Most patients, having come to an appointment with a dermatologist, allergist, infectious disease specialist or general practitioner, gynecologist or urologist, complain of skin itching. After all, itching is a symptom of many pathological processes in the body and on the skin. Itching of the skin is an independent disease that causes a desire to constantly comb areas of the skin and appears in response to stimulation of the skin by any irritants.
Itching of the skin can be a symptom of some skin diseases: allergic dermatitis, urticaria, eczema, neurodermatitis, pruritus, psoriasis, lichen planus, Dühring's herpetiform dermatitis, lymphoma. Also, itching of the skin may indicate & nbsp; systemic diseases: paraneoplasia, STIs, helminthic invasion, parasitic diseases (scabies, pediculosis), mycoses, manifestations of metabolic disorders, as well as manifestations of occupational pathology (caisson and altitude sickness).
What diseases are itching of the skin?
Itching of the skin can be generalized (common) and limited (localized). The most common area of localization of limited pruritus is the anus and vulva. Such localization of skin itching can be triggered by inflammatory diseases of the skin and mucous membranes of the vagina, vulva, rectum, anal ring, as well as helminthic invasions (pinworms), vegetative neurosis with local disorders with increased sweating in areas of the skin, as well as disorders in the neuroendocrine system. It is important to understand what pathological processes can cause itching of the skin on a particular area of the skin.
Main causes of pruritus
There are no specific receptors that perceive the feeling of itching. So, with a weak sense of pain, a person feels only itching. It is believed that this pain is perceived by free nerve endings or endings of non-fleshy fibers. Not the last place in the occurrence of pruritus belongs to a violation of peripheral receptors, disorders of the processes of excitation and inhibition in the cerebral cortex, autonomic dysfunctions, diencephalic disorders, changes in mediators, changes in enzymatic processes. Most of the violation of these processes is not a cause, but a consequence of prolonged pruritus. Recently, it has been found that the "itch gene" encodes a receptor for gastrin releasing peptide.
The severity of pain always depends on some factors: the intensity of the irritating factor and the functional state of the cortical analyzer. This can be assessed by examining the skin, which is damaged as a result of scratching from constant itching – there is a biopsy itch and non-biopsy. Non-biopsing itching is typical for people who have slightly increased pain sensitivity. It can manifest itself in the form of paresthesia, tingling. Patients describe it as a slight tingling, crawling sensation. Migrating itching moves from one area of the skin to another.
Daily or continuous pruritus may be considered pruritus of unknown origin if it lasts for at least 2 weeks.
Influence of skin itching on human behavior and appearance
There are no primary morphological elements in skin itching. Secondary elements - excoriations, hemorrhagic crusts. Prolonged scratching with itching of the skin leads to grinding and flattening of the nails, they acquire a polished appearance. Prolonged and intense scratching can lead to congestive erythema, persistent infiltration of the skin, scaly scaling, lichenification (emphasis on the skin pattern), hyper- or hypopigmentation. Itching of the skin affects the psycho-emotional state and sleep. With intensive scratching, a secondary infection is possible. Insomnia, irritability, fatigue, fatigue lead to a decrease in working capacity and a deterioration in the life of patients.
Modern view on the diagnosis and treatment of pruritus
In addition to the history and physical examination, as well as blood, urine and stool tests, it is important to test for intestinal dysbacteriosis, as well as serological detection of antibodies to parasitic diseases. Also, in the treatment of pruritus, consultation with a gastroenterologist, endocrinologist, neurologist and psychotherapist is necessary.
Treatment consists in eliminating the cause of itchy skin. This is achieved through hypoallergenic diets. For symptomatic treatment, to reduce the intensity of itching, antihistamines, antipruritic and desensitizing drugs, herbal sedatives – psychotropic drugs, tincture of peony, motherwort, valerian root. Antipruritic effect is provided by ointments and creams that contain benzocaine, menthol, glucocorticoid drugs. Also, for the treatment of skin itching, procedures such as oxygen therapy, ultraviolet irradiation, magnetic, laser therapy, Bernard's diadynamic currents, Bucca's rays, hypnosis are used. Phonophoresis with vitamin E, hydrocortisone and retinol is prescribed for clearly localized itching.
In order to avoid prolonged skin itching, it is worth treating comorbidities, chronic diseases in time. It is important to strengthen the body in time with physical culture, hardening, rational nutrition, and personal hygiene.
Share:
Add a comment