In this article we learn about causes of itching. It is very important topic to understand because most of us believe that itching is only due to skin problem. It is absolutely right that itching occurs in skin disease, but there are many other reasons behind it.
Before consulting we mostly take anti-allergic medicine & solve on their own. Generally, we consult family physician or general practitioner when we suffer from itching. With the primary treatment, it relieved. If complain persist than general practitioner refer to skin specialist for further investigation & treatment. But many times we see patients who have itching since so many years & not having any skin problem. In this article, we discuss all possible causes.
- Skin diseases
- Systemic disease
- Pregnancy
ITCHING IN SKIN DISEASES
Fungal infection
Itching occurs in fungal infection like tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea pedis. In other word we can call it ringworm.
Treatment
Medicine – fluconazole, itraconazole
Antifungal soap like ketoconazole
Antifungal cream like luliconazole, sertaconazole
Scabies
It is contagious skin infection caused by tiny, burrowing mite. It is contagious means it spread quickly through close physical contact in a family, school or nursing home.
Treatment
Medicine – ivermectin
Permethrin cream or gamma benzene hexachloride lotion apply at night from neck to toe
Pemethrin soap
Psoriasis
It is a long lasting, noncontagious, autoimmune disease characterised by raised areas of abnormal skin. It can not pass from person to person.
Treatment
No cure for psoriasis is known, but various treatment can help in control the symptoms.
Topical – topical corticosteroids, topical retinoids, vitamin D analogues, salicylic acid, moisturizer
Certein medicines like methotrexate & retinoids may help
Homeopathic medicines having good scope to control psoriasis
Urticaria
Urticaria, also known as hives, is an outbreak of swollen, pale red bumps or wheals on the skin that occurs suddenly due to allergy to food, medicines or other irritants. Patient having severe itching.
Treatment
If you have confirmed allergy by any food, medicine or irritant, than avoid it is primary treatment
Medicine – anti-allergic medicine, steroid
Calamine lotion for better relief
Allergic dermatitis
A skin rash due to contact with a certerin substance. The substance might irritate the skin or trigger an allergic reaction. It may be due to soap, cosmetics, fragrances, jewellery, etc.
Treatment
Medicine – anti-allergic medicine, steroid
Calamine lotion for quick & better relief
Dry skin
Those who have dry skin may also suffer from itching. It may be due to less water intake, dry environment, frequent washing hands, swimming in a chlorinated pool, etc.
Treatement
Using thick moisturiser may help in soothing skin.
Mostly we found one of the above cause of skin disease for itching. If diagnosed & take proper treatment than it goes permanently. Although sometimes we not find any cause of itching mentioned above than we must look at the cause mentioned below.
ITCHING IN SYSTEMIC DISEASE
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Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetic patient having dry skin due to high blood sugar. This may cause itching & it not relieved by simply allergic medicines.
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Hypothyroidism
In hypothyrodism, patient having dry skin & it may cause itchy. Sometimes, we not find any particular cause behind long duration of itching problem. In such type of condition we can think about hypothyroid, if other symptoms of patient suggest towards it.
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Liver disease
Obstructive jaundice
Primary biliary cirrhosis -
Chronic Renal failure (CRF)
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In below blood disease itching may occur
Cancer
Polycythemia Vera
Hodgkin’s disease
Myeloma -
Hook worm infection
When hook worm penetrate the skin, it causes localised rash with itching, It simply treated by deworm medicines like albendazole.
Pregnacy
Itching is common in pregnancy. It occur due to raise level of hormones. Later skin of abdomen is streched & this may also feel itchy.
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