Itchy Skin Rash Biography
Source(google.com.pk)Itchy skin, also known as pruritus, is an irritating sensation that makes you want to scratch to relieve the feeling. The possible causes for itchiness range from internal illnesses, such as kidney or liver disease, to skin rashes, allergies, and dermatitis.
Not sure what that rash is? Take a picture and send it into an online dermatologist »
It is important to see a doctor for itchiness if the cause is not obvious. A doctor can find the underlying cause and provide treatments for relief. Several home remedies such as over-the-counter creams and moisturizers work well for itching.
Causes of Itching
Itchiness can be generalized (all over the body) or localized to one spot. The possible causes are numerous and varied. It may be a result of something very serious, such as kidney failure or diabetes, or can come from something less severe, such as dry skin or insect bites.
Skin Conditions
Many skin conditions that are common can cause itchy skin. The following can affect any area of skin on the body:
dermatitis: inflammation of the skin
eczema: a chronic skin disorder that includes itchy, scaly rashes
psoriasis: an autoimmune disease that causes skin redness and irritation
dermatographism: a raised, red, itchy rash caused by pressure on the skin
Infections that cause itching include:
chicken pox
measles
lice
pinworm
scabies
Irritants
Substances that irritate the skin and make it itchy are common. Plants such as poison ivy and oak and insects such as mosquitoes produce substances that cause itching. Some people get itchy when in contact with wool, perfumes, certain soaps or dyes, and chemicals. Allergies, including food allergies, can irritate the skin as well.
Internal Disorders
Some internal diseases that may be very serious cause itching. The following diseases cause generalized itching, but the skin appears normal:
liver disease
anemia
leukemia
thyroid disease
lymphoma
kidney failure
Nervous System Disorders
Other diseases can cause itching as well, especially those that affect the nerves. These include:
diabetes
multiple sclerosis
shingles
pinched nerves
Medications
The following common medicines often cause rashes and widespread itching:
antifungals
antibiotics
narcotic painkillers
Pregnancy
Some women experience itching when pregnant. It usually crops up on the breasts, arms, abdomen, or thighs. Sometimes this is due to a preexisting condition, such as eczema, that is made worse by the pregnancy.
When to Seek Medical Help
If you do not know what is causing your itching or if it is severe, you should see your doctor. It is especially important to make an appointment if you also experience other symptoms along with the itching. It is important to see your doctor for a diagnosis when the cause is not obvious to you because some of the causes of itching are serious, yet treatable conditions.
Diagnosing the Cause of Your Itch
Your doctor will give you a physical examination and will ask you several questions about your symptoms, such as:
How long have you had the irritation?
Does it come and go?
Have you been in contact with any irritating substances?
Do you have allergies?
Where is the itching most severe?
What medications are you taking?
You may need to undergo more tests if your doctor cannot determine the cause of your itching from your answers and a physical exam. A blood test may indicate an underlying condition. A test of your thyroid function can rule out thyroid issues. You may need to undergo skin tests to determine if you are having an allergic reaction to something.
A scraping or biopsy of your skin can be analyzed under a microscope to find out if you have an infection.
Once your doctor has pinpointed the cause of your itchiness, you can be treated. If the cause is a disease or infection, your doctor will suggest the best course of treatment for the underlying problem. When the cause is more superficial, you may receive a prescription for a cream that will help relieve the itching.
Home Care for Itching
At home, there are several things you can do to prevent and relieve itchy skin, including:
using a good moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated
avoiding scratching, which can worsen the itch
staying away from soaps, detergents, and other substances that contain perfumes and dyes
taking a cool bath with oatmeal or baking soda
trying over-the-counter anti-itch creams
taking an oral antihistamine
No comments:
Post a Comment