Which doctor should I contact if itchy. The skin of the body itches: causes, treatment of itching, photo

Itchy skin is a fairly common unpleasant sensation that makes you want to scratch the affected area of \u200b\u200bthe skin. Itching can be acute or chronic, local (felt on one specific area of \u200b\u200bthe skin) or generalized. Itching in itself is not a disease - it is just one of the symptoms of some, disorders of the internal organs or the nervous system. However, severe itching can cause incredible suffering to a person. Itching is often harder to manage than pain.

Scratching leads to increased itching, redness and inflammation of the skin. Infection can penetrate the damaged sites, which causes pustular skin diseases.

Causes of itching

Ironically, the pathophysiology of pruritus is very complex. Itching is the result of a cascade of humoral and neuro-reflex reactions, which can be triggered by various factors.

The most common causes of local itching are:

Itching of the genitals is observed mainly in women. The reason for this is abundant leucorrhoea, trichomoniasis, the irritating effect of urine in diabetes mellitus, gout, inflammatory diseases of the genital organs, sexual neuroses, in some cases pinworms in girls.

The causes of generalized itching include:

They also distinguish "senile itching" - inexplicable intense itching in people over 70 years old for no apparent reason.

Treatment

As we said, itching is not an independent disease, but a symptom. That is why, in the presence of pruritus, the doctor first conducts a thorough diagnosis (it can include a variety of studies depending on the clinical manifestations and the specific situation), and then prescribes treatment.

The following topical remedies can be used to relieve itching:

• the effect of cold (cold shower, cold compress, a towel soaked in cold water; however, it should be remembered that prolonged exposure to moisture can adversely affect the skin in case of allergic diseases);
• lotions with menthol and (have a local anesthetic effect, have a cooling and soothing effect on the skin);
• topical antihistamines (creams and ointments).

Oral antihistamines and ointments containing glucocorticosteroids should not be used before consulting a doctor.

Avoid exposure to heat, bright sunlight, physical activity. Wear loose cotton clothing.

Itching is an unpleasant sensation that manifests itself on the skin, which is accompanied by an intolerable desire to scratch the itchy area. Sometimes this sensation is so strong that a person can no longer control himself, literally tearing the skin to blood and reaching stress.

The itchy skin of the body is usually caused by a serious medical condition that needs immediate diagnosis and treatment.

What causes itching

The physiology of the origin of itching is quite complex. It can be triggered by multiple factors.

Dry skin is one of the causes of itching

The most common factors are:

These are the main, but not all, causes of itching. It is also worth highlighting the intense senile itching, which can affect people of mature age without any reason.

Itching, which is accompanied by a change in the skin

This symptom, as a rule, indicates diseases that are treated by dermatologists. . These diseases are safer than systemic ones.

Itching with redness of the skin may indicate dermatitis

Itching with redness of the skin is indicative of diseases such as contact dermatitis or atopic dermatitis. It occurs mainly against the background of allergic reactions.

Itching combined with a rash are the main symptoms of the following conditions:

• Contact dermatitis. It is accompanied by clearly limited redness, on top of which bubbles can be observed.
• Hives. It manifests itself as redness that protrudes above the skin and resembles a trace of a nettle burn.
• Eczema. Initially, edema and redness of a distinct form appear. Then bubbles appear, which, when opened, leave crusts in their place.
• Folliculitis is accompanied by blisters and abscesses.
• Diffuse neurodermatitis. Dry spots form on the skin, which are, as it were, surrounded by a red corolla.
• Psoriasis is accompanied by silvery plaques that flake off.
• Scabies appears as paired black dots.

Itching and flaking are symptoms of the following conditions:

• allergic reaction;
• disturbances in the work of the ovaries;
• demodex;
• fungal infections, lichen;
• dandruff;
• diabetes.

