Itchy skin, also called pruritus, is an irritating burning, tingling or crawling feeling that causes a person to want to scratch the affected area. Since itchy skin can be caused by a wide variety of habits and health conditions, the first step to reducing the problem is to identify the culprit.
The Itch Response
An itch begins with some type of external stimuli such as a bug or a piece of hair. Once the irritation rubs across the surface of the skin, receptors become irritated and send a signal through the skin's fibers, up through the spinal cord and into the brain. The scratch response is a person's way of trying to quickly remove the irritant. In some cases, such as when a bug is on the skin, scratching may be effective. However, some underlying conditions may cause itching that can't immediately be remedied by scratching.
Causes of Itching
Dry skin, which may be caused naturally by the aging process or by environmental dryness, is a common cause of generalized itching, reports the Mayo Clinic. Another cause of itching is skin conditions such as chickenpox and psoriasis, which come with visible signs such as red bumps. Other possible causes of itchy skin include allergic reactions and diseases such as thyroid problems, certain cancers and kidney failure.
Symptoms
If itching causes visible changes, the skin may have bumps, blisters or spots. The skin may also appear dry, cracked, red, leathery or scaly, according to the Mayo Clinic. Depending on the cause, the itching sensation may occur in small areas of the body or it may occur all over the body. In some cases, such as when an internal disease has caused the itching, the skin may appear completely normal beyond the scratch marks.
Treatment
If a health condition has caused the itching, the treatment should lie within caring for the main problem. Medications such as oral antihistamines for allergies and corticosteroid creams for itching due to skin inflammation may also be effective, according to the Mayo Clinic.
However, in many cases, itching can be relieved by adjusting some daily habits. Consistently applying an anti-itch lotion or cream, taking short and tepid showers, avoiding scratching and avoiding irritants such as harsh soaps and wool clothing may be the only necessary methods needed for treating itchy skin.
When to Get Help
If self-care hasn't helped reduce the itchy skin within a couple weeks, consult your doctor or seek additional assistance from a dermatologist. Also see a doctor if the itching stands in the way of your daily routine, if you can't explain its cause, if it's affecting your entire body or if you're also experiencing other unexplained symptoms such as fatigue, fever, weight loss and changes in bathroom habits.
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