If you have noticed significant changes in your body -- especially with weight loss and intense itchy skin, you may have an underlying medical condition. Weight loss that is unintentional is often a sign of a medical problem that could be harmful. If you continue to lose weight and your itching does not subside, you should seek the opinion of a medical professional.
Significance
While it is normal for your weight to fluctuate by a few pounds over the course of a few months -- if you notice a 10-lb. weight loss over the course of a month -- you should be concerned, reports MayoClinic.com. This means your body is not using nutrients properly. If itching accompanies the weight loss, it could mean that you have an internal disease rather than an external problem. such as a rash or skin condition.
Symptoms
If your clothes are loose and the scales say you have lost weight, despite still having an appetite, you have the initial signs of weight loss. Itching that is all over your body as opposed to one localized area can accompany weight loss. Itching that is intense and does not go away can be unsettling. If there is no dry or flaky skin, despite redness and irritation, a skin disease can be ruled out. Other symptoms that may accompany itching and weight loss include abdominal bloating, abdominal pain, loose or foul-smelling stool and chronic diarrhea.
Causes
If your appetite has increased but your weight is plummeting, it could be a malabsorption problem. This could be caused from a parasite or conditions, such as celiac disease. Parasites can enter the body through the mouth and skin and cause itching around the rectum and in severe cases such as the Blastocystis parasite -- cause weight loss, explains the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Celiac disease can cause itchy skin or dermatitis herpetiformis, in which there is an uncontrollable urge to itch. It can also cause weight loss because of the digestive symptoms associated with the disease.
If you lose important vitamins through vomiting and weight loss -- dry skin can also develop. Diseases of the thyroid, leukemia, lymphoma, diabetes, adrenal insufficiency, HIV, congestive heart failure, kidney disease and liver disease can also have symptoms of itching skin and weight loss.
Considerations
Because weight loss and intense itching can be caused by a myriad of things, it is important to pursue a medical evaluation. A physical examination followed by a stool sample, X-ray and blood work should be able to pinpoint the cause of the symptoms. Serious and life-threatening conditions, such as certain types of cancers and diseases that affect the liver and kidneys, may require hospitalization or a long-term treatment plan.
Prevention
If you have suffered from a disease or condition in the past that has caused weight loss and itching, you should take preventive measures to avoid recurrence. The first step should be seeking regular and routine care through your family physician. He will monitor your condition and suggest testing as needed. Eating a balanced diet, based on your condition, and getting at least 30 minutes a day of cardio, up to five days a week, can help you stay healthy. If you are diabetic, you may have to watch your sugar and carbohydrate intake. For celiac disease, you will have to avoid foods that contain gluten.
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