Skin itching: types, causes, signs, symptoms, treatment

Skin itching is an external manifestation in which irritation of any area of ​​the body occurs, causing a desire to itch. Such a symptom is often compared with a defensive reaction of the body, which is trying to indicate to a person that there are problems in him.

A sign can occur in absolutely every person, regardless of gender and age category. A wide range of factors, both pathological and not related to the course of the disease, can cause its appearance.

Despite the fact that the itching of the skin itself is a symptom, it is accompanied by a large number of external manifestations that can additionally indicate a particular pathology. To determine the etiological factor that became the source of such a symptom, it is necessary to conduct a laboratory and instrumental diagnostic examination.

The tactics of therapy directly depend on the cause of pruritus, but in most cases conservative methods of therapy are sufficient.

Etiology

The pathogenesis of the desire to scratch one or another area of ​​the skin is that blood flows to the receptors located under the epithelial cells, containing a large amount of substances such as:

• histamine or histidine;
• bile acids secreted by the liver - it is because of this that a similar symptom is expressed during the course of a large number of diseases of this organ;
• serotonin;
• cytokines;
• endorphins;
• nitrogen slags;
• thyroid hormones or pancreatic enzymes.

Itching of the skin can occur both throughout the body and in a specific area. Depending on the location of its localization, the causes of skin itching will differ. For example, a similar manifestation in the anus can be caused by:

• the formation of external or;
• chronic;
• pathological influence of pathogenic microorganisms.

Skin itching of the head in most cases is caused by:

On the skin areas of the genital organs, such a clinical manifestation can be caused by:

• pathological bacteria;
• - in the representatives of the weaker sex;
• irritation with urine, for example, when leaking or;
• and in men;
• pubic lice.

Skin itching on the hands often appears with scabies, and on the face - with.

In addition, there are several factors that affect the appearance of pruritus in a child or adult in the absence of any disease. Thus, among the physiological reasons it is worth noting:

• non-compliance with the rules of personal hygiene;
• menopause in women;
• a wide range of allergic reactions, for example, to washing powder, creams, cosmetics, etc.;
• lack of vitamins in the body;
• insect bites;
• prolonged overheating of the skin;
• dry air;
• frequent visits to the shower.

Also not uncommon is the appearance of itching during pregnancy. The place of its localization will be the region of the abdomen or lower back. Often, such a symptom is the body's response to compression of nerve endings by an enlarged uterus, as well as stretching of the skin by an ever-growing belly.

Classification

Depending on the prevalence, such a manifestation happens:

• generalized - itching all over the body;
• focal - a person can clearly indicate the location of such a sensation.

Varieties of the symptom according to the reasons for its formation:

• dermatological - characterized by damage to the skin, which can occur against the background of scabies, or insect bites;
• systemic - is one of the signs of ailments of the liver, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys or thyroid gland;
• neuropathic - often formed due to damage to the central or peripheral nervous system;
• psychogenic - such a skin itch develops on a nervous basis.

Quite often, such a manifestation is of a mixed nature, in which it can be difficult to identify the sources of such a disorder.

It is also worth highlighting several specific types of itching of the skin:

• reflex - appears in overly suspicious or emotional people at the mention of any irritating factor;
• high-altitude - begins to be expressed when rising to a height;
• senile - more than half of people over the age of seventy experience the appearance of a similar sensation;
• aquagenic - occurs against the background of contact of the skin with water.

Symptoms

Since in the vast majority of cases itching of the skin is caused by the course of a particular ailment, in addition to the main symptom, other specific signs of skin damage can be observed. These clinical manifestations include:

• - often redness has a clearly defined border. Often such foci rise above the skin and have bubbles. In some pathological processes, there is a tendency to merge several reddened zones;
• , while the scales can bring quite intense discomfort;
• burning sensation;
• the occurrence of wounds and scratches due to constant combing of problem areas;
• the appearance of characteristic rashes;
• the formation of crusts - they appear at the site of rupture of bubbles or abscesses.

Very often, such a sign is a symptom of hepatic diseases, but there is a list of other clinical manifestations that indicate damage to this organ:

• increased gas formation;
• stool disorder, which can be expressed in diarrhea or, as well as their alternation;
• change in the shade of urine (it darkens) and feces (they become discolored);
• the skin and mucous membranes become yellow. It is this symptom that leads to the appearance of itching of varying severity. In such cases, there is itching without rashes;
• bitter taste in the mouth;
• general malaise.

If the occurrence of such a problem was due to physiological reasons, in particular, in pregnant women, then additional signs can be considered:

• or complete lack of sleep;
• depressed mood;
• physical and emotional discomfort.

It is worth noting that all of the above manifestations are only the main symptoms that may accompany pruritus. Symptoms are individual. In rare cases, in addition to the main symptom, other external expressions may not be observed, for example, with blood diseases or mental disorders.

Diagnostics

A wide variety of etiological factors provides for a whole range of diagnostic measures.

