It's hard to resist the urge to scratch a patch of itchy skin, even if you know that scratching can worsen the problem. Scratching an itch only intensifies the itching, according to MayoClinic.com, leading to a constant itching and scratching cycle. While itchy skin patches can be caused by harmless skin conditions, such as dry skin, several diseases and disorders can also cause itching. Treatment for itchy skin varies depending on the cause of your skin condition.
Identification
Itching can occur with or without a rash. In some cases, itchy patches of skin may look red, dry or bumpy, while in other cases, your skin may look perfectly normal. Severe itching can lead to anxiety, depression and sleeplessness, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Causes
If itching skin is not accompanied by a rash, dry skin may be the reason for the itching, particularly during the winter months when humidity levels may be lower. If you have a skin condition, such as eczema or psoriasis, you may experience itching, in addition to red patches on the skin. Allergies to soap, metals, chemicals, poison ivy, fabrics or certain foods can cause itching, as can parasitic infections, such as lice or scabies.
Itching can also be a sign of kidney failure, liver disease, blood or neurological disorders, problems absorbing wheat, anemia, and some cancers. MayoClinic.com reports that in these cases, itching usually affects the whole body, rather than one specific area. If itching started after you started taking an antifungal, antibiotic or pain medication containing narcotics, the medication may be to blame. Pregnancy may be the culprit of itchy skin in some women. In some cases, it is impossible to determine the cause of itching.
Diagnosis
While mild cases of itchy skin can be treated at home, more severe itching requires evaluation by a doctor. Your doctor will examine your skin and ask you questions about your general health, the medications you take and recent exposure to potential allergens. He may recommend a blood test to rule out diseases that could cause itching. A skin scraping or biopsy can also help your doctor determine your diagnosis.
Home Treatment
Over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams can help reduce itching, as can taking OTC oral antihistamine medications. Taking oatmeal baths and applying cool compresses to the skin may temporarily reduce itching. If you suspect that an allergy to laundry detergent is causing the problem, using a fragrance-free detergent may help reducing itching. Moisturizing the skin can help if dry skin causes itching. The Cleveland Clinic suggests using creams or ointments, rather than lotions, to treat dry skin. Lotions are made with a higher water content than ointments and creams and don't offer as much protection as those products.
Medical Treatment
Severe itching or itching that does not respond to home treatment may require medical treatment. Treating existing diseases can help relieve itching. If itching is a side effect of a medication, changing your medication may help alleviate your symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe prescription-strength topical and oral medications to treat your skin condition. Treatment with ultraviolet light therapy may be helpful if you don't respond to other treatments. Ultraviolet light rays penetrate the skin and slow the growth of skin cells, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation.
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