Itchy skin is a common problem among many people across the word. This can get annoying pretty fast as it results in skin irritation and discomfort. Itchy skin might at times not indicate much or at times act as an indication of a serious underlying condition. Causes vary tremendously but in the end, there’s usually a treatment for most conditions causing skin itchiness. To get started on finding a suitable treatment regiment, it is paramount that you first know the condition causing the itchy skin.
Cause Of Itchy Skin
Examples of possible causes of itchy skin are such as:
1. Pregnancy : During pregnancy, itchy skin is a common phenomenon. This is usually experienced especially on the thighs, abdomen, breasts and arms. Moreover, pre-existing itchy skin conditions, like dermatitis, may become worse during pregnancy.
2. Skin conditions and rashes : Most skin conditions and complications cause itching. Conditions like psoriasis, eczema (dermatitis), lice, scabies, chickenpox and hives are good examples in this case. The itching normally affects specific areas and it is accompanied by other symptoms like bumps, red, irritated skin or blisters.
3. Dry skin : Dry skin (xerosis) is usually the cause if you do not see bright, red bumps or other noticeable changes around the itchy area. Dry skin is usually as a result of environmental factors such as washing or bathing too much, long-term use of central heating or air conditioning and hot or cold weather with low humidity.
4. Internal diseases : Internal diseases have for a while been known to cause itchy skin. Illnesses like thyroid problems, iron deficiency anemia, kidney failure, liver disease, malabsorption of wheat (celiac disease), and cancers, like leukemia and lymphoma. The itching is usually full body although the skin usually still looks pretty normal.
5. Irritation and allergic reactions : Itchy skin can also be as a result of the materials or chemicals coming in contact with skin. These are such as soap, Wool, chemicals and other substances which can irritate the skin and cause itching. It could also be as a result of an allergic reaction like poison ivy, food or cosmetics, causing the skin to itch.
6. Nerve disorders : Conditions affecting the nervous system have also been known to cause itching. These are conditions such as diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis, pinched nerves and shingles also known as herpes zoster.
7. Drugs : Reactions to medications and drugs like antifungal, antibiotics or narcotic pain medications, can lead to widespread development of rashes and itchiness of the skin.
Treatment of Itchy Skin
• Taking an oral antihistamine whether pill or liquid.
• Trying over-the-counter anti-itch creams.
• Taking a cool bath with baking soda or oatmeal.
• Staying away from soaps, detergents, and other products containing color dyes and perfumes.
• Avoid scratching as it worsens the itch.
• Using a suitable moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.