Localized itching on the body - causes

The main causes of localized itching of the skin of the body should be considered, the treatment of which cannot be delayed:

• Atopic dermatitis or scabies can very often cause itching on the skin of the face.
• Itchy scalp can signal the presence of seborrhea, ringworm, scabies, or head lice.
• In areas that are subject to friction, the presence of itching indicates a bullous pemphigoid.
• On the folds of the wrists, itching occurs due to lichen planus or atopic dermatitis.
• Itching in the anus can occur due to cracks in the anus, constipation, hemorrhoids, pinworms, poor hygiene.
• Itching in the genital area is a symptom of scabies, prostatitis, menopause, vesiculitis.
• In areas that are closed for more of the year, itching indicates the presence of T-cell lymphoma.
• On the back and thighs, itching occurs due to folliculitis.
• On the knees, in most cases, itching is caused by atopic dermatitis.
• Itchy hands is the main symptom of scabies.
• Eczema, neurodermatitis, insect bites can cause itching anywhere on the body.

Itchy scalp can cause seborrhea

Causes of general body itching

Itching can occur not only in certain areas, but also spread throughout the body.

The main causes of generalized itching are:

• diseases of the biliary tract and liver;
• intestinal worms;
• gout;
• diabetes;
• neurological diseases;
• seasonal and senile itching;
• hypovitaminosis A;
• disorders in the thyroid gland.

Itching can occur not only in certain areas, but also spread throughout the body

Important to remember! Itching of the skin is observed in almost all patients with primary cirrhosis of the liver. In most cases, it is the very first symptom of the disease and can appear 1 or 2 years before all other symptoms.

Other symptoms of itching diseases

Unfortunately, itching of the skin of the body does not always become the reason for patients seeking medical help and proper treatment. Many, for one reason or another, postpone a visit to the doctor. In order to learn more about diseases that can be accompanied by itching, you should consider their other symptoms.

Allergic dermatitis manifests itself in the form of severe bright redness, accompanied by edema. Then bubbles appear, which burst and leave weeping erosion in their place. When the inflammation subsides, scales and crusts remain on the affected areas.

Itchy skin of the body is the cause of scabies, the treatment of which should be prescribed after diagnosis, based on the accompanying symptoms. One of these manifestations is a specific rash. It is characterized by scabies, which look like small stripes up to 15 mm long with a small bubble at the end.

Scabies can also be expressed as small pimples and plaques that flake off. Due to the fact that patients are constantly combing their skin, bacteria can get there and cause a complication - a pustular infection.

Hives are accompanied by rashes of varying sizes that are very itchy... The blisters, which are round, can merge with each other to form large areas. All of this can be accompanied by stomach or intestinal upset, general weakness, chills, or fever.

The rash mainly appears on the buttocks, trunk and arms.

Concomitant symptoms of kidney disease are impaired filtration and concentration of urine, pain in the lower back, blockage of blood vessels by atherosclerotic plaques, and increased body temperature. These symptoms occur with pyelonephritis, hydronephrosis, urolithiasis.

With liver diseases accompanied by itching, parallel symptoms may be skin pigmentation, rash, hepatic asterisks. All these symptoms, in the first place, indicate liver failure.

Seasonal itching

Seasonal itching of the skin of the body causes the causes of VSD, the treatment of which is aimed at eliminating the provoking disease. In this case, itching is a fairly common symptom. Exacerbations in patients with vegetative-vascular dystonia occur in autumn and spring.

Autumn and spring - seasons of exacerbation of itching in patients with VSD

But in winter and summer, the symptoms subside. The situation is aggravated by the lack of essential minerals and vitamins in the body.

The body's response to stress

Severe emotional instability and stress lead to uncontrolled hand movement... There is always a desire to honor and to rub the skin. Such actions further aggravate the disease. The manifestation of such itching is eliminated if a person comes out of a stressful state.

Stress can cause itching

Lymphatic system pathologies

If the lymph glands enlarge with itching of the body, most likely we are talking about lymphogranulomatosis... Here it is important to seek the help of a specialist in time, who will make an accurate diagnosis, prescribe a treatment for the disease and identify the causes that provoked the itching of the skin of the body.

Itching from taking medication

This itching occurs due to the body's reaction to certain medications. Self-medication with medications increases the risk of itching on the skin. This once again suggests that any treatment should be carried out under the supervision of a physician.