Primary diagnosis is carried out by a dermatologist - it is this specialist who should be contacted first of all in case of damage to the skin. Clinician initially:

• asks the patient about the first time of onset, severity and the presence of additional symptoms;
• studies the medical history and anamnesis of the patient's life, which will reveal some of the causes of the formation of the main symptom;
• performs a detailed physical examination, during which the condition of the skin is carefully studied.

The second stage of diagnosis consists of the implementation of laboratory examinations, which include:

• clinical and biochemical analysis of blood - will indicate a change in its composition and signs of a pathological process;
• general urine analysis;
• microscopic examination of feces - to exclude or confirm the presence of pathogenic bacteria;
• scraping from itchy and flaky areas of the skin - for the possible detection of a fungal or infectious lesion.

Then, if necessary, the dermatologist refers the patient for further instrumental diagnostics, to other specialists from the field of gastroenterology, endocrinology, oncology, etc.

Treatment

The tactics of how to get rid of itching of the skin in children and adults in each individual case will be individual and depend on the causes of the main symptom. In such cases, only the attending physician decides on the conservative or surgical treatment of the pathology that served as the source of such a sign.

Nevertheless, absolutely all patients are shown to undergo specific treatment aimed at neutralizing itching. For this, the following medicines are prescribed:

• antihistamines;
• desensitizing - to reduce sensitivity to allergens;
• ointments with antipruritic effect;
• hormonal substances;
• sedatives.

In addition to traditional therapy, several folk remedies have been developed that will help get rid of such an unpleasant manifestation. How to relieve itchy skin at home:

• rubbing with vinegar;
• lotions with an alcohol-based menthol solution;
• applying talcum powder or powders of white clay to the skin;
• taking baths with the addition of medicinal plants such as chamomile, string and oak bark;
• using tar, ichthyol or sulfur soap;
• preparation of a cream based on talc, white clay, starch and any essential oil.

In addition, folk remedies provide for the ingestion of decoctions and infusions based on:

• violets and nettles;
• licorice and burdock;
• valerian and agrimony;
• elecampane and juniper;
• pumpkin seeds.

It is worth noting that before starting such treatment at home, it is necessary to consult with your doctor.

Prevention

There are no specific preventive measures against the appearance of itching on the legs, arms, head and body. In order to avoid the appearance of such a symptom, it is necessary:

• completely abandon harmful addictions;
• observe the rules of personal hygiene;
• take medications only as prescribed by the clinician and with strict adherence to the daily allowance;
• carefully select substances for washing and cleaning, because very often they cause allergies;
• enrich the body with vitamins and strengthen the immune system;
• ensure sufficient humidity in the room;
• avoid prolonged overheating of the skin;
• undergo a complete medical examination several times a year.

In general, itching of the skin has a favorable prognosis, but subject to all preventive and therapeutic recommendations. Significantly worsen the course of a disease accompanied by such a symptom, self-treatment with folk remedies, without consulting a doctor, can.

"Skin itch" is observed in diseases:

Avitaminosis is a painful human condition that occurs as a result of an acute shortage of vitamins in the human body. Distinguish between spring and winter beriberi. There are no restrictions regarding gender and age group in this case.

Actinic dermatitis occurs against the background of radiation exposure to the skin in the form characteristic of the course of dermatitis - in the form of inflammation. Such exposure includes the sun's rays, ionizing radiation, artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation. Actinic dermatitis, whose symptoms appear according to the duration of exposure to a particular factor, as well as the intensity of this exposure, especially determines the exposure of welders, farmers, radiologists, workers in foundries and smelters, etc. to it.

Alcoholic hepatitis is an inflammatory disease of the liver that develops as a result of prolonged intake of alcoholic beverages. This condition is a harbinger of the development of cirrhosis of the liver. Based on the name of the disease, it becomes clear that the main reason for its appearance is the use of alcohol. In addition, gastroenterologists identify several risk factors.

Allergic arthritis is an acute pathological condition characterized by joint changes. This disease is often caused by the progression of allergy to antigens of foreign origin. It differs in that it has an uncomplicated course, is easily treatable and has a favorable prognosis. Along with such a disease, infectious-allergic arthritis often manifests itself. It occurs due to the fact that the body is too susceptible to infectious agents during this period. These are two different disorders that have almost the same symptoms and course.

Allergic vasculitis is a complex disease, which is characterized by aseptic inflammation of the walls of blood vessels, which develops as a result of an allergic reaction to the negative effects of infectious-toxic factors. The disease is characterized by inflammatory-allergic rashes with a tendency to edema, hemorrhages and necrosis.

Allergic dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin that occurs as a result of direct exposure to the skin of an irritating substance (allergen). Allergic dermatitis, the symptoms of which are manifested in the form of itching, redness of a certain area of ​​the skin, as well as in the formation of bubbles with liquid on it in combination with erosion, occurs, like another type of allergic disease, in those patients who have a predisposition to this type dermatitis, as well as in patients predisposed to allergic reactions to the influencing allergen.