Itching
|
|
|
Allergic reactions |
Skin layers |
Head lice |
Alternative names
Pruritus
Definition
A peculiar tingling or uneasy
irritation of the skin which causes a desire to
scratch the affected part.
Considerations
Itching can be all over (generalized) or only
in a particular location (localized).
There are many causes of itching ranging from
the simple to the complex. Some groupings would
include:
Localized itching
- skin irritation from insect bites and stings
Localized or generalized
- chemical irritation such as from poison
ivy or stinging nettle
- environmental causes (drying, sunburn)
- hives (localized to general)
- parasites (body lice, head lice, pubic lice)
Generalized
- infectious diseases (chicken pox)
- allergic reactions
- kidney disease
- liver disease with jaundice
- medication reactions
Common
causes
- insect bites
- dry skin
- contact dermatitis (poison ivy or poison
oak)
- contact irritants (such as soaps, chemicals,
or wool)
- atopic dermatitis
- rashes (may or may not itch)
- childhood infections (such as chicken pox
or measles)
- aging skin
- allergy caused by food or drugs (antibiotics)
- superficial skin infections such as folliculitis
and impetigo
- pregnancy
- hepatitis
- iron deficiency anemia
- parasites such as pinworm
- pityriasis rosea
- psoriasis
- seborrheic dermatitis
- urticaria
- drugs such as antibiotics (penicillin, sulfonamides),
gold, griseofulvin, isoniazid, opiates, phenothiazines,
or Vitamin A
Home
care
For persistent or severe
itching, have the dermatologist (a specialist
in skin disorders) make the precise diagnosis
and prescribe specific treatment.
In the meantime, there are some steps you can
take to help deal with the itch:
- Avoid scratching or rubbing the itchy areas.
Keep fingernails short to avoid skin damage
from any unconscious scratching. Family members
or friends may help call attention to subconscious
scratching.
- Wear cool, light, loose bedclothes. Avoid
wearing rough clothing, particularly wool,
over an itchy area.
- Take lukewarm baths using little soap and
rinsing thoroughly. Try a skin-soothing oatmeal
or cornstarch bath.
- Apply a soothing lotion after bathing to
soften and cool the skin.
- Apply cold compresses to an itchy area.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to excessive heat
and humidity.
- Take up an enjoyable hobby that distracts
from the itching during the day and makes
you tired enough to sleep at night.
- Try over-the-counter oral antihistamines
such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
- Try over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream.
|
