home Adviсe What diseases cause itching on the body? What physical therapy methods are used to treat itchy skin? The most common diseases accompanied by itching of the genitals

What diseases cause itching on the body? What physical therapy methods are used to treat itchy skin? The most common diseases accompanied by itching of the genitals

Itchy skin causes a lot of discomfort in humans. Its appearance may be associated with the presence of diseases or be psychosomatic in nature. Depending on internal factors, the further course of treatment should be chosen. In some cases, medications or hypnosis are effective. To determine the cause, you need to consult a specialist and know the necessary tests.

Itchy skin: causes

The symptom is a sign of a large number of diseases. They can be individual intolerance, allergies, or taking medications. Today, doctors distinguish between physiological and pathological itching.

The physiological version of itching continues for a short period of time. Additionally, pain and constant movement of the location are possible. The course of treatment is determined only after diagnosis. Itching is considered a normal reaction to changes in climatic conditions, bites of certain types of insects, and a reaction to the action of chemicals.

Pathological itching occurs against the background of improper functioning of the somatic system in the human body. It is also a consequence of dermatosis. The symptom can appear throughout the entire skin area and continue for an indefinite amount of time. Over time, its intensity may change, which indicates a disorder in the functioning of the entire nervous system. Itching against the background of pathology develops in a person in situations of strong emotional intensity and stress. The symptom is present in schizophrenia and can even cause its appearance.

Itchy skin, the causes and treatment of which are unknown, may be a consequence of improper functioning of the internal organs, endocrine or nervous system. Quite often, such a reaction is recorded while taking a large number of medications. Doctors were able to identify the following causes of itchy skin on the human body:

Drying of the skin. This situation often haunts a person in case of diabetes mellitus. The symptom is a consequence of insufficient vitamin intake. The situation arises against the background of abuse of solariums, constant work on a computer or other electronic equipment.
Natural skin aging process. With age, the skin loses its tone. The situation is aggravated after menopause in women and men over 65 years of age. In old age, the skin's ability to regenerate decreases. This is why there is dryness and long healing of damage. If you do not consult a dermatologist in time, the risk of developing eczema increases.
During pregnancy, a woman's hormonal background. Acceleration of the work of all internal organs is also recorded. Because of this, the skin is constantly stretched. For eight months, the fetus needs to constantly grow. This is why itching is most often observed in the abdominal area. This symptom is called “striae”. Additional skin is also needed in the breast area, since its volume is also constantly increasing.
The skin may itch due to use of certain medications. For example, urticaria occurs when large amounts of penicillin or insulin are used. When using ointments, tinctures and vitamins, the risk of skin itching also increases. Additionally, the patient may experience weakness, increased body temperature and the occasional appearance of blisters.

Itchy skin: treatment

To quickly and effectively eliminate symptoms, various antihistamines are used in medical practice. Their cost is acceptable to every average person. At the pharmacy you can find a wide range of such medications. Products based on calcium play a major role are very popular. It helps to quickly eliminate itching on any part of the body. That is why the product is considered universal.

Treatment of skin itching that occurs against the background of a poor nervous condition is carried out by taking medications to normalize the functioning of the system. It is allowed to drink not only tranquilizers, but also medicinal plants.

Anti-itch ointments

Various creams, lotions and ointments help to quickly cope with itching on the skin. They should be applied only to the affected area, depending on the presence of additional symptoms. Even a universal ointment can only be used after approval from a dermatologist. In some cases, it is additionally advisable to consult an immunologist. Today the following ointments are very popular:

Belogent;
Apilak;
Belosalik;
and others.

If the symptoms are not clearly expressed, then an experienced pharmacist can also recommend a good drug. It is not allowed to buy the first drug you come across. Itchy skin can be caused by a large number of external and internal factors. To eliminate them, only a competent, qualified approach is required.

Traditional medicine against itchy skin

Medications cannot be used in every case of itchy skin. Medicinal herbs help to quickly and effectively cope with the chronic form of the disease. Traditional healers, depending on individual symptoms, will be able to select preparations that will help a person with severe itching.

In this matter, aloe, wheatgrass (root), vinegar, pine needles, chamomile and others have proven their effectiveness. They help quickly eliminate itching, relieve redness and calm the nervous system.

Itching in diabetes

With diabetes, patients quite often feel their skin itching very much. The situation arises against the background of a lack of insulin. Also, a person experiences a malfunction of the hormonal system. If the symptom is not treated in time, ulcers may appear on the skin. Because of them, the likelihood of skin infections and fungus increases.
The patient is advised to adhere to basic rules of personal hygiene. This is the first reason that causes the manifestation of an unpleasant symptom. If you have diabetes, you must be constantly monitored by a doctor. You can use medicinal herbs at home. Among them, chamomile, string, aloe and others are very popular.

Diseases that go away with the onset of itchy skin can be incredibly dangerous for humans. Only properly selected treatment and an integrated approach can quickly and effectively get rid of the ailment. If a symptom occurs against the background of neurological disorders, then the patient is recommended to consult not only a dermatologist, but also an immunologist. A psychiatrist will be able to select effective sedatives. Itchy skin is much easier to prevent than to treat later. When diagnosing a disease, you must follow all the doctor’s recommendations. Otherwise, the risk of the disease becoming chronic or complications of the condition increases.

Itching is an unpleasant sensation manifested on the skin, which is accompanied by an unbearable desire to scratch the itchy area. Sometimes this feeling is so strong that a person can no longer control himself, literally tearing his skin until it bleeds and reaches the point of stress.

