Kratom and Itching: Does Kratom Cause Itching?

Does kratom cause itching? Kratom (or Mitragyna speciosa) is an evergreen tree indigenous to Southeast Asia. Its leaves contain over 40 alkaloids that can trigger analgesic, stimulating, relaxing or euphoric effects. It is thanks to these properties, that millions of people use kratom to cope with many health issues or even to manage the symptoms of withdrawal. But kratom also has side effects. While itching is not one of the most common side effects of kratom, there are users who report getting itches when using kratom. But is this itching due to kratom? Does kratom make you itchy?

Common Side Effects of Kratom

Millions of people consume kratom to cope with many ailments and issues, such as:

• Pain
• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Stress
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Overcome an addiction

However, kratom also has side effects. Although in most cases these side effects are not dangerous, they can be very unpleasant. Very often, they are the result of high doses or frequent kratom consumption:

• Constipation: Many kratom users report suffering constipation after using kratom regularly. Constipation is one of the most common side effects of kratom, and to relieve it and prevent it, it is recommendable you drink a lot of water and eat foods with high-fiber content. You can also take over-the-counter or natural laxatives.
• Dehydration: This side effect also affects many kratom users. Kratom dehydration can also be related to constipation, nausea, fatigue, or skin issues. So, again, if you are a kratom user, make sure you drink enough water.
• Nausea: High dosages, using kratom on an empty stomach or certain kratom consumption methods can result in nausea. Being cautious with the dosage, taking kratom on a full stomach, or avoiding capsules can help you reduce the risk of suffering from kratom nausea.
• Headaches and migraines: Kratom migraines are usually linked to large dosages. However, stimulating strains and dehydration may also be related to kratom headaches or migraines.
• Dizziness: Large kratom dosages or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) may be the causes of kratom dizziness. This side effect also seems to be quite common among new users kratom, perhaps because they are not familiar with kratom dosages.
• Eye wobbles: Arguably one of the most unpleasant side effects of kratom, nystagmus (eye wobbles) may be the result of large dosages or of using certain kratom strains. The wobbles cause involuntary eye movements, which often result in headaches, dizziness, and problems focusing.

As you can see, these side effects are often due to high dosages of kratom. But what happens with itching? Does kratom cause itching? We will discuss it below.

Does Kratom Cause Itching? Causes of Kratom Itching

Does kratom cause itching? Many kratom users ask this question after suffering from itching, skin rash, or flushing when consuming this plant. Despite the lack of scientific research, anecdotal evidence suggests that kratom itching is an actual side effect of kratom. You can find many real kratom stories on the Internet claiming that they suffer itching from kratom.

But what are the causes of kratom itching? Why does kratom cause itching? There seem to be several factors behind this side effect:

• Allergic reactions: When thinking of kratom alkaloids, arguably the first ones that come to your mind are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. But kratom actually contains more than 40 alkaloids, besides flavonoids, saponins, and other phytochemicals. Those are a lot of compounds, and one (or more) of them could trigger an allergic reaction in your body.
• Body adjustment: Your body may need to adjust to kratom. In some cases, you will notice neither itching nor any other side effects. But for some individuals, starting to use kratom may trigger undesired reactions.
• Impurities: Kratom may contain impurities that may trigger an allergic reaction or side effects.
• Dehydration: Kratom dehydration also affects your skin. Therefore, you may suffer from skin damages, such as skin harsh or itching.

So, if you are wondering “Does kratom cause itching?”, the answer is yes. But what can you do to prevent it (or alleviate it)? We suggest some tips in the following section.

How to Prevent Kratom Itching

After answering the question “Does kratom cause itching?”, let us figure out how to prevent it:

• Drink plenty of water: Since dehydration can be one of the causes of kratom itching, drinking plenty of water may help you prevent it.
• Keep your skin hydrated: Another way to prevent the consequences on your skin of kratom dehydration is to nourish and hydrate your skin properly.
• Use an over the counter antihistamine: Using an antihistamine will allow you to figure out if your itching is due to an allergic reaction. If you opt for using antihistaminic medications, please make sure you follow all the recommendations.
• Buy from a reliable kratom vendor: Kratom itching may be due to using kratom contaminated with impurities. Buying kratom from a reliable source will help you avoid contaminated kratom (and itching).
• Try different kratom strains: Each kratom strain has its own set of alkaloids. So, even if the differences can be small, some strains can have a higher number of those alkaloids that cause the itching. Thus, trying new strains may help you reduce or avoid the itching.
• Get used to kratom: If you are new to kratom, bear in mind that on many occasions your body will need to get used to it. That is, kratom itching may be due to an adjustment process. Hence, with time, the itching may just disappear.

Does kratom cause itching? It probably does, even though we do not know the causes. But there are also things that you can do to prevent and alleviate it. Have you ever experienced kratom itching? What did you do to stop it? Please let us know in the comments section. We would love to hear from you!