Taking medication is one of the causes of itching

Itchy skin without any signs

If a person is worried about itching of the skin of the body for no reason, treatment is prescribed after an accurate diagnosis has been established.

Itching without any special signs can occur in the case of the following reasons:

• hepatic or renal impairment;
• blood diseases;
• neuropsychiatric diseases;
• some medications;
• dry skin;
• disorders in the functioning of the endocrine system;
• lymphoma, reticulosis, etc.

All of the above diseases can cause itching without additional manifestations and symptoms.

Important to remember! Itching can occur throughout the body or in certain areas. In men, itching is most often manifested in the anal area, but women often suffer from itching of the genitals.

Treatment with folk methods

Folk remedies will help eliminate the itching of the skin of the body, after establishing the cause. Treatment can be carried out using the following methods.

Nettle leaves, violet flowers, burdock root, licorice and valerian, agine flowers will help eliminate itching. To do this, you need to take an equal amount of all herbs (50 g each) and grind well.

Then 1 tbsp. l. pour 3/4 cup of boiled water into the resulting mixture. It is desirable to insist in a thermos. Take during the day by sip. The course of treatment lasts 3 months.

Another remedy that fights itching well is elecampane root... You need to insist on alcohol, and then do lotions and wipe problem areas. A decoction of elecampane root should be drunk instead of tea.

Coconut oil can help relieve inflammation and itching of the scalp. It contains vitamin E and fatty acids that are essential for the scalp. Coconut oil not only eliminates inflammation and itching, but also promotes the restoration of damaged cells, nourishes the skin and hair, and has antibacterial and antifungal effects.

Coconut oil can help relieve scalp inflammation and itching

With the help of lemon, or rather vitamin A, which it contains, you can relieve skin inflammation. Both the lemon itself and its juice will be useful. It is also worth noting the antiseptic and cleansing properties that it possesses.

It is a great natural bleach. To relieve inflammation, it is enough to squeeze the lemon juice and wipe the skin with it with a cotton pad.

Vaseline relieves itchy skin with eczema. After applying it to the affected area, the skin softens and itching recedes for a while. Vaseline is widely used in folk medicine to relieve skin irritation. Since it is odorless, it is safe for allergy sufferers and children.

Vaseline is effective for eczema

Basil relieves skin irritation well. For these purposes, use basil oil, which is added to face masks.

Undiluted apple cider vinegar also helps relieve itching.... To do this, it is enough to moisten a cotton swab in it and apply it to the desired area.

Important to remember! Allergies to certain foods can often cause itching. In this case, it is required to exclude spicy, fatty and fried foods from the diet.

It is also necessary to minimize the intake of foods that can cause an allergic reaction: chocolate, citrus fruits, coffee, cheese, eggs, alcoholic beverages.

What ointment is best for itchy skin

Ointments eliminate severe itching of the skin of the body and its causes, treatment with ointments brings a positive and quick result. The effect will be in the event that the ointment is correctly selected. That is why, when choosing a remedy for itching, you must always build on what exactly is the cause of this ailment.

Citric and carbolic acid, diphenhydramine, anesthesin, menthol, thymol are used as agents that effectively fight against itching of the body. Therefore, you need to choose an ointment based on the above ingredients.

when choosing an anti-itch remedy, you must always build on what exactly this ailment is caused by

Fluocinolone-based Sinaflan ointment copes well with itchingwhich has antipruritic and anti-inflammatory effects. The ointment is very effective for allergies, inflammations and other skin diseases.

Preparations for itching of the skin of the body

Treatment for itching of the skin of the body is selected based on the reasons that contribute to it.

Itching is treated with drugs of 3 groups:

1. Antihistamines.
2. Hormonal agents.
3. 3Antibiotics.

Antihistamines are the most extensive group of drugs. Within a couple of hours after taking it, you can see the first results - the swelling and itching subside and become less noticeable.

There are 3 groups of antihistamines.

1st generation antihistamines

This includes drugs that have a sedative effect, eliminate an allergic reaction. They have a fast-decreasing effect, so you need to take them several times a day.

