Can Hunger Cause Body Itching? A Look at the Surprising Connection

December 31, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a study published in Cell Reports, hunger, and the activation of specific neurons, can actually inhibit the sensation of itch, a process rooted in the brain's priority systems. However, while the body may suppress some itch signals during acute food deprivation, a connection between hunger and itching often arises from secondary effects like nutritional deficits or dry skin.

Quick Summary

This article explores the nuanced relationship between hunger and body itching, revealing the biological and systemic factors, including dehydration, nutrient deficiencies, and ketosis, that can indirectly lead to skin irritation during periods of low food intake or fasting.

Key Points

Brain Prioritizes Hunger: Research shows that during intense hunger, the brain's AgRP neurons actively suppress the sensation of itch to prioritize food-seeking.
Indirect Causes are Key: Itching experienced during periods of low food intake is not caused by hunger directly, but rather by secondary effects like dehydration, nutrient deficiencies, or stress.
Nutritional Deficiencies Trigger Itch: A lack of essential vitamins (A, B, D) and minerals (zinc, iron) due to restricted diets can compromise skin health, leading to dryness, rashes, and itching.
Dehydration and Dry Skin: Fasting often leads to reduced fluid intake, causing dry and flaky skin that can become itchy and irritated.
Keto Rash is a Real Condition: For those on ketogenic diets, an excess of ketones can trigger an inflammatory rash known as Prurigo Pigmentosa, causing red and itchy bumps.
Stress Exacerbates Itching: The stress and anxiety that can accompany hunger or restrictive eating can trigger or worsen psychogenic itching via the nervous system.

The Complex Brain Connection: When Hunger Suppresses Itch

Research into the direct neurological connection between hunger and itch reveals a fascinating paradox. A study conducted on mice and published in Cell Reports demonstrated that hunger, via the activation of specific hypothalamic Agouti-related protein (AgRP) neurons, can actively suppress itch signals. This suggests that when facing a survival-critical need like finding food, the brain prioritizes seeking sustenance over less immediately threatening sensations like an irritating itch. The research found that the more severe the food deprivation, the more potent the inhibition of the itch response. So, while direct hunger pangs do not cause itching, the body is naturally equipped with a mechanism to override and ignore discomfort during periods of scarcity. This implies that if you experience itching during low food intake, it's likely due to other systemic issues.

Indirect Factors: How Fasting and Undernutrition Trigger Itching

While the brain may suppress itch during acute hunger, prolonged or restricted eating habits can cause other physiological changes that do lead to itchy skin. These are often the true culprits behind the perceived "hunger itch."

Dehydration and Dry Skin

Periods of fasting or insufficient calorie intake, such as during the month of Ramadan, often involve reduced fluid consumption. Dehydration is a well-known cause of dry skin, or xerosis, which can lead to uncomfortable itching, flaking, and irritation. The skin, as the body's largest organ, loses moisture and its protective barrier function is compromised when fluid levels are low. For many people, especially those who fast, rehydration during non-fasting hours is critical to prevent this side effect.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Severe or long-term caloric restriction, as seen in malnutrition or eating disorders, deprives the body of essential vitamins and minerals needed for healthy skin.

Vitamin A: Crucial for skin cell repair and hydration. A deficiency can cause eczema, which is characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin.
B Vitamins: Deficiencies in vitamins like B6 and B12 are linked to itchy rashes (seborrheic dermatitis), glossitis (inflamed tongue), and other skin issues.
Vitamin D: Plays a role in skin health and immune regulation. Low levels are associated with inflammatory skin conditions like eczema.
Zinc and Iron: Insufficient intake can cause dry skin, rashes, and a compromised skin barrier. Severe deficiencies can manifest with specific rash patterns or anemia, which can also cause rashes.

Keto Rash (Prurigo Pigmentosa)

For individuals on ketogenic or very low-carbohydrate diets, an inflammatory skin condition called prurigo pigmentosa, or "keto rash," can appear. This condition is caused by an excess of ketones produced as the body burns fat for fuel. The rash typically consists of red, itchy bumps that appear on the neck, chest, and back. As the rash resolves, it often leaves behind brownish patches of skin discoloration.

