When you have extremely itchy skin on any part of your body, the feeling can be maddening. Itchy skin is technically referred to as pruritus and can be caused by many different factors. Depending on the reason for your itching, both conventional and home remedies may be available to help you find relief.
Possible Causes
Severely itchy skin has a laundry list of possible causes. Your skin can itch from simple dry skin, rash, hives, eczema, scabies, psoriasis, celiac disease, liver disease, anemia, kidney failure, allergies, thyroid disease, drugs or cancer.
Treatments
Treatments for itching skin can vary depending on the cause. Some possibilities from your doctor include steroids or antihistamine pills for allergy and hives. Searching for an underlying disease that may be causing itching and treating that problem will eliminate your itching. Exposing your skin to various wavelengths of light as part of phototherapy treatment is also an option your doctor may suggest. Applying a medicated cream then covering with damp cotton dressing may help take the edge off.
Home Remedies
Treating itching skin at home may help you avoid a doctor visit if nothing serious is wrong. Applying a hypoallergenic moisturizer could soothe your itching skin. Choose an ointment or oil if available, then creams then lotions, says FamilyDoctor.org. Moisturize your skin 3 to 4 times per day, including after you bathe, to try and help lock moisture in.
Bathing
When you are bathing, be sure to stick to short, lukewarm baths or showers. Bathing too frequently or for too long can dry out your skin and make your itching problem worse. Oatmeal baths can soothe irritated skin and relieve itching.
Considerations
If you find yourself in a situation where your itchy skin is infected, red, swollen or is oozing fluid, schedule an appointment with your doctor to help diagnose the problem. If your itching doesn't seem to have an obvious cause and lasts for two weeks or more, make an appointment with your doctor.
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