Itching: Treatments to stop Scratching
There are different skin problems and one of them is Itching. However, the problem can be deep too caused by some serious health conditions. Itching is a sensation or urges to starch on the skin. So, after scratching the skin, a person seems to have relief. Itching, in medical terms, is known as pruritus. However, itching can affect one part of the body or can spread throughout.
Types of Itching:
Various types of pruritus are there which are divided according to affecting body part and cause. The types are:
- Nocturnal pruritus: Itching occurring at night due to natural reaction, skin irritant, or effect of medication.
- Brachioradial pruritus: Itching in the upper arm as a result of nerve damage.
- Senile pruritus: Itching affecting people over 65 of age due to skin changes
- Pruritus ani: Itching around anus skin due to hemorrhoids
- Uremic pruritus: Itching as a result of renal diseases in people receiving dialysis.
What are the causes?
Itching is a common condition that can result from a mosquito bite or an underlying severe health condition. So, there are endless causes that can cause pruritus. Some of the common causes are:
Skin Diseases: This is the most common cause and this often results in rashes on the skin. These conditions are:
- Dry skin
- Bugs
- Eczema
- Hives
- Insect bites
- Psoriasis
- Fungal and bacterial infection
- Contact Dermatitis
Nerve Disorders: Some nervous problems can cause itching on the skin. These are:
- Brain tumor
- Shingles
- Nerve damage
- Stroke
- Multiple sclerosis
- Pinched nerves
Psychological Conditions:
- Anxiety and depression
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Psychosis
- Trichotillomania
Internal health Conditions: Sometimes some server health conditions can cause itching which are:
- Kidney or liver disease
- Diabetes
- Iron deficiency
- HIV
- Thyroid problems
- Anemia
- Cancers
- Lymphoma
- Multiple myeloma
Allergies and medications: There are various substances that can cause allergy to a person by using soap, cloth, or medication. Some medications like blood pressure drugs, acetaminophen, estrogen, and opioids can cause itching in the body.
Symptoms of Itching
When there is itching, a person scratches the skin. But it can cause various symptoms which look like:
- Dry and cracked skin
- Redness
- Scratch marks
- Pain in the area of itching
- Skin breaks or leaks blood
- Skin discoloration
- Bumps on the itching area
- Blisters or fluid-filled bumps
- Inflammation
- Lichenification (Thick or lethargy patch on skin).
However, the symptoms can affect everyone differently. Therefore, some may have one symptom, or others have a combination of them.
Home Remedies for Itching
To treat itching, you can try these home remedies:
- Make sure to use lotions and creams regularly to keep your skin moisturized and hydrated.
- To relieve itchiness, one can take a relaxing warm bath but not too hot.
- Choose your clothing wisely and avoid wearing fabrics that can irritate the skin. Therefore, choose cotton as it has the least possibility to cause skin irritation or allergy.
- Wearing sunscreen is necessary to prevent sunburn and UV rays.
- In severe itching, place an ice or cold water towel on the affected area to provide soothing.
- Use your soaps, detergents, and hand wash that are unscented and are good for sensitive skin. These products can cause allergy or worsen itching.
- Substances like jewelry can cause allergic reactions causing itching. So, avoid these if you feel itching.
- Apply non prescription anti-itch creams like hydrocortisone creams as they can help relieve the itching.
Diagnosis
You should contact your doctor if you have severe itching and it is lasting for a few weeks. Also, itching is giving more symptoms like fever, bumps, sleeping problems, bowel movement problems, fatigue, etc. So, along with itching if you notice any other symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.
Your doctor will ask for symptoms and medical history to know the cause of the problem. In addition, the doctor may run some tests to know the exact cause. These tests can involve blood tests, allergy tests, Chest X-rays, or skin biopsies.
Treatment
After that diagnosis, your doctor will decide the treatment according to the cause. For dry skin people, sometimes a good moisturizer can solve the problems. However, for allergies, doctors prescribe anti-allergic medication. While for fungal infections like ringworm or athlete’s feet, antifungal treatment includes creams, shampoos, and oral medications. However, itching that occurs due to some underlying health conditions like kidney failure needs alternative medications.
Therefore, doctors will address and treat the root cause. Because only anti-itch creams or medications will not treat the itching.
Last Words
Itching can be frustrating, and embarrassing. On top of that, it is painful too sometimes. But as there are various reasons, one needs to contact a doctor if the itching does not go away. Also, maintain hygiene, wash your clothes separately and wash your hands after itching every time. Because some itching can be infectious and spread throughout the body or to other people. So, contact your doctor and do not be embarrassed about anything.