Itchy skin is a sensation that is perceived by sufferers as extremely unpleasant. The causes can be both allergies and diseases. For the most part, the discomfort can be remedied or directly prevented by simple measures.
What is itchy skin?
As itchy skin (pruritus) we call unpleasant sensation, to which we react with scratching or rubbing. As itchy skin (pruritus) we call unpleasant sensation, to which we react with scratching or rubbing. The result is redness, bleeding spots, hyperpigmentation and lichen identification. Most often itchy skin occurs in connection with psychosomatic or psychiatric diseases, although it can also be caused by various organ diseases. Treatment and prevention of itchy skin strongly depends on the particular causes, which, due to their diversity, must be determined by various physical examinations and the exclusion procedure.
Causes
The causes of itchy skin are varied. It is often triggered by dehydration or skin diseases. For example, hives, neurodermatitis and psoriasis are common triggers. In addition, skin diseases caused by animal parasites can also be the cause. Scabies, for example, is such a disease. Other causes can be fungal infections (mycosis), cornification disorders of the skin, or a sun allergy. If the skin is itchy only on individual parts of the body, other diseases and infections are possible causes. For example, an itchy anus is caused by hemorrhoids or an anal fissure, while itchy scalp is often caused by lice or roundworms. Liver diseases such as bile stasis and liver cirrhosis as well as various cancers can also result in itchy skin. Last, the symptoms are also triggered by stress, pregnancy or depression and the resulting physical neglect.
Diseases with this symptom
- Psoriasis
- Scabies
- Neurodermatitis
- Mycosis
- Uremic pruritus
- Diseases of the thyroid gland
- Solar allergy
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Hemorrhoids
- Candidiasis
- Pemphigus vulgaris
- Liver diseases
- Hives
- Cholestasis
- Burnout syndrome
- Insect venom allergy
- Bullous pemphigoid
- Hodgkin’s disease
Diagnosis and course
Diagnosis of itchy skin involves a detailed questioning by the doctor. By narrowing down the itching to certain parts of the body and determining when itchy skin occurs, the first clues to possible causes can be given. Also underlying diseases, allergies and medications taken by the patient facilitate the diagnosis. The questioning is usually followed by a physical examination. Affected areas are closely examined for any scratch marks, color changes and other indications. If there is a suspicion that the itchy skin has been triggered by a serious organ disease, the liver, spleen and lymph nodes are also examined. Blood and stool tests are also part of the diagnosis, as well as a bone marrow examination under certain circumstances. The course of the symptoms also depends to a large extent on the causes. If it is stress-related itching, the symptoms usually disappear by themselves when the stressful situation is resolved. If the skin itches due to an organ or cancer disease, the complaints also become more severe as the disease progresses.
Complications
An itchy skin can have as a cause, in addition to a lack of hygiene, diseases with serious complications. An example of itching is hives (urticaria) with the typical wheal formation, which usually occurs due to an allergic reaction of the body against a certain substance. A dangerous consequence of hives is Quincke’s edema. In this case, swelling of the deeper layers of the skin occurs, especially in the area of the face, hands and feet, as well as the genital area. In Quincke’s edema, hoarseness and a changed voice are also considered warning signs of possible involvement of the upper respiratory tract and a possible risk of suffocation. Another cause of itchy skin can be psoriasis, which usually does not cause pain.However, the itching is a psychological burden for those affected. In some cases, there is also joint involvement, so that severe pain can be added. Often, the affected skin areas can also become infected with other pathogens, mostly fungi or bacteria. Another disease that causes severe itching is scabies. The constant scratching leads to the development of wounds, which can then be additionally infected with bacteria in the worst case, it comes to superinfection. If there are streptococci among the pathogens, this can come to the point of spreading the pathogens and kidney pelvic inflammation.
When should you go to the doctor?
