INTRODUCTION:
Itchy skin is an uncomfortable, irritating sensation that can make scratching irresistible. It seems simple. When you itch, you scratch. But itchy skin can have hundreds of possible causes. Also known as pruritus (proo-RIE-tus), itchy skin may be the result of a rash or another condition, such as psoriasis or dermatitis. Or itchy skin may be a symptom of an internal disease, such as liver disease or kidney failure. Though itchy, your skin may appear normal. Or it may be accompanied by redness, rough skin, bumps or blisters.
Identifying and treating the underlying cause of itchy skin is important for long-term relief. Itchy skin treatments include medications, wet dressings and light therapy. Self-care measures, including anti-itch products and cool baths, can also help. An uncomfortable sensation in the skin that feels as if something is crawling on the skin or in the skin, and makes the person want to scratch the affected area.
Itchy skin is an uncomfortable, irritating sensation that can make scratching irresistible. It seems simple. When you itch, you scratch. But itchy skin can have hundreds of possible causes. Also known as pruritus (proo-RIE-tus), itchy skin may be the result of a rash or another condition, such as psoriasis or dermatitis. Or itchy skin may be a symptom of an internal disease, such as liver disease or kidney failure. Though itchy, your skin may appear normal. Or it may be accompanied by redness, rough skin, bumps or blisters.
Identifying and treating the underlying cause of itchy skin is important for long-term relief. Itchy skin treatments include medications, wet dressings and light therapy. Self-care measures, including anti-itch products and cool baths, can also help. An uncomfortable sensation in the skin that feels as if something is crawling on the skin or in the skin, and makes the person want to scratch the affected area.
What is Itching Skin:
Itchy skin is an uncomfortable, irritating sensation that can make scratching irresistible. It seems simple. When you itch, you scratch. But itchy skin can have hundreds of possible causes. Also known as pruritus.
Symptoms Itchy Skin:
Symptoms that can occur with itching include rash, dry skin, jaundice, and skin lesions. Serious symptoms that can occur with itching include severe hives, fainting, difficulty breathing, wheezing, mouth or tongue swelling, and facial swelling.
Itchy skin is an uncomfortable, irritating sensation that can make scratching irresistible. It seems simple. When you itch, you scratch. But itchy skin can have hundreds of possible causes. Also known as pruritus.
Itching skin can affect a small area of the skin or the full body, and it differs in severity, frequency and duration, depending on the underlying cause.
Itching Skin Causes:
* Dry skin
* Infections
* Internal diseases
* Nerve disorders
* Irritants
*Allergic reactions
* Drugs
* Pregnancy
* Kidney Failure
*Sweating
* Dry skin
* Infections
* Internal diseases
* Nerve disorders
* Irritants
*Allergic reactions
* Drugs
* Pregnancy
* Kidney Failure
*Sweating
There are many different possible causes of itching.
For example, itching can be a symptom of:
For example, itching can be a symptom of:
- a skin condition, such as eczema
- an allergy – for example, to nickel (a metal that is often used to make costume jewellery)
- insect bites or scabies (a contagious skin condition where tiny mites burrow into the skin)
- fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot and female thrush or male thrush (a fungal infection that affects the male and female genitals)
- certain chronic (long-term) conditions, such as liver disease
- hormonal changes in the body, such as during the menopause (when a woman’s periods stop, usually at around 52 years of age)
Each of these possible causes of itching is described in more detail below.
Skin conditions
Skin conditions that can cause itching include:
- dry skin
- eczema – a chronic (long-term) condition where the skin is dry, red, flaky and itchy
- contact dermatitis – a condition where the skin becomes inflamed
- urticaria – also known as hives, welts or nettle rash, urticaria is triggered by an allergen, such as food or latex, and causes a raised, red itchy rash to develop
- lichen planus – an itchy, non-infectious rash of unknown cause
- psoriasis – a non-infectious skin condition that causes red, flaky, crusty patches of skin and silvery scales
- dandruff – a common, non-contagious skin condition that affects the scalp
- folliculitis – a skin condition that is caused by inflamed hair follicles
- prurigo – small blisters (fluid-filled swellings) that are very itchy
Allergies and skin reactions
Itching is sometimes caused by environmental factors, such as:
- cosmetics
- dyes or coatings on fabrics
- contact with certain metals, such as nickel
- contact with the juices of certain plants or stinging plants
- an allergy to certain foods or types of medication (for example, aspirin and a group of medicines called opioids)
- prickly heat – an itchy rash that appears in hot, humid weather conditions
- sunburn – skin damage that is caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays
Parasites and insects
Itching can also be caused by the following pests:
- the scabies mite, which burrows into the skin and causes a skin condition called scabies
- head lice, pubic lice or body lice
- stinging insects, such as bees, wasps or hornets and insects that bite, such as midges, mosquitoes, fleas, bedbugs and ticks
Infections
Itching may also be a symptom of an infection, such as:
- chickenpox or another viral infection
- a fungal infection, such as athlete's foot, which causes itching in between the toes, jock itch which affects the groin, and ringworm, which is a contagious condition that causes a ring-like red rash to develop on the body
- a yeast infection, such as female thrush or male thrush, which can cause itching in and around the genitals
Fungal and yeast infections tend to cause itching in a specific area of the body. But in untreated cases, or cases that do not respond well to treatment, itching may become generalised.
