Itchiness is an uncomfortable sensation that makes you want to scratch the skin. While scratching gives temporary relief, too much scratching can cause bleeding or infection in the affected area. Though there can be multiple causes of itchy skin, the major cause is dry skin. Older people are more prone to itchiness as their skin tends to get drier with age.
While itchiness is usually a short-term or normal condition in everyday life, some cases can point to an underlying condition. Hence, it’s imperative to know the exact cause of your itchy skin so that you can get treated accordingly. In this article, we will be discussing the causes and treatment options of itchy and irritated skin.
What Causes Itchy and Irritated Skin?
Before we jump on the causes, let’s read about the common symptoms of itchy skin.
Symptoms:
● Dry or cracked skin
● Redness
● Bumps
● Spots
● Scratch marks
● Scaly patches
Causes:
Itchiness can be all over your body or localized to a small portion. Below are the common causes of itchy skin.
Skin Conditions
● Dermatitis: Dermatitis is a common skin irritation that can cause the skin to blister, crust, or flake off.
● Eczema: This is a chronic skin disorder that makes your skin red and itchy. A medicated eczema cream can provide temporary relief.
● Psoriasis: It is a chronic skin disorder that causes a rash and scaly patches, most common in the areas such as knees, elbows, and trunk.
● Dermatographia: It’s a short-term skin condition that causes raised marks through light scratching.
Other common skin disorders that cause itchiness include ringworm, hives, shingles, and allergies.
Infections:
● Measles
● Chickenpox
● Scabies
● Lice
● Fungal rashes
● Parasites
● HIV
What are Different Treatment Options?
Not every episode of itching might need a medical evaluation. If you have severe itching or other warning signs, you should immediately seek medical attention. Depending on your skin disorder, the doctor might order a complete physical examination to identify any underlying condition. Below are some of the common treatment options that can provide quick relief.
Oral Medication
Oral medications for itchiness include oral steroids, immunosuppressants, antifungal medications, and antihistamines. These medications can provide relief from skin conditions, such as allergies, autoimmune disorders, cirrhosis, fungal infections, insect bites or stings, impetigo, and eczema.
Topical Medication
Topical creams can reduce the urge to scratch and soothe irritated skin. Some of the common topical medications include antifungal creams, topical antidepressants, topical steroids, zinc oxide creams, and others.
Lifestyle Changes
Many cases of skin itchiness can be a result of everyday negligence. Incorporating some lifestyle changes can help minimize the probability of getting skin disorders. Some of the simple changes include:
● Moisturizing your skin daily
● Wearing comfortable and loose-fitted clothes
● Taking a healthy diet
● Living in a hygienic environment
● Avoid hot water
● Use mild and fragrance-free soaps and wipes
Final Thoughts
As mentioned earlier, many cases of itching are normal and don’t indicate anything severe. Yet, if you think your case could be different, there’s no harm in seeking medical attention and getting yourself checked.
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