"Nature Reviews Neuroscience" states there is a similarity between the itch sensation and that of pain. Both are unpleasant, but itch produces a scratch reflex as opposed to a withdrawal reflex to pain. Although they begin in different places in...
Hives is the common name for the skin condition known as urticaria. Hives cause an itching sensation and are most often associated with individuals who are experiencing an allergic reaction. Hives are usually harmless and typically do not leave...
Yeast infections occur more frequently when a woman is pregnant than at any other time in her life, according to the American Pregnancy Association. The symptoms of a yeast infection are the same regardless of whether a woman is pregnant or not....
When you have itchy skin -- also known as pruritis -- external or internal conditions may be causing the uncomfortable sensation. Whether your skin looks normal or has bumps, blisters or red, rough patches, MayoClinic.com notes that it's vital to...
Severe itching due to allergies can sometimes be remedied right at home, especially when it comes to allergic dermatitis. Also referred to as contact dermatitis, this type of allergy is a result of skin exposure to an allergen, which results in...
Stretch marks, or striae, appear when skin pulls during weight gain, pregnancy or from the use of some types of medications. Embedded in skin tissue are flexible fibers that provide cohesion to the various layers of derma. When those fibers weaken...
The shingles vaccine, brand name Zostavax, was licensed in 2006. The vaccine is comprised of the live virus that causes shingles. Shingles is a medical condition that occurs when a dormant strand of the varicella-zoster virus becomes active. The...
The National Institutes of Health characterizes hives as raised, red welts that develop on the surface of the skin, resulting from an allergic response. They're often accompanied by an itching sensation around the affected site. Though the cause...
Anal itching is a condition typified by intense itching around the anus. The itching gives the affected individual a desire to scratch, which may aggravate the condition and increase the symptoms. This condition, also called pruritus ani, develops...
Whenever your body comes into contact with an irritant, it responds by triggering the desire to itch. Irritants range from common allergens to bug bites, and can occur both externally and internally. People respond differently to potential...
A variety of illnesses, conditions and different types of animal bites can cause large red bumps to appear on your legs. It’s important to watch and record when the bumps occurred and what you were doing when they appeared. Record the size...
Laser eye surgery, also referred to as LASIK, can correct vision problems so that patients can avoid wearing corrective lenses or contacts. The cornea, which is the clear front part of the eye, is reshaped during laser eye surgery, changing the...
Food allergies can be so mild that a person doesn't even know she's allergic. Or they can lead to very severe reactions that can cause death. See a doctor if you experience symptoms of food allergies so that he can order tests that can identify...
Sea lice--more commonly referred to as seabather's eruption--is predominately caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to the larvae of sea anemone (Edwarsiella lineate) or thimble jelly fish (linuche unquiculata). Adults or children who swim in...
The Mayo Clinic defines dandruff as a chronic scalp condition that's caused by several different factors, including dry skin, oily skin, hair care and other skin conditions. Also known medically as seborrheic dermatitis, or seborrhea, dandruff is...
Parasites have many effects on human skin. Known as organisms living on a host from which they take nourishment, parasites usually enter into, escape from or reside on skin. Mites and lice bite or burrow into skin, causing itching and irritation....
Few things detract from a good run more than discomfort. If your itchy legs spoil your running, the cause could be anything from an allergic reaction to expanding capillaries. Dry skin and heat rash can also cause that maddening itch when you run....
Habanero peppers add a spicy kick to Mexican cuisine, intense hot sauces and specialty snacks, but handling the peppers can lead to an itchy, red burn on the skin. Unlike other forms of skin reaction, such as an allergic skin response to poison...
Pruritus, or itchy skin, is most commonly caused by rashes or dry skin, according to MayoClinic.com. However, in some cases, the itching sensation occurs not on the surface of the skin, but under it. Pruritus under the skin typically does not...
Veins are important in blood flow and circulation. They are underneath all the layers of your skin and usually aren't visible. However, sometimes the veins become visible, especially in areas with thin skin layers, including the neck and face....
Sodium hyaluronate is sold under the brand name Euflexxa, an injection that treats pain caused by osteoarthritis, explains Drugs.com. Euflexxa is similar to the synovial fluid that surrounds the joints, which acts as a lubricant and shock...
Fish oil is a popular supplement that some health practitioners recommend for cardiovascular health, brain development and maintenance, and for its general anti-inflammatory properties. As much as fish oil supplements have a role in helping to...
Itching is an uncomfortable and often irritating sensation. The Mayo Clinic indicates there are several possible causes for excessive itching, including internal diseases such as kidney failure. It is important to seek medical treatment if...
Clotrimazole is a prescription antifungal medication used to treat certain types of fungal infections including oral thrush, vaginal yeast infections and jock itch. This medication is administrated as a topical cream or lotion, vaginal cream or...
Itching is the body's response to an irritating stimuli in or on the body. There are many causes for itching, ranging from rashes and other skin disorders to internal diseases. Regardless of the cause, itching can become annoying, and in some...
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection associated with sexual intercourse. This sexually transmitted disease (STD) is one of the most common occurring in the United States. Around four million people develop the infection every year, according to the...
Proactiv Solution is a commercial acne product sold through mail order or at shopping center kiosks. The product is named for the word proactive, meaning "taking the initiative or first step." The main product consists of a benzoyl peroxide--based...
Jaundice is usually the first symptom you will notice to indicate you are suffering from some form of liver disease. Jaundice occurs when you have abnormally high bilirubin levels, a phenomenon that is consistent with liver dysfunction. When you...
Chemical burns occur when skin comes into contact with chemicals resulting in irritation, bumps or blisters. Longer exposure to chemicals can cause a reaction in the body. First aid is the first line of defense in treating minor chemical burns....
Jock itch occurs in areas that collect sweat or moisture and are not properly or adequately dried. Learn about jock itch from a doctor in this video on skin care.
