Itchiness is difficult to describe. If the itchiness is because of an insect bite, it is short lived. But, if it persists and is repetitive, it may be an indication of an underlying condition. In this case, your itch will need to be examined.
Itching, medically termed as pruritus, can be localized to a specific part of the body. It can also, in some cases, occur all through the body. Itching occurs when you have a rash, flaky skin, dry skin, cracked skin, flaky scalp, blisters, or bumps on the skin, or if there is a reddening of the skin.
Here, we take a look at some of the common causes of itchy skin:
- Contact dermatitis
This is one of the most common causes of itchy skin. There are several allergens in the environment; you could be allergic to any of them. When your skin comes into contact something you’re allergic to, you might get a rash. Itching accompanies this.
Common allergens are present in soaps, deodorants, fabrics, and cosmetics. Some people develop an itch after contact with certain metals. A few of us can develop a rash due to contact with pollen. - Eczema or Atopic Dermatitis
An intensely itchy rash, eczema means that the skin shows dry and scaly patches. A bumpy rash could also show up. Scratching, and some food allergies can worsen the situation. Children are most likely to suffer from this condition, especially if their family has a medical history of asthma and other allergies. - Sunburn
People with sensitive skin develop rashes as a result of exposure to the sun. Prolonged exposure to harmful UV rays can break the natural protective layer and trigger the body’s immune system to release inflammatory molecules, which make the skin swollen and itchy. - Drug reactions
Though drugs are a remedy to restore good health, they have their share of ill-effects. People respond to various drugs differently. The extent of allergy is based on the type of drug, and its dosage quantum. Side effects can be as small as a mild skin itch, or as severe as rashes and hives. Some medications that cause scratching include ACE inhibitors (these are high BP drugs), Estrogen, Allopurinol, Amiodarone, diuretics, and Opioids. - Dry skin
When the skin becomes dry due to lack of moisture, it gets scaly and cracked. Plus, the peeling skin attracts allergens which cause inflammation and itching. Keeping the skin well moisturized helps alleviate itching in this case. - Hives
If you suffer from an allergy, you may get hives. These appear as raised welts which appear either singly, or in clusters. And hives are itchy. Sun exposure, stress, and heat can all cause dormant hives to flare up. - Dandruff
Dandruff is not restricted to adolescents alone. Adults are equally affected by dandruff. If the scalp gets dry, dandruff shows up. Your scalp starts to itch; when you scratch, the flakes dislodge from the scalp and fall. These cause rashes and itching when they fall on the shoulder, back and forehead. Excessive dandruff, if left untreated, can lead to hair loss and continued scratching. - Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition when new skin cells regenerate at a pace faster than the old cells falling off. The net result is that both these types of cells accumulate and appear as thick, scaly patches that are itchy as well.
While it is yet unknown how psoriasis is caused, it is believed that the immune system has a role to play in the faster-paced skin regeneration. - Fungal & bacterial infections
Fungal infections of the skin are quite common, especially in damp environments. These are characterized by itching; sometimes, a rash can also appear. When you suffer from folliculitis and impetigo, you suffer from an itchy rash. - Underlying medical conditions
There are some medical conditions with an itchy rash as a symptom. These include shingles, multiple sclerosis, nerve damage, stroke and brain tumor.
Underlying psychological conditions can also trigger a patient to scratch their skin absent-mindedly, resulting in the skin getting itchy. These include depression, OCD, anxiety, psychosis, and trichotillomania.
A typical medical condition or cosmetic usage is the most probable cause of itching. In some cases, like drug reaction, itching is a side-effect. In rare cases, continued itching can be a sign of a major health issue that remains undiagnosed. Possibilities include liver disease, kidney disease, iron deficiency, thyroid disorders, HIV, and certain cancers like Hodgkin’s disease.
Delving into the causes of prolonged itching can prove to be a life-saving measure. In case itching persists, do not neglect seeking medical advice. Often, time is of the essence. A simple itch can turn into something irreversible and incurable. Thus, curing and taking care of your skin is of utmost importance.