The cause of itchy body skin is usually a serious illness that requires immediate diagnosis and treatment.

What causes itching?

The physiology of the origin of itching is quite complex. It can be triggered by multiple factors.

Dry skin is one of the causes of itching

The most common factors are:

These are the main, but not all, causes of itching. It is also worth highlighting intense senile itching, which can affect mature people without any reason.

Itching, which is accompanied by changes in the skin

This symptom usually indicates diseases that are treated by dermatologists. . These diseases are safer than systemic ones.

Itching with redness of the skin may indicate dermatitis

Itching with redness of the skin indicates diseases such as contact or atopic dermatitis. Occurs mainly against the background of allergic reactions.

Itching combined with a rash are the main symptoms of the following diseases:

Contact dermatitis. Accompanied by clearly limited redness, on top of which bubbles may be observed.
Hives. It manifests itself as redness that protrudes above the skin and resembles a nettle burn.
Eczema. Initially, swelling and redness of a distinct shape appear. Then bubbles appear, which, when opened, leave crusts in their place.
Folliculitis is accompanied by blisters and ulcers.
Diffuse neurodermatitis. Dried spots form on the skin, as if surrounded by a red halo.
Psoriasis is accompanied by silvery plaques that peel off.
Scabies appears in the form of black paired dots.

Itching and peeling are symptoms of the following diseases:

allergic reaction;
disturbances in the functioning of the ovaries;
demodex;
fungal infections, lichen;
dandruff;
diabetes.

Localized itching on the body - causes

The main causes of localized itching of the body skin, the treatment of which cannot be delayed, should be considered:

The cause of itching on the skin of the face can very often be atopic dermatitis or scabies.
Itching on the head may indicate the presence of seborrhea, ringworm, scabies or lice.
In areas that are subject to friction, the presence of itching indicates bullous pemphigoid.
On the bends of the wrists, itching occurs due to lichen planus or atopic dermatitis.
Itching in the anal area can occur due to anal fissure, constipation, hemorrhoids, pinworms, and poor hygiene.
Itching in the genital area is a symptom of scabies, prostatitis, menopause, and vesiculitis.
In areas that are closed most of the year, itching indicates the presence of T-cell lymphoma.
On the back and thighs, itching occurs due to folliculitis.
On the knees, in most cases, the cause of itching is atopic dermatitis.
Itching on the hands is the main symptom of scabies.
Eczema, neurodermatitis, insect bites can cause itching on any part of the body.

Itching on the head can cause seborrhea

Causes of general body itching

Itching can occur not only in individual areas, but also spread throughout the body.

The main causes of generalized itching are:

diseases of the biliary tract and liver;
worms in the intestines;
gout;
diabetes;
neurological diseases;
seasonal and senile itching;
hypovitaminosis A;
disorders of the thyroid gland.

Itching can occur not only in certain areas, but also spread throughout the body

Important to remember! Itchy skin is observed in almost all patients with primary cirrhosis of the liver. In most cases, it is the very first symptom of the disease and can appear 1 or 2 years before all other signs.

Other symptoms of diseases accompanied by itching

Unfortunately, itching of the skin of the body does not always cause patients to seek medical help and proper treatment. Many people, for one reason or another, put off visiting a doctor. In order to learn more about diseases that may be accompanied by itching, you should consider their other symptoms.

Allergic dermatitis manifests itself in the form of severe bright redness, which is accompanied by swelling. Then bubbles appear, which open and leave weeping erosions in their place. When the inflammation subsides, scales and crusts remain on the affected areas.

Itchy body skin is the cause of scabies, treatment of which should be prescribed after diagnosis, based on accompanying symptoms. One of these manifestations is a specific rash. It is distinguished by scabies, which look like small stripes, up to 15 mm long, with a small bubble at the end.

Scabies can also be expressed as small pimples and plaques that peel off. Due to the fact that patients constantly scratch the skin, bacteria can get there and cause a complication - a pustular infection.

Urticaria is accompanied by a rash of varying sizes that is very itchy. Blisters, which have a round shape, can merge with each other, forming large areas. All this may be accompanied by stomach or intestinal disorders, general weakness, chills or fever.

The rash predominantly appears on the buttocks, torso and arms.

Associated symptoms of kidney disease are impaired filtration and concentration of urine, pain in the lower back, blockage of blood vessels with atherosclerotic plaques, and increased body temperature. These symptoms occur with pyelonephritis, hydronephrosis, and urolithiasis.

In liver diseases accompanied by itching, parallel symptoms may include skin pigmentation, rash, and liver stars. All these symptoms primarily indicate liver failure.

Seasonal itching

Seasonal itching of the body skin is caused by causes of VSD, treatment of which is aimed at eliminating the provoking disease. Itching is a fairly common symptom. Exacerbations in patients with vegetative-vascular dystonia occur in autumn and spring.

Autumn and spring are the seasons of exacerbation of itching in patients with VSD

But in winter and summer the symptoms subside. The situation is aggravated by the lack of essential minerals and vitamins in the body.

The body's response to stress

Severe emotional instability and stress lead to uncontrolled hand movements. There is a constant desire to honor and rub the skin. Such actions further aggravate the disease. The manifestation of such itching is eliminated if the person comes out of a stressful state.

