Itchy skin is often nothing more than a minor nuisance, but depending on its cause it can be downright unbearable. Itchy skin is an uncomfortable sensation that provokes a scratching response. Itching can be helpful when it causes you to scratch away an irritant that may be on the surface of your skin and serve as a sign for diagnosing underlying illness.
Itchy skin, also known as pruritus, can be a frustrating and very uncomfortable condition. If it lasts for more then six weeks is considered chronic pruritus. A number of different mechanisms induce an itch and scratch response and there are several kinds of itching sensations you may feel. A common kind of itching is due to tissue damage, which causes your blood vessels to dilate and release antihistamines.
Causes
There are hundreds of causes for itchy skin which may be mechanical, chemical, thermal or electrical in nature. Furthermore, several studies demonstrate the sensations of itch and pain are transmitted via different neural pathways, however, scratching an itch can cause pain. Dry skin is the most prevalent cause of itchiness, and is typically due to environmental factors such as hot or humid weather or hygiene practices.
Itchy Skin and Disease
In some cases, itchy and pervasive itching may be a reflection of a more serious underlying illness. According to the American Dermatology Association, itchy skin can be a manifestation of liver, thyroid and blood diseases, kidney failure, HIV, anemia and neurological conditions. There are also many autoimmune, genetic and neoplastic conditions that are associated with chronic itching.
Diagnoses
The most important step in determining the cause of itchy skin is creating a detailed patient history to assess how the itching may have originated. A dermatologist can also perform blood tests, skin scrapes or biopsies to figure out the root cause. If the itching is caused by an internal condition, treatment of that illness will ultimately help relieve itchiness. Diagnostic tests may also determine if itchy skin is, in fact, the result of a related skin or parasitic condition such as dermititis, psoriasis, hives, scabies or lice.
Treatment
Depending on the cause, there are several remedies to help relieve and cure itchy skin. Medications like oral antihistamines and corticosteroids can help relieve itchiness and inflammation due to allergies. According to the Mayo Clinic, anti-itch creams on the affected areas, cool baths, and wearing smooth-textured cotton clothing can help provide short term relief for itchy skin. To prevent itching from getting worse, avoid scratching as this will irritate the skin and lead to scarring.
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