Itchy Skin: Symptoms, Causes and Remedies
Itchy skin, or pruritus, is an uncomfortable sensation often caused by Itchy Skin, which is common in older individuals when they get older. Depending on the cause, the skin may appear normal, with red itchy patches, rough, or bumpy, with repeated scratching potentially leading to thick raised areas that can bleed or become infected.
Self-care measures like hydration, gentle cleansers, and lukewarm baths can provide relief, but long-term management involves identifying and treating the underlying cause. Treatments may include medicated creams, wet dressings, and oral anti-itch medications.
Symptoms of Itchy Skin
- Persistent Itching
- Redness
- Rashes
- Dryness
- Swelling
- Soreness or Pain
- Blisters
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Get A Second OpinionCauses of Itchy Skin
There are many reasons for itchy skin and why your skin may itch. Here is a list of some causes of pruritus:
Itchy Skin
- Scaling, itching, and cracking
- Most common on the legs, arms, and abdomen
- Can often be resolved with lifestyle changes
Food Allergy for Itchy skin
- A serious condition where the immune system reacts to certain foods like milk, eggs, peanuts, and fish.
- Symptoms include sneezing, itchy eyes, hives, swelling, cramps, and difficulty breathing. Immediate medical emergency may be required.
End-Stage Renal Disease
- An autoimmune disease that has a wide variety of symptoms that affect many different body systems and organs.
- A wide range of skin and mucous membrane symptoms ranging from rashes to ulcers, Classic butterfly-shaped rash that crosses from cheek to cheek on the nose and Skin rashes may appear or worsen with sun exposure
Candida
- Usually occurs in skin folds (armpits, buttocks, under the breasts, between the fingers and toes)
- Starts as an itchy, tingling, and red rash with a wet appearance and a dry scab on the edges.
- Progress to cracked, painful skin with blisters and pustules that can be infected with bacteria
Biliary (bile duct) Obstruction
- This condition is considered a medical emergency. Urgent care may be needed.
- Most commonly caused by gallstones, but can also be caused by liver or gallbladder injury, inflammation, tumors, infections, cysts, or liver damage.
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes, extremely itchy skin without a rash, pale stools, very dark urine.
- Pain in the upper right part of the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, fever.
- The obstruction can cause a serious infection that requires urgent medical attention.
Cirrhosis
- Diarrhea , loss of appetite and weight loss, belly swelling
- Easy bruising and bleeding
- Small spider-shaped blood vessels visible under the skin
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes and itching of the skin
Ragweed Allergy
- Watery, itchy eyes
- Sore throat or sore throat
- Runny nose, congestion, and sneezing
- Sinus pressure
Diaper Rash
- Rash located on areas in contact with a diaper
- The skin is red, moist, and itchy
- Warm to the touch
Allergic Reaction
- This condition is considered a medical emergency. Urgent care may be needed
- Rashes occur when your immune system reacts to allergens in the skin
- Itching and raised marks that appear minutes to hours after skin contact with an allergen
- Red, itchy, scaly rash that may appear hours to days after skin contact with an allergen
- Severe and sudden allergic reactions can cause swelling and difficulty breathing which require emergency attention
Athlete's Foot
- Itching, stinging, and burning between the toes or on the soles of the feet
- Blisters on itchy feet
- Discolored, thick, and crumbly nails
- Raw skin on the feet
Contact Dermatitis
- Appears hours to days after contact with an allergen
- The rash has visible edges and appears where your skin touched the irritant
- The skin is irritated, red, scaly, or raw
- Blisters that weep, ooze or get crusty
Flea Bites
- Usually located in clusters on the lower legs and feet
- Red itchy bump surrounded by a red halo
- Symptoms start immediately after being bitten
Hives
- Itching and raised marks that occur after exposure to an allergen
- Red, warm, and slightly painful to the touch
- Can be small, round, and ring-shaped or large and randomly shaped
Allergic Eczema
- It may look like a burn
- Often found on the hands and forearms
- The skin is irritated, red, scaly, or raw
- Blisters that weep, ooze, or get crusty
Rashes
- A rash, a change in skin color or texture, can result from insect bites, allergies, fungal skin infections, or autoimmune conditions.
- While most rashes can be treated at home, severe cases with symptoms like fever or breathing difficulty may need urgent medical care.
Impetigo
- Common in babies and children
- A rash is often located in the area around the mouth, chin, and nose
- Itchy rashes and fluid-filled blisters that appear easily and form a honey-colored crust
Ringworm
- Circular rash with a raised border
- The skin in the middle of the ring looks clear and healthy, and the edges of the ring may extend outward
- Itchy
Diagnosis of Itchy Skin
Finding the cause of your itching can take time and involve a physical exam and questions about your medical history. If your doctor thinks your itchy skin is the result of a health problem, you may have some tests, including:
- Blood test A complete blood count may provide evidence of an internal condition that is causing your itching, such as anemia.
- Thyroid, liver, and kidney function tests Liver or kidney problems and thyroid abnormalities, such as hyperthyroidism, can be itchy.
- Chest x-rays A chest x-ray can show if you have enlarged lymph nodes, which may accompany itchy skin.
Treatment of Itchy Skin
The treatment plan will depend on the cause of the itching. For people who suffer from Itchy Skin, a good moisturizer may suffice:
- Topical Creams and Ointments: Use ointment for itchy skin such as corticosteroid creams, hydrocortisone, or calamine lotion to reduce inflammation and itching.
- Antihistamines: Best oral medicine for itchy skin, like antihistamines, can help control itching caused by allergies.
- Moisturizers: Regularly apply fragrance-free lotion for itchy skin to keep the skin hydrated.
- Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress to the affected area to relieve discomfort.
- Medications for Underlying Conditions: Treat underlying conditions like eczema or psoriasis with prescribed medications using the best allergy medicine for itchy skin suggested by the healthcare providers.
- Avoid Scratching: To prevent further irritation, avoid scratching the itchy skin.
- Bathing with Mild Soap: Use gentle, hypoallergenic soap in lukewarm water to avoid drying out the skin.
- Light Therapy: In some cases, phototherapy or light treatment may be recommended for persistent itching.
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Book an AppointmentWhen to Visit a Doctor?
Seek immediate medical attention if you:
- Having trouble breathing or swallowing
- I have itching all over
- Swell a lot and feel discomfort
Make an appointment with a doctor if you:
- I don't know why you itch
- Try self-treatment but it doesn't help
- Have persistent itching
- I cannot sleep or do daily activities
Home Remedies of Itchy Skin
The following home remedies for itchy skin all over can help reduce itching:
- Oatmeal Bath: Soothes itching and irritation.
- Aloe Vera: Calms irritation and reduces inflammation.
- Coconut Oil: Moisturizes and relieves dryness.
- Cold Compress: Provides temporary relief.
- Baking Soda: Eases itching from irritation or bites.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Relieves itching from skin conditions.
- Honey: Moisturizes and soothes the skin.
- Witch Hazel: Reduces inflammation and itching.
Avoid scratching to prevent further skin inflammation and worsening itchiness. If itchy skin creams fail to alleviate symptoms or if the rash spreads or is accompanied by additional symptoms, consult a doctor or dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