Stress can cause itching

Pathologies of the lymphatic system

If the lymph glands enlarge with itching of the body, most likely we are talking about lymphogranulomatosis. Here it is important to seek the help of a specialist in time, who will make an accurate diagnosis, prescribe treatment for the disease and identify the causes that provoked itching of the body skin.

Itching from taking medications

This itching occurs due to the body's reaction to certain medications. Self-medication with medications increases the risk of itching of the body skin. This once again suggests that any treatment should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor.

Taking medications is one of the causes of itching

Itchy skin without any symptoms

If a person is bothered by itchy body skin for no reason, treatment is prescribed after an accurate diagnosis has been established.

Itching without any special symptoms may occur for the following reasons:

liver or kidney failure;
blood diseases;
psychoneurological diseases;
some medications;
dry skin;
disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine system;
lymphoma, reticulosis, etc.

All of the above diseases can cause bodily itching without additional manifestations and symptoms.

Important to remember! Itching can occur throughout the body or in specific areas. In men, itching most often occurs in the anal area, but women often suffer from itching of the genitals.

Treatment with traditional methods

Folk remedies will help eliminate body skin itching once the cause has been established. Treatment can be carried out using the following methods.

Nettle leaves, violet flowers, burdock root, licorice and valerian, and agrimony flowers will help eliminate itching sensations. To do this, you need to take an equal amount of all herbs (50 g each) and chop thoroughly.

Then 1 tbsp. l. pour the resulting mixture with 3/4 cup of boiled water. It is advisable to insist in a thermos. Take a sip throughout the day. The course of treatment lasts 3 months.

Another remedy that perfectly fights itching is elecampane root.. You need to infuse it with alcohol, and then apply lotions and wipe problem areas. A decoction of elecampane root should be drunk instead of tea.

Coconut oil will help relieve inflammation and itching of the scalp. It contains vitamin E and fatty acids that the scalp needs. Coconut oil not only eliminates inflammation and itching, but also helps restore damaged cells, nourishes the skin and hair, and has an antibacterial and antifungal effect.

Coconut oil will help relieve inflammation and itching of the scalp

With the help of lemon, or rather the vitamin A it contains, you can relieve skin inflammation. Both the lemon itself and its juice will be beneficial. It is also worth noting the antiseptic and cleansing properties that it has.

This is an excellent natural bleach. To relieve inflammation, just squeeze lemon juice and wipe your skin with a cotton pad.

Vaseline is good for relieving itchy skin due to eczema. After applying it to the affected area, the skin softens and the itching subsides for a while. Vaseline is widely used in folk medicine to relieve skin irritation. Since it is odorless, its use is safe for allergy sufferers and children.

Vaseline is effective for eczema

Basil relieves skin irritations well. For these purposes, basil oil is used, which is added to face masks.

Undiluted apple cider vinegar also helps relieve itching.. To do this, just moisten a cotton swab in it and apply it to the desired area.

Important to remember! Very often, the cause of itching can be an allergy to certain foods. In this case, it is necessary to exclude spicy, fatty and fried foods from the diet.

It is also necessary to minimize the intake of foods that can cause an allergic reaction: chocolate, citrus fruits, coffee, cheese, eggs, alcoholic beverages.

Which ointment is best to use against itchy skin?

Ointments eliminate severe itching of the body skin and its causes; treatment with ointments brings positive and quick results. The effect will be if the ointment is chosen correctly. That is why, when choosing a remedy against itching, you must always start from what exactly causes this ailment.

Citric and carbolic acid, diphenhydramine, anesthesin, menthol, and thymol are used as agents that effectively combat body itching. Therefore, you need to choose an ointment based on the above ingredients.

When choosing a remedy against itching, you must always start from what exactly causes this ailment

Sinaflan ointment based on fluocinolone copes well with itching, which has antipruritic and anti-inflammatory effects. The ointment is very effective for allergies, inflammation and other skin diseases.

Preparations for body skin itching

Treatment for body skin itching is selected based on the causes that contribute to it.

Skin itching can be treated with drugs of 3 groups:

Antihistamines.
Hormonal agents.
3Antibiotics.

Antihistamines are the most extensive group of drugs. Within a couple of hours after taking it, you can notice the first results - swelling and itching subside and become less noticeable.

There are 3 groups of antihistamines.

1st generation antihistamines

This includes drugs that have a sedative effect and eliminate allergic reactions. They have a rapid-response effect, so you need to take them several times a day.

After taking this group of drugs, severe drowsiness may occur, so the drugs are contraindicated for people working in conditions of increased traumatic risk. These include Diazolin, Suprastin, Tavegil.

2nd generation antihistamines

These drugs do not have an immediate effect, but their effect may last more than a day. They do not have a pronounced sedative effect, so after taking them you can work normally. 2nd generation antihistamines are Claritin, Zyrtec, Claridol, Cetrin.

3rd generation antihistamines

This group has practically no sedative effect; drowsiness after taking them is very rare. This includes drugs such as Telfast, Erius.

Hormonal drugs are a more powerful tool in the fight against allergies and itching. They affect the cells that are responsible for the allergic reaction. The big disadvantage of hormonal drugs is that they have many side effects.

In this regard, their prescription is appropriate only in extremely difficult situations or after ineffective treatment with antihistamines. This group includes Dexamethosone, Prednisolone. Take them strictly as prescribed by the doctor.

Hormonal drugs are a more powerful tool in the fight against allergies and itching

Antibiotics are used to treat itching if infection is present. They are prescribed only after certain tests. In most cases Treatment is with broad-spectrum antibiotics. These include Cephalosporins and Penicillin.

