Itchy skin, medically known as pruritis, is a disconcerting type of feeling that typically leads to scratching. Signs of itchy skin include skin redness, bumps, blisters and leather-like skin. Sometimes, itchy skin can be normal, or it may be a sign of an underlying medical problem. Fortunately, diseases that cause skin itching can be treated effectively.
Ichthyosis Vulgaris
Ichthyosis vulgaris is a condition that leads to scaly and dry skin. Specific symptoms include skin itching, skin thickening and scaling of the skin. This condition is genetically inherited and occurs when an individual receives a parent's altered gene. Applying moisturizers, creams, lotions and ointments to the affected skin may help manage this condition. Left untreated, ichthyosis vulgaris can result in bacterial skin infections.
Contact Dermatitis
According to MedlinePlus, contact dermatitis refers to a type of skin inflammation that is associated with such symptoms as itching, swelling, tenderness and redness. Other symptoms include skin lesions that may blister, ooze, crust or drain. The skin can sometimes become thickened or raw.
The causes of contact dermatitis include being exposed to poison ivy, poison oak, rubber, latex, cosmetics and medications. Other contact dermatitis triggers include adhesives, detergents, perfumes, fragrances, substances and chemicals. Ragweed, coal tar and perfumes are some other causes of contact dermatitis.
Treating contact dermatitis involves washing the skin thoroughly. Applying ointments and corticosteroid creams to the affected region can sometimes help manage contact dermatitis. In some cases, contact dermatitis resolves on its own within two to three weeks.
Scabies
Scabies is a condition caused by the bite of a Sarcoptes scabiei mite, which actually burrows into the skin. Scabies is associated with such symptoms as severe itching at night and thin burrow tracks in the skin. It can affect such regions of the body as the buttocks, knees, armpits, wrists, inner elbows and shoulder blades.
Treating scabies involves taking such drugs as permethrin or cromatiton. Left untreated, scabies can lead to staph or strep skin bacterial infections.