After taking this group of drugs, severe drowsiness can be observed, therefore drugs are contraindicated for people working in conditions of increased traumatic risk. This includes Diazolin, Suprastin, Tavegil.

2nd generation antihistamines

These drugs do not have an immediate effect, but their effect can last more than a day. They do not have a pronounced sedative effect, so that after taking them you can work normally. The 2nd generation antihistamines are Claritin, Zyrtec, Claridol, Cetrin.

3rd generation antihistamines

This group practically does not have a sedative effect, drowsiness after taking them is very rare. This includes drugs such as Telfast, Erius.

Hormonal drugs are more powerful in combating allergies and itching. They affect the cells that are responsible for the allergic reaction. The big disadvantage of hormonal agents is that they have many side effects.

In this regard, their appointment is appropriate only in extremely difficult situations or after ineffective treatment with antihistamines. This group includes Dexametozone, Prednisolone. They are taken strictly according to the doctor's prescription.

Hormonal drugs are more powerful in combating allergies and itching

Antibiotics are used to treat pruritus if an infection is present. They are prescribed only after certain tests. In most cases treatment is undergoing extensive antibiotics. These include Cephalosporins, Penicillin.

Which doctor should i contact for itching

If the child has itching, then a pediatrician should be consulted. Itching in adults is the responsibility of dermatologists, allergists, endocrinologists, gastroenterologists and psychotherapists.

It all depends on the cause of the itching. If the cause is not determined, you should contact any of the above specialists or a therapist.

findings

Itching is a fairly common phenomenon that has many causes of a different nature. Sometimes under this seemingly harmless symptom, a very serious disease can be hidden.

therefore at the first manifestations of itching, you should immediately consult a doctor... Early diagnosis and timely treatment will help maintain the most important thing in life - health.

How to cure scabies and itching, see here:

Possible causes of itchy skin:

What are the effective folk remedies for itchy skin:

Intimate areas) and manifests itself in the form of seizures. Basically, local itching appears against the background of skin diseases:

• Neurodermatitis;
• Hives;
• Psoriasis;
• Pediculosis;
• Chickenpox;
• Scabies;
• Lichen;
• Contact and atopic dermatitis.

It is not easy even for a professional to understand why the skin itches, how to eliminate irritation and avoid itching again. You should not try to diagnose yourself on your own, and even more so buy unknown medicines. Before contacting a doctor to relieve symptoms, you should refrain from overheating the skin when visiting a bath, taking a hot bath, and it is also advisable to exclude spicy food and alcohol. You can take antihistamines and use ointments with a cooling effect.

What to do if the skin itches all over the body

It is difficult to ignore the condition when the skin itches all over the body, painful and when only a part of the skin itches, and what to do - the dermatologist will tell you. The scratching reflex, as a rule, affects the upper layers of the epidermis, less often the mucous membranes.

To determine the exact cause of irritation, a variety of studies will be required - taking anamnesis, visual examination, clinical analysis of blood and urine, glucose levels, liver function tests, determining the level of creatinine, cholesterol, urea, iron, protein, stool analysis, X-rays and others.

Such an extensive medical examination is justified by the fact that the mechanism of the formation of itching on the skin is not fully understood. Scientists agree that when the skin itches, the nerve endings react to external and internal stimuli. Unlike pain, a person triggers a reflex to satisfy tingling sensations.

At the moment, there is a theory that itching and pain have different nerve pathways. At the same time, they are closely related, since satisfying the desire to scratch, we give birth to pain syndrome, which simply distracts attention from the initial problem.

Although itching cravings can be natural and go away without any intervention, a visit to a medical facility is still recommended. Treatment is desirable if irritation persists for several weeks, interferes with normal life activity, affects an impressive part of the body, is accompanied by other manifestations - rash, burning sensation, bleeding, weight loss, drowsiness, and so on.

What causes itchy skin without rashes

The causes of itchy skin without rashes can be of different nature, and diagnosis is often difficult, because such manifestations cannot be recorded in the photo. Skin dermatitis very often accompanies systemic diseases, while external signs - crusts, plaques, blisters - may or may not be.