Which doctor should I contact for itching?

If bodily itching is observed in a child, then you should contact your pediatrician. Itching in adults is the competence of dermatologists, allergists, endocrinologists, gastroenterologists and psychotherapists.

It all depends on the cause of the itching. If the cause is not determined, you should contact any of the above specialists or a physician.

conclusions

Itching is a fairly common phenomenon that has many different causes. Sometimes this seemingly harmless symptom can hide a very serious disease.

That's why At the first manifestations of bodily itching, you should immediately consult a doctor. Early diagnosis and timely treatment will help maintain the most important thing in life – health.

How to cure scabies and itching, see here:

About possible causes of itchy skin:

What effective folk remedies exist for itchy skin:

Itchy skin in itself is not a disease; the causes of its occurrence are varied, and treatment depends on the type of pathogen. An irresistible urge to scratch accompanies most skin disorders, as well as some diseases of the internal organs.

There are generalized and localized itching, and according to intensity - acute and chronic. Any skin irritation is quite difficult to diagnose. Often the patient does not know which specialist to contact and at what point. To determine the root cause, you should visit a dermatologist or therapist; sometimes consultation with doctors of other profiles is required - oncologist, gynecologist, allergist, endocrinologist and, possibly, a psychiatrist (Find out).

Causes of generalized skin itching:

Dry skin;
Weight gain - the skin stretches and itches;
Cholestasis (stagnation of bile) and other diseases that cause liver failure;
Malignant tumors;
Blood diseases;
Endocrine diseases - diabetes, thyrotoxicosis and others;
Intestinal infections;
External stimuli;
Mental disorders.

Localized most often begins on the hairy parts of the body (intimate areas) and manifests itself in the form of attacks. Mostly local itching appears due to skin diseases:

Even for a professional, it is not easy to understand why the skin itches, how to eliminate irritation and avoid the recurrence of itching. You should not try to diagnose yourself, much less buy unknown medications. Before contacting a doctor, to relieve symptoms, you should refrain from overheating the skin when visiting a bathhouse, taking a hot bath, and it is also advisable to avoid spicy foods and alcohol. You can take antihistamines and use ointments with a cooling effect.

What to do if your skin itches all over your body

It is difficult to ignore the condition when the skin itches all over the body, painfully when only a patch of skin itches, and a dermatologist will tell you what to do. The scratching reflex, as a rule, affects the upper layers of the epidermis, less often the mucous membranes.

To determine the exact cause of irritation, various studies will be required - medical history, visual examination, clinical blood and urine tests, glucose levels, liver tests, determination of creatinine, cholesterol, urea, iron, protein levels, stool analysis, x-rays and others.

Such an extensive medical examination is justified by the fact that the mechanism of formation of itching on the skin is not fully understood. Scientists agree that when the skin itches, the nerve endings react to external and internal stimuli. Unlike pain, a person’s reflex of satisfaction of tingling sensations is triggered.

Currently, there is a theory that itching and pain have different neural pathways. Moreover, they are closely related, since having satisfied the desire to scratch, we give birth to a pain syndrome, which simply distracts attention from the initial problem.

Although the urge to itch can be completely natural and go away without any intervention, it is still recommended to visit a medical facility. Treatment is advisable if the irritation does not go away for several weeks, interferes with normal life activities, affects a large part of the body, and is accompanied by other manifestations - rash, burning, bleeding, weight loss, drowsiness, and so on.

What causes itchy skin without rashes?

The causes of skin itching without rashes can be of various types, and diagnosis is often difficult, because such manifestations cannot be captured in the photo. Skin dermatitis very often accompanies systemic diseases, while external signs - crusts, plaques, blisters - may or may not be present.

1. With cholestatic liver disease, the first symptom, and for a long time the only one, is itching. For treatment, medications containing Cholestyramine (Cholestyramine, Vasozan, Kwantalan, Lipokol) are used, which cleanse bile flows, thereby reducing the manifestations of irritation;
2. Diabetes mellitus affects the processes of removing toxins from the body. Lipid-fat metabolism is also disrupted, which leads to dehydration of the skin. Sometimes there are no rashes, but more often, from the type of diabetic dermatitis, yellowish plaques, red spots, and blisters of gray or red shades appear on the body. Treatment in this case is aimed at reducing blood sugar, which greatly reduces the desire to scratch;

3. Psychosomatic and mental disorders are also characterized by the scratching reflex. How to treat skin itching without external manifestations in this case depends on the form of the disease. In mild cases, the patient is prescribed sedatives, often of plant origin - valerian, motherwort, passionflower extract. In more severe cases, antidepressants and psychotherapy are used;

4. Blood diseases are often accompanied by skin irritation. Hodgkin's lymphoma causes itching in the lower extremities. Irritation increases as the disease progresses. Treatment involves radiation therapy. With Vaquez's disease, in addition to the desire to scratch, the spleen enlarges, angina pectoris is observed, and bleeding occurs. Favorable prognoses are observed in patients treated with imifos. Itching sensations with anemia are no less common. Symptoms go away as soon as iron deficiency is corrected.

