rashes. One of the common slang terms for heroin is even "itchy powder". This opiate-induced itch, clinically called opioid pruritus, is a paradoxical effect since opiates also relieve pain.

The mechanism behind opiate itching is not fully understood. One theory is that opiates trigger the release of serotonin in the central nervous system which lowers the itch threshold. Even minor skin irritations or histamine release can provoke sensations of severe itchiness.

Due to its opiate-like effects, kratom can produce this same itching side effect in some users. It appears more likely at higher dosages.

Itching Due to Contaminated Kratom

Another potential cause of kratom itching is contamination from low quality products, additives, or ingredients. Since kratom is largely unregulated, quality can vary widely between different vendors and batches.

Kratom leaves may become contaminated with metals, chemicals, mold, or other impurities if cultivation and processing are not closely monitored. Extended exposure to these contaminants could irritate skin and trigger itching or rashes.

Some kratom products may contain "filler" ingredients like spices, herbs, powders or chemicals that are undisclosed or harmful. Users sensitive to these additives may experience itching or skin irritation.

To avoid contaminated kratom, purchase pure dried leaf or powder from reputable, high quality suppliers who lab test for purity. Perform a skin patch test when switching brands or strains to check for any irritant reactions.

Kratom Withdrawal Itching

Chronic heavy users of kratom can become dependent on its opiate-like effects. When kratom intake is stopped abruptly, a withdrawal syndrome can occur as the body adjusts to the lack of kratom alkaloids.

Itching and skin crawling are common withdrawal symptoms, along with:

• Muscle aches
• Bone pain
• Agitation
• Runny nose
• Insomnia
• Depression

This happens because kratom exerts effects on some of the same cell receptors as opioids. When kratom is removed, these cells can become overexcited leading to discomfort and cravings.

The itching sensation typically peaks within the first week of cessation and then gradually subsides along with other withdrawal effects. Using kratom again provides relief, so this cycle perpetuates physical dependence.

Itching from Dehydrated Skin

Kratom is a diuretic, meaning it can cause increased urination and fluid loss. Chronic kratom use, especially in higher doses, can lead to dehydration over time if users aren't properly increasing water intake.

When the body becomes dehydrated, skin can lose water content, elasticity, and mousturizing oils. The lipid barrier that contains moisture and locks out irritants becomes compromised.

As this skin barrier weakens, users may experience side effects like:

• Dry, flakey, tight skin
• Redness and inflammation
• Cracks, crevices and peeling
• Localized skin thickening
• Severe itchiness and rashes

Boosting water intake to 8-12 cups daily helps counteract kratom dehydration. Using moisturizers protects the skin's lipid barrier. Avoiding very hot showers also prevents moisture loss.

Itching Relief Remedies and Treatments

If you experience itching after taking kratom, there are some effective at-home remedies you can try to gain relief:

• Antihistamines - Antihistamine tablets like loratadine or cetirizine block the body's histamine response and related itching.
• Oatmeal baths - Colloidal oatmeal soaked in bathwater soothes itchy skin and reduces inflammation.
• Aloe vera gel - The cooling gel from an aloe plant can be applied to itchy areas for relief.
• Cold compress - Applying an ice pack or cold wet rag to itchy skin provides numbing relief.
• Essential oils - Itch-fighting oils like peppermint, rosemary, lavender, or tea tree oil can be applied diluted to the skin or added to baths.

For ongoing itching not relieved by home treatments, visit your doctor to rule out any underlying conditions. They may prescribe stronger antihistamines or topical steroids to reduce inflammation.

Preventing Kratom Itching

You can reduce the likelihood of getting itchy skin from kratom by:

• Drinking plenty of extra fluids daily
• Moisturizing skin frequently
• Taking antihistamine before using kratom
• Using high quality, uncontaminated kratom
• Starting with very low doses to assess tolerance
• Avoiding excessive, frequent

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.