Why does soaking your feet in mugwort cause itching

Many people like to soak their feet in mugwort. Mugwort is a common Chinese herbal medicine. Soaking your feet in mugwort can not only prevent athlete's foot, but also has a certain effect in preventing onychomycosis. Some people will find that their feet become itchy when soaking their feet in mugwort. At this time, you should understand the specific reasons. Generally speaking, if the water temperature is too high or the soaking time is too long, it may cause such symptoms. In addition, you should also be alert to whether you have some skin disease allergies.

1: The water temperature is too high

If the water temperature is too high, the oil on the skin will be washed away and the water in the skin cells will be evaporated. The skin will lose the protection of oil and will experience symptoms such as dryness and itching. It may also become chapped, especially in the elderly whose sebum secretion ability is reduced, and the itching will be more serious. The water temperature should be controlled at 40-50℃. If it is too low, it will have no effect, but if it is too high, it will affect the skin.

2. It takes too long

If your feet are soaked in mugwort water for a long time, itching will occur due to the increase in external osmotic pressure, cellular dehydration, terminal microvascular closure, and epidermal shedding. In fact, this is a physiological phenomenon and will generally be relieved when you stop soaking your feet. The time for soaking feet in mugwort leaves should be controlled at about 30-45 minutes. According to personal constitution, you can soak until you sweat slightly. Next time you use mugwort to soak your feet, you should soak them for a shorter time.

3. Too much humidity

Heavy moisture is also a cause of eczema, which is a severe itchy skin inflammation. Soaking your feet in mugwort leaves can remove moisture from the body. It may cause temporary itching of the skin on your feet during the process of moisture being discharged, so wait for the moisture to slowly be discharged from the body and the itching sensation will be relieved.

4. Allergies

If you have an allergic constitution, you may be allergic to mugwort. Common symptoms of allergies include itchy skin, rashes, etc. You should immediately stop soaking your feet in mugwort. If it is not serious, you can first wash the feet soaked in mugwort with warm water, then drink more hot water and wait for the allergy to ease. If it is more serious, you should seek medical attention in time or take anti-allergic drugs.