Local itching and peeling of the skin

- Itching and flaking of the skin are inherent in a disease such as psoriasis. This is a chronic inflammation, the causes of which are not fully known. The skin becomes covered with spots with whitish scales. Characteristic rashes occur on the elbows, knees, and at the edge of the scalp. When scratching the plaques, a pink film is discovered on the surface, peeling off which can provoke the symptom of blood dew. Today, ointments based on solidol (Magnipsor, Cytopsor, Antipsor) are widely used against psoriasis, diet, sanatorium treatment (climate change has a beneficial effect in most cases), phototherapy and other methods are prescribed;

- Itchy skin is characteristic of scabies, which is caused by the scabies mite. With this disorder, itching occurs between the fingers, on the wrists, on the surface of the abdomen and groin area. Unpleasant sensations increase at night, spreading to new areas. The disease is contagious, it is very important to disinfect the premises. To eliminate symptoms, sulfur-based ointments, benzyl benzonate, Spregal spray, Permethrin (ointment, spray, lotion) and other medications are used. Traditional medicine suggests fighting the disease with the help of turpentine, celandine juice, bay leaf and other mixtures of herbs and products of animal origin;

Why does severe itching spread throughout the body?

We have already examined possible circumstances under which severe itching appears throughout the body. Naturally, this is not the entire list of disorders in which itching is observed. There are also hormonal changes (pregnancy), age-related changes, reactions to medications (for example, hemodialysis concentrate), and so on.

It is a mistake to believe that irritation manifests itself only on the outer skin. According to statistics, there are no fewer cases of mucous membranes of the body itching.

Wish . This includes pinworms, hemorrhoids, rectal diseases, fistulas, prostatitis and others;
Genital itching - thrush, chlamydia, ureaplasmosis, gonorrhea, vaginosis, colpitis and so on;
Irritation - stomatitis, reaction to the prosthesis, allergies.

The causes of subcutaneous itching may coincide with dermatitis of the external skin. In most cases, it is characteristic of systemic ailments and requires close attention from qualified personnel of a medical institution.

Be healthy!

The skin can itch for various reasons - allergies, rashes, fungal diseases, and to understand how to get rid of itching, you need to determine its source and use the right remedy. If you constantly scratch some part of your body, you should consult a doctor, but first you can try to get rid of the itching on your own.

What to do if you have severe itching

Sometimes it is difficult to understand the possible causes of unpleasant itching on the body and list the main ways to get rid of itching at home. What causes skin to itch? Insect bite, allergies, dermatitis, thrush in intimate areas, diabetes, hormonal disorders - there are many reasons. First you need to figure out how painful your condition is, whether there are any extraneous symptoms, suspicious formations or rashes on the skin. If yes, consultation with a dermatologist, gynecologist, or trichologist is necessary, depending on the location of the symptoms.

If the problem is minor, you can try to find an effective remedy for itchy skin at home, because it causes not only physical discomfort, but constant mental irritation. The main thing to remember is not to be tempted to scratch the problem area too much, because itching is easier to deal with than wounds and inflamed areas on the skin.

In the intimate area of women

The cause of itching, itching and discomfort in the perineum in both women and men is thrush. This is a purely female problem - a man can become infected with it from his partner during sexual intercourse. Burning, itching, problems with urination, reddened and inflamed skin are all symptoms of thrush. It is caused by bacteria that constantly live in the vagina, becoming more active under unfavorable conditions, diseases, and hormonal imbalances. The following remedies will help eliminate itching due to thrush:

Tea tree oil will help relieve itching. Very concentrated, you need to dilute 5 drops in a glass of water, use it as a lotion or lotion.
A solution of salt and soda. Dissolve a tablespoon of baking soda and salt per liter of water. Use for washing.
Medical solutions, creams and gels that relieve itching and burning: Miconazole, Miramistin, Clotrimazole.
To get relief from itching as quickly as possible, avoid any dairy products during the treatment period.

If the skin itches in the anus, this is a consequence of many reasons, including obesity, diabetes, vegetative neurosis, diseases of the rectum and stomach. Anogenital irritation is an unpleasant but treatable problem. How to get rid of severe itching: rectal suppositories with propolis will help well, for neurosis - sedatives, for helminthic infestation - antihistamines. You can use special ointments and creams for the anus, herbal rinsing solutions, and microenemas.

How to relieve itchy skin at home

Itching all over the body (pictured) can be the cause of nervous, endocrine disorders, hormonal diseases, and in women - a symptom of pregnancy. It can occur due to wearing synthetics, using chemicals in everyday life, or lack of hygiene. In general, itching on the skin brings a lot of moral and physical discomfort. What methods can be used to eliminate it:

cool bath with essential oils (chamomile, calendula, lavender, mint) or baking soda;
applying a moisturizing lotion after bathing with soap;
soda solution for rinsing;
cold lotions;
folk remedies: honey, oatmeal, herbal decoctions.

For diabetes mellitus in women

Itching in diabetes is a natural consequence of the formation of sugar crystals in the blood vessels. Because of this, the skin becomes rough, dry, and begins to itch. It is important not to scratch itchy areas, because with diabetes, any wounds, scratches and cuts take a very long time to heal and can fester. The best way to prevent scabies is to eat a low-carbohydrate diet and take medications that lower blood sugar levels. Local creams with antibiotics, corticosteroids (Flucinar, Fusiderm, Dermozolon), and antifungal agents are prescribed.

In the nose

An allergic reaction always provokes swelling, redness of the skin on the face, sneezing, mucous discharge, and itching in the nose. These symptoms can appear with a cold, ingestion of large amounts of dust, pollen, or prolonged use of vasoconstrictors. What medications can cure your nose at home:

soda solution for washing: 1 tsp. per glass of water, good for infections;
for allergies, antihistamines, antiallergic drugs, saline solution (1 teaspoon of sea salt per glass of water) are effective;
for a runny nose, a cold or an itchy nose, it is better to use natural-based oil medicines and ointments for the nasal cavity.