One or more itchy skin areas usually indicate an allergy or rash. Of course, the affected person can take their own measures to alleviate or eliminate this clinical picture. Often the cause is a too dry and brittle skin. Moisturizing creams or skin-soothing ointments can be very effective at this point. However, if after three to four days there is still a permanent itching, a dermatologist should definitely be consulted. A dermatologist can find out the cause of the itching within a very short time and prescribe appropriate medication. Under certain circumstances, chapped skin can even develop if medical or drug treatment is completely dispensed with. A chapped skin is a deep crack in the skin that should definitely be treated by a dermatologist. Otherwise, a fissure can become inflamed very quickly, as the deep crack in the skin provides ideal conditions for bacteria, fungi and viruses. If you want to avoid these complications, you should see a doctor early. An itchy skin can be a first indicator of serious diseases, so a visit to the dermatologist should not be put off.
Treatment and therapy
Treatment of itchy skin is carried out after determining the exact causes. In some cases, simple preparations such as ointments containing local anesthetics, cortisone or other substances help. Medications such as cetirizine help with physical causes, while psychologically induced itching is usually treated with sedative medications and neuroleptics. Irradiation with UV-B rays can also curb itchy skin. If the symptoms occur due to other diseases, a specific therapy with certain drugs and measures is necessary. This is initiated and monitored by the dermatologist. Itching caused by unclean and unkempt skin can often be remedied by simply cleaning the corresponding areas. However, infections may have already developed in scratched areas, which do not disappear by simple washing. In this case, the doctor must prescribe antibiotics. Not infrequently, a psychiatrist is also consulted to determine the causes of itchy skin. Therapy can help relieve stress and deal with depression.
Outlook and prognosis
Itchy skin can occur in anyone and does not necessarily need to be treated directly by a doctor. In most cases, itchy skin is an intolerance or an allergy, usually related to food or certain insect bites. These intolerances manifest themselves by itching on the skin. However, the itching disappears again when the body has broken down the substance. Thus, the itchy skin remains for a few hours to a few days at most, so that the symptom subsides on its own. To support the skin, nourishing creams can be used to help the skin heal. If you scratch the skin, you risk sores. In a few cases, itching on the skin is caused by a lack of personal hygiene. This itching will not go away by itself and will only disappear with better hygiene. Simple washing with soap and shampoo usually helps to remove the itch. If the itching persists for a long time and is associated with severe pain, a doctor must be consulted. The itchy skin is then usually treated with medication. In most cases, a positive course of the disease is possible without the need to see a doctor.
Prevention
Itchy skin can be prevented by regular care with water and special creams. The latter, however, should be tailored to the individual skin type, so that there is no skin irritation and thus an increase in itching.If the itchy skin occurs due to allergies, certain medications may help. It is also helpful to avoid contact with the substances and foods that trigger the allergy. Atopic dermatitis and the itching associated with it can be curbed by a change in diet, although the discomfort may still continue to occur as perspiration irritates the areas in question. In young children and infants, the development of itching can be prevented by comprehensive examinations. In these, it is determined whether allergies or other diseases of the skin are present. Particularly since children often scratch itchy areas, special caution is required here, as otherwise infections can develop which make further treatment necessary. Accordingly, it is also recommended for adults to have regular preventive examinations and not to irritate itchy areas further under any circumstances.
What you can do yourself
There are a few ways to help yourself with itchy skin. In general, itchy skin should never be scratched. This usually only increases the itching and can cause sores or scars. Especially with children, parents must be careful that children do not scratch the affected areas. In many cases, the itching on the skin occurs due to an intolerance or allergic reaction to a certain food. In this case, the food should no longer be consumed. However, it takes a few days for the body to completely digest the ingredient and thus the itching disappears. Itchy skin can also be caused by poor hygiene. Here, simply increasing the shower interval and using certain skin care products will help. If the skin itches after touching a plant or after being bitten by an insect, be careful. In most cases, the itching will disappear on its own after a short period of time. However, if other symptoms occur in addition to the itching, such as headache or nausea, a doctor must be consulted. Itchy skin must be taken care of. Moisturizing creams, gentle lotions, but also cooling compresses accelerate the healing process. In most cases, itchy skin results in a positive course of the disease.