Skin hunger and the craving for touch

What is skin hunger?

Skin hunger is the intense longing for physical contact and touch through the skin. It is seen as a basic need, just like eating, drinking, and sleeping. Anyone can experience skin hunger, from babies to the elderly, and it plays a crucial role in our wellbeing. The term became widely known during the coronavirus pandemic, when physical contact was limited and many people felt the loss of touch.

Why is touch so important?

Touch is essential for our physical and mental health. When we are touched, our body produces the hormone oxytocin, also called the “cuddle hormone.” This hormone brings relaxation, reduces stress, and gives us a sense of safety and connection (EOS Wetenschap). Touch also stimulates the production of serotonin and dopamine, which lift the mood and reduce anxiety.

Research shows that babies who get enough skin-to-skin contact develop better and experience less stress (Utrecht University). But adults and older people keep needing physical contact too. For older people with dementia, touch can even be the only way to communicate (Kennisplein Gehandicaptensector).

What are the symptoms of skin hunger?

The symptoms of skin hunger can vary from person to person, but common signals are:

• Feelings of loneliness or emptiness
• Irritability or low mood
• A longing for hugs, touch, or massage
• Sleeping worse
• Experiencing more stress or tension
• Physical complaints such as fatigue or pain

A long-term lack of physical contact can contribute to depressive feelings, anxiety, and even a weakened immune system (ONVZ).

Who gets skin hunger?

Anyone can experience skin hunger, regardless of age or relationship status. Babies and young children have a strong need for touch for their development. Older people, especially if they live alone or are less mobile, can experience skin hunger too. People without a partner or with a small social network are at extra risk, but people in a relationship can also feel skin hunger if their need for touch is not met (Avansa Limburg).

What are the causes of skin hunger?

The most common causes are:

• Physical distance from loved ones, for example through moving or travel distance
• A small social network or little social interaction
• Losing a partner or the death of loved ones
• Fear of being rejected or not understood
• Restrictions from pandemics or health problems

During the coronavirus pandemic, skin hunger became a common problem because of the social distancing measures (Women’s Health).

What are the effects of skin hunger?

A lack of touch can lead to:

• Increased stress and anxiety
• Low mood and depressive feelings
• Poorer sleep quality
• Less sense of connection with others
• Physical complaints such as pain, fatigue, and a weakened immune system

Touch works as a natural painkiller and helps regulate emotions. A long-term lack of it can therefore have serious effects on both body and mind (NPO Radio 1).

How can you reduce skin hunger?

Although nothing can replace a real hug, there are ways to soften the feeling of skin hunger:

• Self-massage: Touch yourself consciously, massage your arms, legs, or head. This stimulates the production of happiness hormones.
• Cuddle a pet: Animals can play an important role in meeting the need for touch (Men’s Health).
• Use a fleece blanket: A soft blanket can offer comfort and mimic the feeling of touch.
• Take a warm bath or shower: Aim the stream of water at your skin and focus on the feeling.
• Rub yourself with body lotion: Pay attention to your skin and give yourself loving care.
• Seek professional touch: Think of a massage, or a visit to the hairdresser or beautician.
• Communicate your need: Talk with people around you about your need for physical contact.

What is skin hunger?

Skin hunger is the strong longing for physical contact and touch. It arises when someone lacks meaningful touch, such as hugs, a hand on the shoulder, or a pat on the head. This lack can deepen feelings of loneliness, stress, and low mood. Touch is a basic need that is essential for both physical and mental health.
Read more: What is skin hunger?, Men’s Health | What is skin hunger?, Weten.site

What are the main causes of skin hunger?

Physical distance from loved ones (for example through moving or a pandemic)
A small social network or little social interaction
Losing a partner or the death of loved ones
Fear of being rejected or not understood
Changes in life circumstances, such as working from home or more online communication
More on this: New study into causes, Utrecht University | What can you do about skin hunger?, NPO Radio 1

What are the symptoms of skin hunger?

Feelings of loneliness or emptiness
Irritability or low mood
A longing for hugs, touch, or massage
Sleeping worse
More stress or tension
Physical complaints such as fatigue or pain
See also: Symptoms of skin hunger, Weten.site | What skin hunger does to your body, NPO3

What are the effects of a lack of touch?

Increased stress and anxiety
Low mood and depressive feelings
Poorer sleep quality
Less sense of connection
Physical complaints such as pain, fatigue, and a weakened immune system
More info: Skin hunger and its effects, ONVZ | The impact of the lack, Bedrock

How can you reduce skin hunger?

Massage yourself or use a body lotion
Cuddle a pet
Take a warm bath or shower
Seek professional touch, such as a massage
Talk openly about your need for touch with people around you
Handy tips: 5 tips against skin hunger, Men’s Health | How to cope with skin hunger, Moodlab

Can you get skin hunger when you are in a relationship?

Yes, people in a relationship can experience skin hunger too. Partners can have different needs when it comes to touch. Open communication matters here (Avansa Limburg).

Is skin hunger the same as sexual loneliness?

No, skin hunger is not about sexual contact, it is mainly about loving, meaningful touch such as hugs, holding hands, or a pat on the shoulder (Women’s Health).

Is skin hunger dangerous?

A long-term lack of touch can have negative effects on mental and physical health. So it matters to pay attention to this need and act in time (ONVZ).
Skin hunger is a universal, human longing that can have a big impact on our wellbeing. By consciously acknowledging this need and actively looking for ways to experience more touch, you can improve both your mental and your physical health.