Senile

The so-called senile body itch is a common problem among older people. The skin ages, atrophies, losing its ability to retain sufficient moisture. This leads to the fact that the driest areas of the body, and often these are elbows, knees, feet, begin to itch, sometimes for no apparent reason such as rashes and redness. It is important to note that treating itching in older people can be difficult.

Most drugs intended for oral administration are prohibited due to their side effects on the liver and kidneys. Local therapy is hampered by cognitive impairment. To avoid dryness, use emollient and moisturizing creams. To cool itchy skin - products with menthol, salicylic acid. Self-medication of senile itching is contraindicated; it is recommended to consult a doctor.

Scalp

Allergic

Relieving itching from allergies at home is easy. You can use apple or potato juice: just wipe the skin with a cut fruit, and a solution of soda or activated carbon tablets will also help. The cause of the allergy may be cosmetics - then you need to change the company and take a course of antiallergic drugs. If the cause is an insect bite, it is most effective to use special soothing ointments.

How to relieve itching at home

There are many folk and medical methods that will tell you how to remove itching quickly and without leaving a trace. You will always find some of them in your kitchen, while others are worth keeping in your medicine cabinet just in case. You need to figure out for which cases certain remedies are suitable, and not be overzealous with self-medication if the condition worsens. Below are the main ways to help soothe the burning sensation in different parts of the body.

Soda

A solution of soda for itching has been used for a long time: this natural remedy best helps with insect bites and allergic rashes. You can use it as a bath filler (1 glass per bath with cool or warm water), as an additive to hand or foot baths. Soda is suitable as a compress: you need to apply a soda solution to a cold cloth or towel and apply it to problem areas for 30 minutes.

Medicinal herbs

Herbs for itching are used in the form of decoctions for rinsing, lotions, or oral administration: they are good at helping to soothe irritation and relieve inflammation from itchy areas. Fresh aloe stems are effective - cut them lengthwise and lubricate the sore spot with gel-like juice. A decoction of peppermint tones and softens the skin, and a tincture of calendula, chamomile and sage will help relieve burning and cool the skin.

How to treat itching

Antihistamines

Antihistamine tablets for itching are prescribed in case of allergies, dermatosis, and infections. They suppress the action of histamine in the body, which causes burning, swelling, and irritation. These are drugs such as Suprastin, Fenkarol, Diazolin, Diphenhydramine. More expensive coated tablets - Claridol, Lomilan, Claritin - are suitable for long-term use. All of them can have side effects such as drowsiness, stomach upset, nausea, so they need to be taken in doses, no more than necessary.

Antipruritic skin products

Local medications for body skin itching have a quick calming effect, soften and cool the skin, help with pregnancy and increased dryness of the skin. These include ointments, creams and gels containing menthol, de-panthenol, diphenhydramine, carbolic acid. These are Oxolinic ointment for mucous membranes, Nystatin for fungi, Sulfur ointment for scabies and infectious infections. Beloderm, Mesoderm, Fusiderm, Sinaf, Psilo-balm ointments are effective.

Folk remedies

There are many traditional medicines known that help alleviate the manifestations of painful itching caused by insect bites, allergies, and fungal diseases. What folk remedies for itching can be used at home:

An oatmeal compress will help with itching. Regular oatmeal can relieve itching, reduce inflammation, and swelling. The flakes need to be brewed, allowed to brew, cool, then applied in a thick layer to the sore spot, covering the top with gauze. Keep this compress for 20 minutes.
Chamomile decoction. A baby cream with chamomile or glycerin, or glycerin in its pure form, may be suitable.
Oil: menthol, peppermint and tea tree. Well suited for intimate areas.
If your skin is constantly itching, you can make a compress of chickweed leaves or take a bath with the leaves of this plant.
Decoction of succession. Used to wash the genitals and rinse other parts of the body.
Aloe is a recognized remedy for itching for both adults and children. You can wipe the sore spots with a cut leaf, make lotions at night: apply half the leaf with the wet side to the body, wrap it with a bandage. You can use natural aloe juice, which is sold at the pharmacy, if you do not have this plant on hand.
Apple cider vinegar can help treat small areas of scabies. To do this, wipe the itching area with a cotton swab dipped in vinegar.
An infusion of nettle leaves will help relieve itching from a nettle burn. It needs to be cooled and used to wipe itchy areas after a shower.
Propolis in the form of an ointment or tincture helps to relieve itching. It is necessary to lubricate the sore spots with a cooled product. It has antibacterial properties and at the same time softens the skin well.

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Update: October 2018

Often itching is caused by individual intolerance to some substance that gets either on the skin or inside the body - through the mouth or by injection. It can occur due to thermal, mechanical or electrical stimulation of skin receptors. The symptom also indicates an excess of substances in the blood other than histamine, which appears during allergies. Some of these diseases can be life-threatening.

Where does the itching sensation come from?