Systemic conditions
Systemic conditions are conditions that affect the entire body. Sometimes, itching can be a symptom of systemic conditions, such as:
- an overactive thyroid or underactive thyroid – the thyroid gland is found in the neck; it produces hormones to help control the body's growth and metabolism (the process of turning food into energy)
- liver-related conditions, such as primary biliary cirrhosis, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer and hepatitis
- long standing kidney failure
- leukaemia – cancer of the blood
- some types of cancers, such as breast, lung and prostate cancer
- Hodgkin's lymphoma – cancer of the lymphatic system, which is a series of glands (or nodes) that are spread throughout your body and produce many of the specialised cells that are needed by your immune system
Pregnancy and the menopause
In women, itching can sometimes be caused by hormonal changes.
Pregnancy
Itching often affects pregnant women and usually disappears after the birth. A number of skin conditions can develop during pregnancy and cause itchy skin. They include:
- pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP) – a common skin condition during pregnancy that causes itchy, red, raised bumps that appear on the thighs and abdomen (tummy)
- prurigo gestationis – a skin rash that appears as red, itchy dots and mainly affects the arms, legs and torso
- obstetric cholestasis – a rare disorder that affects the liver during pregnancy and causes itching of the skin without a skin rash
Eczema and psoriasis are also skin conditions that pregnant women may experience.
Seek advice from your midwife or GP if you have itching or any unusual skin rashes during your pregnancy.
Menopause
Itching is also a common symptom of the menopause, which is where a woman’s periods stop, at around 52 years of age, as a result of hormonal changes. Changes in the levels of hormones, such as oestrogen, that occur during the menopause are thought to be responsible for the itching.
Symptoms Itchy Skin:
Symptoms that can occur with itching include rash, dry skin, jaundice, and skin lesions. Serious symptoms that can occur with itching include severe hives, fainting, difficulty breathing, wheezing, mouth or tongue swelling, and facial swelling.
Itching Skin Remedies:
* Anti-itch lotions and ointments are the most effective remedies for itchy skin.
* Mixing three parts of baking soda in one part of water and applying the resultant paste on the affected area helps stop itching sensation on skin.
* Honey and cold pressed olive oil are also beneficial home remedies for itchy skin.
* Use a high quality moisturizing cream on your skin. Apply this cream at least once or twice daily.
* Aloe Vera gel is also one of the most effective remedy for itchy skin.
* Wear smooth textured cotton clothing. This will help you avoid irritation.
* Avoid scratching whenever possible. Cover the itchy area if you can't keep from scratching it. Trim nails and wear gloves at night.
* Applying coconut oil mixed with lemon juice serves as a good natural remedy for Itchy Skin. Moreover, coconut oil also provides nourishment to the skin
* Prepare nettle tea by steeping a teaspoon of dried nettle leaves in a cup of boiling water for about 15 minutes. Finally, have one or two cups of this tea to get rid of Itchy Skin.
* Application of a piece of cloth soaked in basil tea or mint tea is useful in the natural treatment for Itchy Skin.
* Anti-itch lotions and ointments are the most effective remedies for itchy skin.
* Mixing three parts of baking soda in one part of water and applying the resultant paste on the affected area helps stop itching sensation on skin.
* Honey and cold pressed olive oil are also beneficial home remedies for itchy skin.
* Use a high quality moisturizing cream on your skin. Apply this cream at least once or twice daily.
* Aloe Vera gel is also one of the most effective remedy for itchy skin.
* Wear smooth textured cotton clothing. This will help you avoid irritation.
* Avoid scratching whenever possible. Cover the itchy area if you can't keep from scratching it. Trim nails and wear gloves at night.
* Applying coconut oil mixed with lemon juice serves as a good natural remedy for Itchy Skin. Moreover, coconut oil also provides nourishment to the skin
* Prepare nettle tea by steeping a teaspoon of dried nettle leaves in a cup of boiling water for about 15 minutes. Finally, have one or two cups of this tea to get rid of Itchy Skin.
* Application of a piece of cloth soaked in basil tea or mint tea is useful in the natural treatment for Itchy Skin.
Itchy Skin Prevention:
* Taking short baths in warm water.
* Avoiding use of cosmetics, perfumes, deodorants, and starch based powders.
* Avoiding wool and other harsh fabrics.
* Avoiding vigorous exercise (if sweating causes itching).
* Avoiding use of dryer anti-static sheets.
* Taking short baths in warm water.
* Avoiding use of cosmetics, perfumes, deodorants, and starch based powders.
* Avoiding wool and other harsh fabrics.
* Avoiding vigorous exercise (if sweating causes itching).
* Avoiding use of dryer anti-static sheets.