1. 1. In cholestatic liver disease, the first symptom, for a long time, is itching. For treatment, medicines containing Kolestyramine (Cholestyramine, Vazozan, Kvantalan, Lipokol) are used, which cleanse the bile streams, thereby reducing the manifestations of irritation;
   2. Diabetes mellitus affects the processes of removing toxins from the body. Lipid-fat metabolism is also disrupted, which leads to dehydration of the skin. Sometimes there are no rashes, but more often from the type of diabetic dermatitis, yellowish plaques, red spots, blisters of gray or red shades appear on the body. Treatment in this case is aimed at reducing blood sugar, which greatly reduces the urge to scratch;

3. Psychosomatic and mental disorders are also characterized by the scratching reflex. How to treat itchy skin without external manifestations in this case depends on the form of the disease. With a mild form, the patient is prescribed sedatives, often of plant origin - valerian, motherwort, passionflower extract. In more severe cases, antidepressants and psychotherapy are used;

4. Diseases of the blood are often accompanied by skin irritation. With Hodgkin's lymphoma, the lower extremities itch. The irritation increases as the disease progresses. Treatment involves radiation therapy. In case of Vakez's disease, in addition to the desire to scratch, the spleen increases, angina pectoris is observed and bleeding opens. Favorable prognosis is observed in patients treated with imifos. Itching sensations with anemia are no less common. Symptoms disappear as soon as the iron deficiency is replenished.

Local itching and flaking of the skin

• • Itching and flaking of the skin is inherent in a disease such as psoriasis. This is a chronic inflammation, the causes of which are not fully understood. The skin is covered with spots with whitish scales. Characteristic rashes are found on the elbows, knees, at the edge of the scalp. When combing the plaques, a pink film is found on the surface, tearing off which can provoke a symptom of blood dew. Today, ointments based on solidol (Magnipsor, Cytopsor, Antipsor) are widely used against psoriasis, diet, sanatorium treatment (climate change has a beneficial effect in most cases), phototherapy and other methods;

• • Itchy skin is associated with scabies caused by the scabies mite. In this disorder, itching between the fingers, on the wrists, on the surface of the abdomen and groin area. Unpleasant sensations increase at night, spreading to new areas. The disease is contagious, it is very important to disinfect the premises. To eliminate symptoms, sulfur-based ointments, benzyl benzonate, Spregal spray, Permethrin (ointment, spray, lotion) and other drugs are used. Traditional medicine proposes to fight the disease with the help of turpentine, celandine juice, bay leaves and other mixtures of herbs and animal products;

Why does severe itching spread throughout the body

We have already considered the possible circumstances in which severe itching occurs throughout the body. Naturally, this is not the entire list of disorders in which itching is observed. There are also hormonal changes (pregnancy), age-related changes, a reaction to drugs (for example, to a concentrate for hemodialysis), and so on.

It is a mistake to believe that irritation manifests itself only on the outer skin. According to statistics, there are no less cases when the mucous parts of the body itch.

• A wish . This is the defeat of pinworms, hemorrhoids, rectal diseases, fistulas, prostatitis and others;
• Genital itching - thrush, chlamydia, ureaplasmosis, gonorrhea, vaginosis, colpitis and so on;
• Irritation - stomatitis, reaction to the prosthesis, allergies.

The causes of subcutaneous itching may coincide with dermatitis of the outer skin. In most cases, it is characteristic of systemic ailments and requires close attention from qualified personnel of a medical institution.

Be healthy!

It has long been believed that the condition of the scalp and scalp is an indicator of human health. Therefore, if you have any problems with your hair and scalp, you should immediately consult a doctor.

One of the most common problems is an itchy scalp. Itching is an inflammatory response of the body to a specific stimulus, however, in some cases, a phenomenon that causes a feeling of discomfort may signal the presence of a disease.

Causes of itching of the skin

There are a huge number of reasons provoking the onset of itching of the scalp.