The imperative desire to scratch an area of skin occurs when blood with a high concentration of dissolved substances flows to the pain receptors (nociceptors), spread out in the form of a network under a layer of epithelial cells:

histamine and/or histidine. These substances are formed in excess by immune cells when certain – specific to each organism – foreign proteins enter the body;
bile acids produced in the liver. They enter the skin cells and cannot leave them when a condition such as cholestasis develops - when bile cannot completely enter the duodenum and is forced to stagnate in the cells of the liver and biliary tract;
serotonin is a substance formed from an amino acid, which, when released, leads to a significant contraction of smooth muscles located in blood vessels and internal organs. This is a neurotransmitter, that is, a chemical compound that allows communication between nerve endings (the signal passes from nerve to nerve not like electricity, but rather like a bubble with a chemical substance, depending on the structure of which the activity of a neuron can be inhibited or activated). Its structure is very similar to the psychoactive hallucinogen LSD;
cytokines – molecules that enable “communication” between immune cells;
endorphins – natural pain-relieving molecules;
nitrogenous wastes that accumulate in the blood during kidney disease;
some other bioactive substances: thyroid hormone calcitonin, pancreatic enzymes (trypsin, kallikrein), VIP neuropeptides and substance P.

Since each person’s body has its own characteristics, no direct connection has been identified between the concentration of the above substances and the severity of the need to perform mechanical stimulation. Thus, severe itching in one individual may accompany the initial stage of renal failure, while in another it will not appear even with the terminal stage of uremia.

Only the skin and those mucous membranes, the layer of epithelial cells in which is in contact with the external environment and is located near the skin: gums, tongue, genitals, are “subject to itching”. The signal from the pain receptors located underneath them travels along type C and A-delta nerve fibers, reaches the spinal cord and, together with its structures, is delivered to the brain, to its sensitive zone.

Itching can be of a different nature: from a mild “tickling” to severe, painful. Its nature dictates to a person how to “process” its localization:

scratch: this is more typical for skin pathologies such as neurodermatitis or eczema;
rub gently: inherent in lichen planus;
cool (typical for acute urticaria).

However, a diagnosis cannot be made based on these characteristics alone. In determining the cause of itchy body skin, the following are important:

its localization;
the condition of the skin at the site of such sensations;
conditions for the appearance and relief of itching;
additional symptoms.

Let’s consider the combination of these factors to make it easier to get examined and choose exactly the specialist who can quickly alleviate your condition.

Types of itching

The prevalence of the symptom is the main criterion from which the diagnosis of the cause of skin itching begins. Based on this measure, pruritus (the so-called itching in medicine) may be:

Localized (a person can indicate a specific place where itching is felt).
Generalized (throughout the whole body, not necessarily at the same time).

Generalized itching

Itching accompanied by changes in the skin

This symptom indicates pathologies that are within the competence of dermatologists. That is, local changes are accompanied by skin diseases that are less dangerous than systemic diseases.

Diseases accompanied by redness of the skin

Itching and redness of the skin are more typical for inflammatory or allergic diseases. This:

Contact dermatitis: irritation and itching are located in the place that came into contact with the allergen. The boundaries of redness are clear. To diagnose, you need to remember what new places you have been to, what new household chemicals you started using, what clothes or accessory you put directly on your skin. So, redness in the armpits may be associated with wearing a new woolen sweater/dress or clothes that are familiar, but washed with a new powder. And itching of the skin of the hands - using a new cream or other chemical product. A characteristic feature of this disease is the complete disappearance of symptoms after the allergen ends.
Atopic dermatitis– a disease that most often affects children, but can also occur in adults. Its causes are an allergen, most often taken orally with food. In children, redness is located mainly on the skin of the face (on the cheeks), the flexor surface of the knees and elbows. In adults: the face is excluded, wrists, knees and elbows may turn red - on their bends.

Combination of itching and rash

Disease	Type of rash	Localization, features
Contact dermatitis	Redness with a clearly defined border; there may be blisters at the top of the redness	Anywhere. Can recall contact with clothing/accessory/chemical
Hives. If such blisters protruding above the cover appear after mechanical friction of this area - dermographic urticaria	Redness that has a border, protrudes above the skin level, and tends to merge with each other, similar to a mark left by a nettle.	Anywhere
Bullous pemphigoid	Initially, redness rises above the skin, after which a bubble of tense properties appears in this place	In places where friction occurs with clothing or accessories (bag belt, watch belt)
Eczema	At first there is redness and swelling, which have a clear shape, then bubbles appear, some of which open, and crusts develop in their place. Elements of several stages are observed in one place (redness, blisters, crusts)	Symmetrical areas of skin, most often on the extremities (especially the upper ones), as well as the face
Limited neurodermatitis	Dry plaques, around which there may be red spots that do not have clear boundaries with healthy skin	On the sides of the neck, in the folds
Neurodermatitis diffuse	In adults - dried spots on the skin, surrounded by a reddish rim, without a sharp transition to healthy skin	Eyelids, feet, lips, hands. May be all over the body.
	Swelling and redness, swelling and peeling, there may be red rashes, blisters or crusts on top	In children - after the introduction of complementary foods - on the cheeks, collar area, upper limbs
	Small spots of various shapes protruding above the skin, shiny	At the 2nd year of life, located in the area of the folds
T cell lymphoma	Red rash on the skin, accompanied by itching, oval	In places not exposed to sunlight
Lichen planus	Violet, polygonal shaped polygonal polygonal granules with scales that rise above the healthy cover	Flexion surface of the wrists
Folliculitis	Bubbles and pustules	Hips, back, chest
Psoriasis	Silvery plaques with peeling on top	Extensor surface of the extremities, itching of the scalp and neck, palms and soles
Scabies	Paired black dots are visible	Arms, armpits, stomach, genitals

