Itching refers to an unpleasant sensation that causes the need to scratchthe medical term for itching is pruritus.
For some people, there is no visible rash associated with itching.
Itching can be debilitating, especially at night when you are trying to sleep.
Laura Porter / Verywell
Laura Porter / Verywell
Why Does Itching Occur?
Itching and pain are closely-related sensations because the same nerves transmit both types of sensory signals to the brain.
This is called the itch-scratch cycle.
A systemic disease doesn’t usually cause itching in just one area of the skin.
What Causes Itching?
Thecausesof itching can be divided into localized and generalized.
Localized itchingon just one part of the body is likely to be brought on by a skin condition.
The area of the body that itches may give a clue as to the cause of the itch.
Generalized itchingmay be due to a skin condition or a systemic disease.
Skin conditions that cause itching all over the body include hives, atopic dermatitis, and contact dermatitis.
What Common Skin Allergies Cause Itching?
There are three commonallergic skin conditionsthat cause itching.
These include atopic dermatitis (eczema), hives (urticaria), and contact dermatitis.
What is the Treatment For Itching?
However, this is not always possible.
Various skin treatments, including over-the-counter moisturizers and prescription steroid creams, may not be effective alone.
A technique called “soak and slather” has long been used successfully to treat dry skin.
Certain creams should not be used for itching.
These include topical anesthetics, which can cause itchy rashes themselves, and therefore are not recommended.
Facial creams for itching: Only certain types of anti-itch creams can be used on the face.
Other causes of itching, such as eczema and contact dermatitis, may not get better with antihistamines.
There are many choices of antihistamines, including prescription-only forms and over-the-counter types.
Unexplained itching should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
And if the itch is impairing your sleep, you should seek further medical evaluation.
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Litchman G, Nair PA, Atwater AR, et al.Contact Dermatitis.
