Skin itching: causes and first aid

Itchy skin is different, sometimes its cause lies in a simple insect bite or an allergic reaction. The situation is worse when the skin itches, but there are no external reasons (for example, redness or rashes) for this. Most likely, in this way our body is trying to report some internal problem. The answer to the question – resulting in skin itching – directly depends on the place in which this unpleasant sensation occurs, as well as on its nature. To understand which doctor to run to for advice and help, estet-portal.com offers to get acquainted with the main types of irritation, as well as its possible causes.

If itching occurs, let's determine its type

There are several main types of itching, namely:

Neurogenic. Most often associated with the formation of a signal from the central nervous system, often a side effect of taking painkillers.
Psychogenic. It is the most difficult to diagnose, since the cause of such an itch lies in a difficult emotional state, frequent stress and constant nerves, and outwardly it does not manifest itself in any way.
Pruritoseceptive. This itching occurs when the skin becomes inflamed or dry. The most common form, accompanied by scabies, hives and bites of various insects.
Neuropathic. As the name suggests, it is a symptom of damage to the nervous system, central or peripheral.

Anal and genital species are also distinguished separately.

Why itchy skin appears: find out the source of the problem

The reason may lie both in banal things and in serious problems requiring urgent medical intervention and treatment. The most common causes of itching are:

• allergy, usually accompanied by redness and rash. If you are prone to allergies, we advise you to read the article on allergy treatment;
• skin diseases in which the skin becomes rough and dry;
• urticaria, manifested by swelling and redness, most often in the area of \u200b\u200bthe wrist or abdomen;
• fungus;
• pediculosis, characterized by reddening of the back of the head and lice larvae throughout the space of the head;
• inflammation in various internal organs;
• psoriasis, one of the main symptoms of which is reddening of specific parts of the body, covered with scales of dry skin;
• scabies;
• insect bites, usually the bite site is distinguished by dotted redness.

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What to do if itchy skin appears

When itching occurs, the body should be examined for redness, rashes, uncharacteristic spots, or any other irritation. It is also worth taking the temperature. If you are sure that the body itches not from a bite, for example, of a mosquito, consult a doctor. Sometimes it takes a long time to determine the cause of this sensation, but an experienced doctor will quickly narrow the circle and make a diagnosis.

Never scratch your skin. If you can not get an appointment with a doctor in the near future, you should follow a few rules to reduce itching and not aggravate the situation:

1. Do not rub the skin area with a washcloth, but rather refrain from using soap and other products altogether, it is possible that the reason lies precisely in them.
2. Freeze the itchy area applying ice or just a cold object to it will help reduce itching.
3. Eliminate fatty, spicy, exotic foods and alcohol from your diet.
4. Avoid clothing that is not made from natural fabrics.
5. It is necessary to protect the skin from cold, wind and direct sunlight. We previously wrote an article about winter skincare myths that you should be aware of.

It is best to see a doctor immediately if itching occurs, but if this is not possible – You can provide first aid yourself. In no case should you comb the damaged areas of the skin.

If you have itching, don't wait for it to go away on its own. It is best to immediately contact a specialist. The fact that the skin itches – this is just the tip of the iceberg, which may hide problems that require urgent solutions. Skin itching can be different: neurogenic, psychogenic, neuropathic and priritoseptivny. And absolutely different factors cause it – from scabies and pediculosis to psoriasis. Remember that a timely diagnosis helps to avoid severe stages of the disease and long-term treatment.