The head may itch in the following cases:

Visit a dermatologist or trichologist for effective treatmentto identify the cause of the itchy scalp.

Having identified the cause that provoked the itching of the scalp, you must immediately start complex treatment:

Treatment of an itchy head should be comprehensive.

Medicines (medicines are prescribed by a doctor);

• Traditional medicine (use proven recipes, stick to dosages, test for allergic reactions);
• Professional cosmetics (carefully read the composition of the product, familiarize yourself with its main properties before purchasing and using).

Itchy head treatment

If the identified cause that provokes the itching of the scalp does not require medication, you can deal with its elimination yourself at home.

Folk remedies

You can prepare masks and decoctions yourself at home. The following recipes can be used to treat an itchy scalp.

Mint broth

To prepare mint broth, take:

• 2 tbsp. l. dried mint;
• 200 ml of water.

Put 2 tablespoons in a saucepan. l. dried mint leaves, fill with water - 200 ml. Place the container on the stove and cook for 15 minutes. Then remove the pan from the stove, cover tightly and wrap it up with a terry towel. Insist the remedy for 30-60 minutes. Strain the broth through cheesecloth, pour into a clean container.

Rub the mint broth into the scalp, after 30 minutes, rinse. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times a week.

Onion broth

To prepare a decoction that relieves itching, stock up on:

• 2 tbsp. l. onion peel;
• 200 ml of water.

Put onion skins in a saucepan - 2 tbsp. l., fill with water - 200 ml. Place the container on the stove and cook for 15 minutes. Then remove the pot from the stove, cover and wrap with a towel. Let the broth brew for 1 hour. Strain the product, pour into a clean container.

Use onion broth to rinse your hair twice a week.

Apple mask

To prepare a mask that effectively fights against itching, you will need:

• 1 large apple.

Puree 1 apple using a meat grinder, blender or grater. Rub the apple mask into the scalp. After 30-40 minutes, wash off the puree with shampoo. Apply the itch reliever 2-3 times a week.

Apple cider vinegar mask

For the mask you will need:

• 2 tbsp. l. apple cider vinegar;
• 1 liter of water.

Apple cider vinegar - 2 tbsp l. dilute in water - 1 liter. Massage into scalp before washing hair for a week.

Tincture based on sage and chamomile

To prepare the tincture, stock up on:

• 1 tsp dried sage;
• 1 tsp dried flower chamomile inflorescences.
• 200 ml of water.

Put sage and chamomile in a container - 1 tsp each, pour boiling water over - 200 ml. Leave the product to infuse for 1 hour. Strain the herbal tincture. Apply the itch compress for 20 minutes for 7 days.

If folk remedies don't work, see your doctor.

Professional remedies

Use products with the following properties:

• Calming;
• Antifungal;
• Antibacterial;
• Anti-inflammatory;
• Antihistamines;
• Healing.

The composition of medicinal cosmetics should contain the following components:

If there is no positive result from medicines, visit the doctor a second time.

With the correct identification of the cause provoking the occurrence of itching of the skin, and proper treatment, the problem will cease to bother in a short time.

Update: October 2018

Often, itching is caused by an individual intolerance to a substance that has gotten either on the skin or inside the body - through the mouth or by injection. It can occur with thermal, mechanical or electrical stimulation of skin receptors. The symptom also notifies of an excess in the blood and other substances, in addition to the histamine that appears with allergies. Some of these diseases can be life-threatening.

Where does the itching sensation come from?

An imperative desire to scratch an area of \u200b\u200bthe skin arises when blood with a high concentration of dissolved in it rushes to the pain receptors (nociceptors), spread out in the form of a network under the layer of epithelial cells:

