Itching Skin - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Itch is an uncomfortable sensation felt on an area of skin that causes a person or animal to desire to scratch that area. Itches can also occur with or without skin lesions (e.g., bumps or blisters). An itch that is accompanied by lesions usually should be evaluated by a physician and, in some cases. It may be the result of a rash or another itchy skin condition, such as psoriasis or dermatitis. It may be accompanied by redness, rough skin, bumps or blisters. Itch accompanies many conditions. Probably the most common cause of itch is psychological, that is, due to stress , anxiety , etc. Stress also can aggravate itch from other causes. The feeling of itchiness can be caused by a movement of hairs or the release of a chemical ( histamine ) from cells under the skin. Itchiness is regarded as protective, as it helps creatures remove parasites that land on their skin. Many skin conditions cause itchy skin, including psoriasis, inflammation of the skin (dermatitis), scabies, lice, chickenpox and hives. In these cases, the itching usually affects specific areas and is accompanied by other signs, such as red, irritated skin or bumps and blisters. Dry skin is another frequent cause of itch. Many people also report sunburn itch following prolonged exposure to UV radiation from the sun.

Itch Skin other causes include metabolic and endocrine disorders (e.g., liver or kidney disease, hyperthyroidism ), cancers (e.g., lymphoma ), reactions to drugs, , and diseases of the blood (e.g., polycythemia vera ). Some women experience itchy skin during pregnancy, especially on the abdomen, thighs, breasts and arms. Also, itchy skin conditions, such as dermatitis, can worsen during pregnancy. Itchy skin is an uncomfortable. It may occur in small areas, such as on an arm or leg. Or your whole body may feel itchy. Itchy skin can occur without any other noticeable changes on the skin. Topical (external) itch treatments is use of cold can "jam the circuits" and deaden itch.Cool water, either by running tap water over the affected area or placing a cold clean washcloth on the skin. Hot water (in the shower, for instance) feels good temporarily, but it often leaves you feeling itchier later. Therefore, the use of hot water is not recommended. Oral itch treatments antihistamines are used to treat itch. These medicines can induce drowsiness in many people and must be used with care before driving a car or operating heavy machinery.

Causes of Itch Skin

Common Causes and Risk factors of Itch Skin

• Skin conditions and rashes( psoriasis, inflammation of the skin (dermatitis), scabies, lice, chickenpox and hives.)
• Internal diseases.
• Irritation and allergic reactions. Wool, chemicals, soaps and other substances can irritate the skin and cause itching.. Food allergies also may cause itchy skin reactions.
• Reactions of drugs.
• Pregnancy. Some women experience itchy skin during pregnancy , such as dermatitis, can worsen during pregnancy.

Sign and Symptoms of Itch Skin

Common Sign and Symptoms of Itch Skin

• Redness
• Bumps, spots or blisters
• Dry, cracked skin
• Leathery or scaly texture to the skin

Treatment for Itch Skin

Common Treatment for Itch Skin

• Topical (external) itch treatments is use of cold can "jam the circuits" and deaden itch.
• Cool water, either by running tap water over the affected area or placing a cold clean washcloth on the skin.
• Oral itch treatments antihistamines, diphenhydramine and chlorpheniramine are used to treat itch. These medicines can induce drowsiness in many people and must be used with care before driving a car or operating heavy machinery.
• Light therapy (phototherapy)-Phototherapy involves exposing your skin to certain wavelengths of ultraviolet light.
• Wear smooth-textured cotton clothing.
• Choose mild soaps without dyes or perfumes.
• Use a mild, unscented laundry detergent when washing clothes, towels and bedding. Try using the extra rinse cycle on your wash machine.
• Avoid substances that irritate your skin or that cause an allergic reaction. Include is nickel, jewelry, perfume, cleaning products and cosmetics.
• avoiding vigorous exercise (if sweating causes itching).
• Nonprescription oral antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl, others), may be helpful if itching is severe.

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