Combination of itching and skin peeling

Itching accompanies peeling of the skin in the following cases:

The outcome of an allergic reaction, which manifested itself as urticaria. The allergy could be caused by:
- products;
- medicines;
- animal saliva;
- household and other chemicals;
- insect bites;
- cosmetics.
Eczema. In this case, various types of blisters and redness were initially noted. These elements, as well as the peeling after them, are localized, often symmetrically on the arms or legs, as well as on the face.
Impaired functioning of the ovaries, thyroid gland or. In this case, other symptoms will also be noted. For example, insufficient thyroid function is characterized by weight gain, dryness and itching of the skin of the body, and in later stages – slower mental reactions. To change the functioning of the ovaries - cycle disorders, difficulty getting pregnant, and so on.
The “settlement” of worms in the intestines can also cause itchy peeling of the skin of the entire body.
If it is mainly the face that is peeling, it itches, itches, there is rapid eye fatigue, loss of eyelashes, frequent souring of the eyes, the reason may be infection with eyelash mites, Demodex.
Another cause of itching can be diabetes. In this case, there are no rash elements, but there are general symptoms: hunger, thirst, frequent urination, easy addition of pustular infection and poor wound healing.
Itching and peeling that appear after signs of acute respiratory viral infection, occurring in patches of symmetrical outlines, most often located on the torso and thighs, can be signs of pityriasis rosea. To make an accurate diagnosis, you need to consult a dermatologist.
Peeling and itching of the skin of the feet and palms may indicate a fungal infection.
and itchy scalp may be signs of:
- disease caused by the fungus Pityrosporum Ovale;
- psoriasis, in which dandruff will be severe;
- folliculitis;
- buying bad shampoo.

If the itching is accompanied by a burning sensation

Burning and itching most often occur at the site of skin inflammation. This may be a reaction to mechanical irritation when shaving, using a depilator or waxing. Poorly healing inflammation in diabetes mellitus is also possible, which burns due to the pH of the tissues changing as a result of this metabolic disease. Burning and itching may be accompanied by diseases of the veins of the lower extremities - then the skin may be swollen, slightly bluish, but without any visible rash.

A combination of these two symptoms can develop in a person when a rash appears (see the corresponding section) - as an individual reaction to eczema, neurodermatitis, urticaria or other dermatitis.

Other symptoms that may indicate the cause of itching

The symptom may also indicate systemic diseases:

With cholestasis, in addition to itching, yellowness also occurs, if not of the entire skin, then of the whites of the eyes. Itching more often appears in places that rub with clothing, intensifies at night;
the smell of urine from the body, dry skin sprinkled with white “powder” and its itching, a change in the amount or color of urine indicates kidney failure;
itching of the skin after taking a warm bath/shower is characteristic of erythremia, a pathology when the number of red blood cells is significantly higher than normal.

However, if the skin itches for some time after swimming (shower, bath) only during the heating season, it is possible that the skin reacts this way to “technical” hot water in the tap, containing various harmful impurities. If itching is felt after swimming and in the summer, perhaps the reason is that the water is very hard, with a high content of chlorine.

Itching without other symptoms

When itching appears, and there is no dryness, no “powder”, no spots, or any changes in color on the skin, it may be:

disease of the hematopoietic system, in particular, lymphogranulomatosis. You need to consult a therapist who will palpate a person’s lymph nodes, prescribe and interpret a hemogram and other blood tests, and refer you to a hematologist or oncologist;
senile itch, which appears after 60 years of age for an unknown reason. But, even if you fit into this category, you need to rule out more serious diseases;
mental or neurological diseases, the symptoms of which you may not notice in yourself;
intestinal helminth population, which can be ruled out by a stool test for their eggs, as well as blood tests for antibodies to worms. Prescribing such a diagnosis is the job of an infectious disease doctor (he can be found in the clinic in the office with the abbreviation “KIZ”).

In any case, you may not notice the symptoms that a qualified doctor will pay attention to, so if itching occurs, contact him.

Treatment

Treatment for itchy skin is prescribed after an examination, the purpose of which is to identify the cause of this condition. The main tests that will help clarify the ethology will be:

While the tests are being performed, to alleviate the symptoms of itching - if there are no signs of renal or liver failure, which the doctor must tell you about - antihistamines are prescribed: "Eden", "Fenistil", "Diazolin", which do not cause drowsiness, or more powerful drugs, but with this effect (“Suprastin”, “Tavegil”).

For a localized lesion, an antiallergic ointment for skin itching can be used, for example, Sinaflan, Akriderm, Apulein, hydrocortisone ointment or other corticosteroids. Sometimes other local drugs of non-hormonal origin are prescribed - “Prograf” or “Elidel”.

If itching is caused by cholestasis, bile acid-absorbing drugs have been used successfully. When the cause of the symptom lies in a blood disease, specific drugs are used - monoclonal antibody inhibitors. Psoriasis is treated by combining local and systemic medications that normalize skin cell division.

In case of extremely severe itching, weak opiates are prescribed, and treatment is supplemented with hirudotherapy, ultraviolet irradiation of the skin, etc.

Thus, the causes of itching of the scalp and body are varied. Most often, these are various allergic reactions both to a substance that has entered the body and to a substance that has touched the skin. But there may also be life-threatening kidney diseases, liver diseases, or even blood diseases. To clarify the cause and select treatment, you need to undergo a comprehensive examination.