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Skin itching is an unpleasant sensation that occurs when the nerve endings located in the dermis are irritated by chemical and mechanical stimuli (brushing). The mechanical factors causing itching of the skin may come from the external environment, such as, for example, toxins released by plants and insects or from within the body, such as e.g. histamine released in response to contact with allergenic allergens.
What is itchy skin?
Itchy skin is an unpleasant and persistent sensation that prompts you to scratch your skin immediately. Everything our skin comes into contact with causes the sensory receptors to be stimulated, which then transmit relevant information to the brain, which in turn, if necessary, produces an itchy warning signal. It happens that uncontrolled itching can be much worse than pain. It causes sleep problems and affects everyday functioning. The unbearable itching can also lead to infection or the formation of lichen-like lesions on the skin – ugly and peeling.
For the care of dry and itchy skin, it is worth using Surgras Tadé Pays du Levant liquid soap with salt from the Dead Sea. We also recommend other Tadé Pays du Levant care products, which can be ordered at Medonet Market at attractive prices.
Itchy skin is usually caused by skin diseases or irritants that come into direct contact with the skin, e.g. cosmetics, washing powders, fabric softeners. The unpleasant itching of the skin is characterized by impetigo, scabies and head lice. Symptoms of this condition may affect the entire body or only some parts of it, such as the hands, abdomen or legs.
To counteract irritation, which may be accompanied by itchy skin, use products with a natural composition for daily hygiene. Try a set of cosmetics for daily care. The cosmetics have mild washing agents and are suitable for adults and children. We also recommend the Bioherba Natural Tonic soothing and brightening for sensitive and oily skin, which soothes itching and gently cleanses the skin.
Itching often affects the scalp. In the elderly, with itchy skin without visible skin changes, in the form of rashes or vesicles, systemic ailments that may cause itching, such as cancer, hormonal disorders or kidney failure, are also taken into account.
Excessive itching of the skin can be a symptom of many diseases. If the ailment lasts a long time and is bothersome for you, be sure to contact a doctor. You can do it without leaving your home. On the haloDoctor.pl website, you can quickly and safely arrange an online teleconsultation with a dermatologist.
Itchy skin – causes
In healthy people, skin itching often occurs due to excessive dryness: when we drink too little or use moisturizing and lubricating preparations too rarely. Wearing clothes made of irritating fabrics such as wool or insect bites (mainly mosquitoes, flies and bedbugs) and arachnids also provoke local itching. Cosmetics and washing agents, which can cause allergies, often cause itching of the skin. Often, due to the wrong choice of shampoo, our scalp is itchy.
Contact dermatitis is very common and occurs as a result of direct exposure to sensitizing agents, e.g. tattoos, nickel, topical medications, fabric softener, latex. Itchy skin may also develop after a hot bath or exercise. Sometimes itchy skin after contact with water may occur in people suffering from hematological disease – polycythemia vera.
- Blue Cap shower gel for flaky and itchy skin can be bought safely and conveniently at Medonet Market.
Skin itching in about 15% the elderly is caused by a systemic disease, e.g. Hodgkin’s disease, for which pruritus is one of the characteristic symptoms. The pruritus may also be related to iron deficiency or the presence of multiple myeloma. It is also observed in people with chronic kidney diseases and cholestasis (cholestasis).
Other conditions that cause itchy skin include:
- atopic dermatitis,
- dandruff and mycosis of the skin, feet or scalp,
- contact allergies,
- hives
- varicella zoster virus infection,
- jaundice accompanying diseases of the liver and bile ducts,
- uraemia,
- systemic scleroderma,
- rosacea,
- carcinoid syndrome,
- scabies,
- head lice or flea infestation,
- diabetes (itchy skin, excessive dryness and its peeling may be the first symptom of the disease),
- eating disorders,
- overactive thyroid gland
- Parvovirus B19 infection.
Skin itching can be observed in approx. 14 percent. pregnant. Then it occurs around the abdomen, breasts, thighs and upper limbs. Also, some dermatological problems, and thus itching, are exacerbated in pregnant women.
At Medonet Market you can buy a medical subscription for pregnant women. The service includes examination packages and medical consultations that will allow the future mother’s health to be under constant control. In the event of disturbing symptoms, the subscription allows for quick treatment implementation.
Itchy skin in winter
Some people find itchy skin especially in winter. It is related to the dryness of the skin due to the influence of wind, snow and low temperature. The most common itching is the area of the face and hands, i.e. places that are most exposed to contact with cold air. In addition, we use hot water more often in winter. The change in temperature strongly dries the skin and causes inflammatory reactions. In order to prevent dehydration of the skin, it is worth taking care of its proper care, for example with a moisturizing lotion with the addition of nourishing aloe. We also recommend RITUAL CARE Sensilis nourishing and moisturizing tonic.
Another cause of excessive itching of the skin in winter may be wearing clothes that prevent the skin from breathing, especially thick woolen sweaters or coarse materials that irritate the skin and make it itchy.
Itchy skin and contagious impetigo
Contagious impetigo is an infectious bacterial disease, one of the symptoms of which is unbearable itching of the skin. The ailment is most common in children (especially in summer) and is caused by streptococcus or staphylococcus. In the course of lichen, apart from itching, scabs form on the skin, which make the skin look unattractive. The course of the symptoms can be rapid, although the infection is easy to treat.
