Itching is a very common complaint among the reasons for applying to dermatologists and family physicians. Although it is generally accepted as a benign symptom, care should be taken as severe itching can negatively affect the general well-being of the person and cause loss of work power. It can be defined as the desire for physical intervention with the hands, following the occurrence of an uncomfortable feeling. This condition, which is expressed as pruritus in Latin, occurs more frequently in elderly people because the skin loses its moisture over time. Itchy skin may appear red, firm, swollen or normal, depending on the underlying cause of this sensation. After repeated scratching, the relevant skin area may be traumatized and problems such as bleeding or infection may develop in this area. In addition to the complaint of itching all over the body, other itching symptoms such as redness, itching marks, small blisters, stains, cracks or dryness may occur in addition to the complaint of itching in the itchy skin area. In some people, the itching sensation is prolonged and intense. After scratching this area as a reflex, the itching sensation does not decrease, it may even increase. In some cases, this vicious circle is very difficult to break.
Many people can find relief from itching after daily moisturisation, non-irritating cleanser use or washing with warm water. In long-term and difficult cases, it is very important to clarify the underlying cause.
What are the Causes of Itching?
Various internal diseases or dermatological problems are the main causes of itching on the skin. After applying to health institutions, physicians revealing the underlying problem of itching and planning the treatment for the cause is the most important step that can be taken to overcome this problem. There are many health conditions that are considered among the causes of body itching:
- Dryness of the skin (heat is also the leading cause of itching)
- Food allergies
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Candida infection
- Bile duct obstructions
- Cirrhosis
- Allergic reactions (allergic itch)
- Contact dermatitis
- Insect bites
- Urticaria
- Allergic eczema
- Skin problems with rash
- Body lice
- Impetigo
- Head lice
- Insect bites
- Scabies
- Measles
- Psoriasis
- Symptomatic
- Chickenpox
- Psychiatric conditions such as obsessive compulsive disorder
In addition to these disorders, the use of various drugs used in the treatment of some diseases is also among the causes of itching. Skin itching may also occur after the use of antifungal drugs used in various fungal infections, some antibiotics, narcotic pain relievers and drugs classified as anticonvulsants used in anti-seizure treatment.
During pregnancy, some women may experience worsening of some itchy skin problems such as eczema, which may cause the symptoms of itching to become more pronounced and complaints such as constant scratching. A constant itching sensation in pregnant women is usually evident in the chest, abdomen and thighs.
What is Night Itching, What Causes Itching in the Body at Night?
The occurrence of skin itching at night is called nocturnal pruritus, and if this condition is severe, it can affect the sleep hygiene of the person very badly. For many people, itching at night occurs due to natural causes. At night, some changes occur in the body's temperature regulation, fluid regulation and barrier functions. For example, a decrease in body temperature at night and an increase in blood flow to the skin are among the changes that can result in the development of itching. At the same time, the time period when the skin's fluid loss is highest is at night.
In addition to natural factors, various ailments can also cause itching at night. Dermatological problems such as atopic dermatitis, urticaria and psoriasis are considered among the causes of itching that occurs at night before being diagnosed. Scabies or lice bites, iron deficiency anemia, schizophrenia, restless legs syndrome and pregnancy are among the other conditions that may occur at night.
How is the Diagnosis of Itching?
In people who apply to health institutions with the complaint of itching, physicians first resort to detailed medical history taking and physical examination methods in the diagnostic approach to itching. During the history taking, the physicians should determine how long the itching has been, whether it has a temporary character, whether there has been any contact with any irritant, the presence of any allergies, where the itching is most intense, whether there is another person in the family with itching, and what medications are used. can fix it.
After taking a medical history and physical examination, physicians may refer to a number of tests depending on the cause of itching they suspect. Blood analysis, thyroid function tests, liver function tests, kidney function tests, urine and gasta test, skin tests or skin biopsy are among the advanced diagnostic tests that can be applied.
What's Good for Itching?
The answer to the question "How does itching go away" can be given as "the use of colloidal oatmeal can help relieve this complaint". Colloidal oatmeal is a very fine powdered form of oats and is added to various cleaning products and lotions. Gels created using certain leaves may also be beneficial in relieving itching. Aloe vera gel or other refreshing menthol-containing gels can be effective for itching causes such as sunburn or mosquito bites.
High quality moisturizers can reduce itching and relieve dryness by preventing the evaporation of the liquid in the upper layer of the skin.
Another simple method for itching is to apply cold to that skin area. Cold applications, especially in itching caused by mosquito bites can be effective.
Complaints of itching can occur due to quite different reasons, ranging from simple things that can be easily controlled to quite serious ailments. It is recommended to seek support from physicians by applying to health institutions, especially in itching that continues for more than 2-3 days.
You can ask the expert team of Group Florence Nightingale Hospitals about the issues you are wondering about itching, and you can ask for suggestions regarding your question. You can use the contact form on our website to reach us.
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