Itching of the skin causes an unpleasant sensation, which is associated with the desire to comb the affected areas of the skin. Itching, in general, is of a neuro-allergic nature, as well as a symptom of some skin diseases (scabies, eczema, urticaria) or an independent skin disease (idiopathic itching). In addition, the cause of the itching may be dry skin, which sometimes occurs in the winter. Itching of the skin can be permanent and paroxysmal, especially worse in the evening.
There are localized pruritus (only in certain areas of the body) or common (in large areas of the skin).
Localized itching is a common symptom of dermatological diseases. Such an itch of the skin often arises sharply and has a paroxysmal character.
Localized skin itching occurs in the anogenital area:
- anal itching (hemorrhoids, proctitis, diabetes mellitus);
- itching of the vulva (estrogen deficiency, diabetes, gynecological pathology).
Localized skin itching can also appear on the scalp:
- itching of the scalp (pediculosis, seborrhea).
Sometimes localized itching can be rare localization: itching of the shins of the legs (during varicose veins), winter itching of the legs, itching of the skin on the hands, in particular itching of the palms, itching of the armpits, soles, foreheads, eyelids, cheeks, itching of the back skin.
The most common causes of local itching are:
- dry skin;
- infections that affect the top layer of the skin;
- allergic reaction of the body to insect bites, medicines, chemicals, plants;
- childhood infections (measles, chicken pox);
- parasitic infections.
The general itch of the skin happens:
- the food itch of the skin arises from sharp dishes, smoked products, mushrooms, etc .;
- medicinal itching of the skin - from the use of antibiotics, sulfonamides;
- seasonal itching (reaction to weather conditions);
- senile itching (dry skin due to decreased function of the sebaceous glands);
- itching in severe general diseases (diabetes, hepatitis, leukemia, malignant neoplasms);
- itching with various neuropsychic diseases (manic-depressive psychosis, neurosis).
Itching of the skin in pregnancy
The most common cause of pruritus of the skin during pregnancy is the disease of polymorphic pregnant dermatosis (PDB). Often, dermatosis occurs in the last months of pregnancy, the cause of this can be stretching the skin. BPD is characterized by redness in the form of a rash and itching on the skin. The rash, in general, is common on the abdomen, thighs, especially on stretch marks in the form of small red tubercles.
Polymorphic dermatosis of pregnant women can occur when:
- first pregnancy;
- a significant increase in weight for pregnancy;
- the birth of twins or triplets.
Depending on the symptoms, use antihistamines, steroid creams and moisturizers. But in any case, you need to consult with a specialist in order that he can choose the most appropriate method of treatment. After the birth, the rash completely disappears.
Itchy skin in a child
Itchy skin in a child is a fairly common problem among childhood diseases. The greatest suffering to the child brings an itch, which causes allergies, infectious and fungal skin lesions, scabies, eczema. Increasingly, skin diseases in a child are due to a hereditary predisposition from parents. The causes of skin itching in a child are divided into four groups:
- infectious and parasitic diseases (rubella, chicken pox, measles and scarlet fever). The most dangerous cause of itching is meningococcal infection.
- allergic reactions (insect bites, ingestion or contact with any allergen: nuts, chocolate, milk, medicines, pet hair).
- diseases of blood and blood vessels
- lack of proper hygiene (diaper rash, diaper dermatitis, sweating).
Treatment of skin itching
With long-term disturbing or severe itching, the skin should be seriously examined. After all, itching of the skin is one of the first symptoms of many diseases. Therefore, it is necessary, first of all, to find out the reasons that caused the itching, as they influence the choice of treatment. First you need to undergo a dermatologist's examination for parasitic diseases. If they were not found, then - on the pathology of the kidneys, liver, as well as endocrine diseases.
Depending on the cause of the appearance of unpleasant sensations, the treatment of the itching of the skin is prescribed. Traditional treatment includes the use of medicines, phyto and phototherapy.
Slightly reduce the itching will also help the use of soothing and antihistamines, calcium preparations. During an itchy old it is recommended to take iodine preparations. You can use warm baths with the addition of decoctions of oak bark and string. An effective remedy for itching of the skin is an alcohol solution of calendula. In addition, ointments containing menthol can be used. In severe cases, ointments that contain corticosteroid hormones are used.