It is recommended to gently rinse the scabs with lukewarm water and soap, and then lubricate them with an antibiotic ointment. In addition, remember to change bed linen and pajamas every day, and most importantly – not to scratch the scabs! Explain to your child that this must not be done. It is worth using the advice of a pediatric dermatologist who will effectively help to implement effective treatment.
Itching of the skin in the course of its inflammation
Dermatitis is characterized by red or pink itchy patches on the skin. Sometimes they turn into large, itchy blisters, e.g. due to contact with a poisonous plant. In such cases, you should take lime or any other antiallergic drug available from a pharmacy without a prescription. Subsequently, it is recommended to wash the skin with lukewarm water and a mild soap. Finally, after drying the skin, rub the sore area with hydrocortisone ointment or cream. In addition, it is advisable to set aside perfumes and other irritating cosmetics for a few days and wear airy clothing made of natural fibers. If it does not bring any improvement, general symptoms appear or the inflammation spreads over an increasing area of the skin – contact an internist who will suggest effective treatment methods.
The cause of itchy skin may also be seborrheic dermatitis. In the care of such skin, it is recommended to use the EPTA DS Scalp and Body Spray, which is available separately or in the EPTA DS Complex Skin and Hair Care Kit for seborrheic dermatitis.
Scabies and itchy skin
In people with scabies, itching of the skin increases especially at night. It covers the area between the fingers, elbows, wrists, buttocks and breasts. A red and rough rash appears at these places. Contrary to appearances, scabies is a disease that is becoming more and more popular. Its first symptoms are noticed about two weeks after the infection. It arises as a reaction to the parasite (scabies) that lays eggs under the surface layer of the skin.
People with scabies should also wash all their clothes, sheets and towels in hot water to get rid of the parasites completely. Also, people (household members) who have close contact with the sick person should undergo treatment at the same time.
Itchy skin – when to see a doctor?
In some cases, we are able to determine the cause of itchy skin ourselves, e.g. new clothes, cosmetics, washing powder or medications. Then, after discontinuing suspicious stimuli, the pruritus disappears by itself. Unfortunately, there are also situations when an urgent consultation with a doctor is necessary, as some serious ailments are manifested by itching. Indications for a visit to a dermatologist:
- no specific cause of skin itching,
- itching lasting more than two weeks and not responding to treatment,
- itchy skin covering an entire area of the body
- the presence of additional symptoms in the form of high temperature, weight loss, disorders in urination and stool and reddening of the skin – these may indicate a more serious underlying disease,
- itchy skin, making it impossible to sleep and function normally.
If you notice disturbing symptoms or you suffer from persistent itching of the skin, immediately visit a dermatologist who will help you diagnose the problem.
Are you seeing disturbing symptoms? Analyze them yourself in the medical questionnaire and decide whether to go to the doctor.
Skin itching diagnosis
During a visit to a dermatologist, a medical interview with the patient is made, followed by a physical examination. If necessary, additional blood tests are ordered, especially if endocrine disorders or anemia are suspected. Sometimes lung X-ray and biochemical tests to check renal and hepatic parameters are also performed. Itchy skin systemic disease is suspected when the itch persists despite treatment.
Itchy skin – treatment
Treatment of itchy skin should be causal if possible. Depending on the cause, glucocorticosteroids, oral antihistamines, calcineurin inhibitors or antidepressants are used. In cases of parasitic infestations, preparations that act externally on the skin are used:
- ointments containing permethrin or crotamiton to combat scabies,
- shampoos,
- lotiony,
- creams with permatrin rubbed into the hair and scalp in cases of head lice.
For itchy skin, try Bioherba Natural Avocado Oil, which has a moisturizing and soothing effect. You can buy the oil at a promotional price on Medonet Market.
If the itching of the skin is caused by allergic reactions, all allergenic substances should be removed from the patient’s surroundings. If the etiological factor of itching cannot be identified and eliminated, symptomatic treatment is also used as supportive measures. Numerous ointments and gels, containing menthol, camphor, anesthetics and antihistamines, act against itching. The latter can also be used orally. In the event of cholestasis, cholestyramine is effective in combating generalized itching of the skin.
The fact is that, whatever the cause of itching, it gets worse under severe stress and in very dry or hot climates. Regular physical exertion, such as yoga or meditation, can be combined with DuoLife ProRelalaxin supplementation to relieve stress. The product contains lavender flower extract, so it has a calming effect and helps you relax.
It is also worth going to a psychological clinic to talk to a specialist. To avoid drying the skin and strong radiation (in summer), moisturize the skin and use sunscreen. Thanks to this, you will avoid sunburn, which aggravates the itching of the skin.
Regular use of moisturizing creams helps to prevent excessive dryness of the skin. Natural cosmetics that do not contain irritating substances and are not perfumed are the best to use. A set of Cannaderm cosmetics will be a good choice, they help prevent dry skin and reduce itching. We also recommend FLOSLEK gel with aloe vera for dry skin with soothing properties and FLOSLEK gel with comfrey and panthenol for dry skin, which supports skin regeneration.
In order to keep the skin in good condition, the daily diet should be rich in micronutrients essential for health, such as vitamin C, vitamin A, iron and chromium, which are included in the Moringa oleifera dietary supplement.