Itching of the Skin

What is itching?
Itching is an irritating sensation of the skin. It is thought to be caused by any mild stimulation of the nerve endings that normally transmit the feeling of pain. Itching may occur in a number of circumstances: when the skin is inflamed (for example, by a condition such as dermatitis), as the result of an insect sting or bite, or when the skin is healing from a cut or burn.

What causes itching?

• Dry skin is a common cause of itching, and the dryness is often the result of excessive bathing, which removes natural skin oils.
• Itching is also quite common during pregnancy, although the reason for this is unknown. Most disease of the skin cause some itching to occur, as do certain other serious illnesses.
• An allergic reaction to some foods and medicines may cause an itchy rash. This can happen within minutes or up to an hour or two later and is due to the release of a substance in the skin called histamine. However, because the skin may take several days to build up a sensitivity to the allergic substance, it may not react immediately. Once a reaction has occurred, further exposure to the substance will make the skin itch.
• Make-up, sunscreen lotion, hair products and creams containing lanolin may all cause an itch in the area where they have been applied. Nickel, used in some jewellery or watch straps, can also cause itching. These reactions are usually due to a condition knows as contact dermatitis. Soap and detergents may also be irritants to sensitive skins, so clothes should be throughtly rinsed after washing. The patient’s medical history will help the doctor determine the cause of the allergic itch. If it is possible to identify the substance responsible for the allergy, avoiding it in future will often cure the problem.
• Itching has many other causes. Eczema, which usually starts as an itchy rash in the folds of the elbow and behind the knees, often runs in families. Infestation with a mite or worm is another potential cause of itching. This is usually accompanied by a rash, such as is been in ringworm or scabies. The bites of fleas and mosquitoes also cause itching, as do some warts.
• Kidney failture, leukaemia, diabetes, hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland), and jaundice are often accompanied by a generalized itch, without any sign of a skin rash.

When should I see my doctor?
You should see your doctor about any itchy area that does not settle down after a short period of time. In condition, any itchy area that spreads rapidly over the body should be shown to your doctor as a matter of urgency, particularly if it is accompanied by a feeling of being generally unwell or if blisters also appear on the skin.

What will the doctor do?
Your doctor will ask when the itching started, and may want to take scrapings from the effected area to send to the laboratory for analysis. The doctor may also take a small biopsy a tiny area cut from the itchy lesion for analysis. A local anaesthetic will be given, so the procedure is painless. A blood sample and a urine specimen may be taken to exclude diabetes as a cause. If there is still any doubt, you may be referred to a skin specialist for further consultation.

Treatment from your doctor will vary according to the cause of the itch. Allergic itching can normally be controlled by antihistamine pills and creams. Eczema may need hydrocortisone creams of differing strengths. Antifungal ointments will be prescribed for ringworm, and special shampoos and lotions will be prescribed to treat lice and scabies.

What can I do myself?
Many of the pills, lotions, and creams used to treat itchy skin can be bought over the counter at the chemist. If you are sure of your diagnosis you may use them without going to the doctor, but if you have any doubt, if the treatment is not effective within a few days, or if your itch becomes worse, you should visit your doctor.

Use a moisturising cream if you have dry skin, and avoid perfumed soap and excessively hot water. Try to avoid scratching. It may give temporary relief but tends to make the itching worse in the long run. Suppress the desire to scratch by applying soothing lotions and ointments, and by taking antihistamines.

Is itching dangerous?
Itching is not dangerous, however, in most cases it can be very unpleasant. If a mole starts to itch, you should see your doctor, as it may be an early warning sign of cancer.

Natural Remedies

• A paste of bicarbonate of soda and water may be effective when dabbed on simple itchy spots.
• Vaseline or spirit aftershave or toilet water is soothing to insect bites.
• The itching caused by chickenpox can be soothed by applying callendula lotion to the affected parts.

Warning
It is possible to buy hydrocortisone cream over the counter, but it should be used with caution. It may make an infection worse, may damage facial skin, is dangerous to use around eyes, and should be used on a regular basis only under medical supervision.

This article is filed under Skin Disorders.