The Mind-Body Connection: Stress and Anxiety

Hunger can be a stressful experience, and stress and anxiety have a well-documented link to psychogenic itching. The communication pathways between the brain and skin nerves mean that when stress hormones are released, they can trigger sensory symptoms like burning or itching. This can create a vicious cycle where the anxiety caused by hunger or dieting leads to itching, which in turn increases anxiety, and so on.

Comparison of Hunger-Related Itch Factors


Factor	Mechanism	Type of Itch	When It Occurs
Brain Prioritization (AgRP Neurons)	Neural signals actively suppress itch sensation.	Suppressed (Not Caused)	During acute, intense hunger.
Dehydration	Lack of fluid leads to dry, flaky skin.	Dry skin itch	Short-term fasting, limited fluid intake.
Nutrient Deficiencies	Lack of essential vitamins (A, B, D) and minerals (Zinc) harms skin barrier.	Itchy rashes, general irritation	Long-term undernutrition or restrictive diets.
Ketosis (Keto Rash)	Excess ketones in the body cause an inflammatory skin response.	Inflammatory papules	Ketogenic or very low-carb dieting/fasting.
Psychological Stress	Stress hormones and anxiety trigger nervous system responses.	Psychogenic itch, worsened existing conditions	Any time hunger causes mental or emotional strain.

How to Address Hunger-Induced Itching

To manage or prevent itching related to food restriction, consider these strategies:

Stay Hydrated: Ensure adequate fluid intake, especially during periods of fasting. If you are fasting, concentrate fluid consumption during non-fasting hours, incorporating water-rich fruits and herbal teas.
Address Nutritional Gaps: If following a long-term restrictive diet, consult a healthcare professional to check for potential vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Incorporate a balanced range of nutrient-dense foods to support skin health.
Adjust Your Diet: If you suspect keto rash, reintroducing carbohydrates gradually may be necessary. For any suspected food-related allergy, careful identification and elimination might be needed.
Moisturize Regularly: Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to protect and soothe dry skin, especially after bathing. Applying it to damp skin can help lock in moisture more effectively.
Manage Stress and Anxiety: Practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga. If anxiety is a persistent issue, consider seeking professional help.

Conclusion: Unraveling the Myth of Hunger Itch

In summary, the notion that hunger directly causes body itching is a misconception. Research demonstrates that acute hunger can actually suppress the itch sensation by prioritizing the survival instinct of food-seeking. However, the systemic consequences of prolonged food restriction or fasting are the true culprits behind the perception of hunger-related itching. Dehydration, nutritional deficiencies, and stress can all contribute to skin irritation. Conditions like keto rash specifically result from metabolic changes associated with low-carb diets. By understanding these underlying factors, individuals can address the root cause of their itching rather than incorrectly attributing it to hunger itself. For persistent or severe itching, consulting a healthcare provider is the most appropriate step to rule out any underlying medical conditions. To learn more about the neural mechanisms of hunger and itch, see a fascinating study.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, fasting can cause body itching, but typically indirectly. Common causes include dehydration leading to dry skin, nutritional deficiencies if the fasting is prolonged, or metabolic changes like ketosis that can cause a specific rash.

Keto rash, or Prurigo Pigmentosa, is an inflammatory skin condition caused by metabolic changes associated with low-carb diets and ketosis. It appears as red, itchy papules on the body. While it's related to a restrictive diet, it's the excess ketones, not the hunger, that causes the rash.

Yes, dehydration is a known cause of itchy skin. When the body is low on fluids, the skin loses its natural moisture and barrier function, resulting in dryness, flakiness, and irritation that can lead to itching.

A range of deficiencies can cause itchy skin and rashes, including those in Vitamin A, various B vitamins (especially B6 and B12), Vitamin D, zinc, and iron. These nutrients are vital for maintaining healthy skin.

Yes, the stress and anxiety associated with hunger or strict dieting can trigger or worsen itching. This is known as a psychogenic itch, where stress hormones and nervous system activity cause skin sensations without an underlying dermatological cause.

The itching is likely due to the systemic effects of your diet rather than hunger itself. Possible causes include dehydration, deficiencies in vitamins or minerals, or a metabolic response like keto rash if you're on a low-carb regimen.

To prevent itching while fasting, focus on hydration by drinking plenty of water during non-fasting periods. You should also use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer and manage stress levels. If on a very low-carb diet, consult a doctor to rule out keto rash.