• histamine and / or histidine. These substances are formed in excess by immune cells when some - for each organism certain - foreign proteins enter the body;
• bile acids produced in the liver. They enter the skin cells and cannot leave them with the development of such a condition as cholestasis - when bile cannot completely enter the duodenum, and is forced to stagnate in the cells of the liver and biliary tract;
• serotonin - a substance formed from an amino acid, which, when released, leads to a significant contraction of smooth muscles located in blood vessels and internal organs. It is a neurotransmitter, that is, a chemical compound, due to which the connection between nerve endings is carried out (from a nerve to a nerve, the signal does not pass as electricity, but as a bubble with a chemical substance, depending on the structure of which the activity of the neuron can be inhibited or activated). Its structure is very similar to the psychoactive hallucinogen LSD;
• cytokines - molecules that make it possible for immune cells to communicate;
• endorphins - natural pain relieving molecules;
• nitrogenous toxins that accumulate in the blood during kidney disease;
• some other bioactive substances: thyroid hormone calcitonin, pancreatic enzymes (trypsin, kallikrein), VIP neuropeptides and P.

Since each person's body has its own characteristics, no direct relationship has been found between the concentration of the above substances and the severity of the need to produce mechanical stimulation. Thus, severe itching in one individual may accompany the initial stage of renal failure, while in another it will not appear even in the terminal stage of uremia.

Itching is "subject" only to the skin and those mucous membranes, the layer of epithelial cells in which is in contact with the external environment and is located near the skin: gums, tongue, genitals. The signal from the pain receptors located under them travels along the nerve fibers of the C and A-delta types, reaches the spinal cord and, together with its structures, is delivered to the brain, to its sensitive area.

Itching can be of a different nature: from mild "tickling" to severe, painful. Its nature dictates to a person how to "process" its localization:

• comb: this is more typical for skin pathologies such as neurodermatitis or eczema;
• rub gently: inherent in lichen planus;
• cool (typical for acute urticaria).

However, based on these characteristics alone, a diagnosis is not made. In determining the cause of the itching of the skin of the body, it is important:

• its localization;
• the condition of the skin in the place of such sensations;
• conditions for the appearance and relief of itching;
• additional symptoms.

Let's consider the combination of these factors to make it easier to be examined and choose exactly the specialist who can quickly alleviate your condition.

Types of itching

The prevalence of the symptom is the main criterion for diagnosing the cause of itching. Based on this measure, pruritus (this is the name of itching in medicine), can be:

• Localized (a person can point to a specific place where itching is felt).
• Generalized (throughout the body, not necessarily at the same time).

Generalized itching

Itching, accompanied by changes in the skin

This symptom speaks in favor of pathologies that are in the competence of dermatologists. That is, local changes are accompanied by skin diseases that are less dangerous than systemic diseases.

Diseases accompanied by redness of the skin

Itching and redness of the skin is more common with inflammatory or allergic conditions. It:

• Contact dermatitis: irritation and itching are located in the area that has come into contact with the allergen. The boundaries of redness are clear. For diagnostics, you need to remember what new places you have been, what new means of household chemicals you started to use, what clothes or accessory you put on directly on your skin. For example, redness in the underarm areas can be associated with wearing a new woolen sweater / dress or clothes that are familiar but washed with new powder. And the itchy skin of the hands - with the use of a new cream or other chemical agent. A characteristic feature of this disease is the complete disappearance of symptoms after the end of the action of the allergen.
• Atopic dermatitis - a disease that affects more often children, but can also occur in adults. Its reasons are an allergen, most often taken by mouth, with food. In children, redness is located mainly on the skin of the face (on the cheeks), the flexor surface of the knees and elbows. In adults: the face is excluded, the wrists, knees and elbows may blush on their folds.

Combination of itching and rash

Disease	Type of rash	Localization, features
Contact dermatitis	Redness with a well-defined border, at the top of the redness there may be bubbles	Anywhere. Can recall contact with clothing / accessory / chemical
Hives. If such blisters protruding above the cover appeared after mechanical friction of this area - dermographic urticaria	Redness with a border, protruding above the level of the skin, prone to merging with each other, similar to a trace of a blow from nettles	Anywhere
Bullous pemphigoid	At first, redness, rising above the skin, after which a bubble of intense properties appears in this place	In places where rubbing occurs with clothing or accessories (belt of a bag, watch)
Eczema	At first, redness, edema, having a clear shape, then bubbles appear here, some of which break open, crusts develop in their place. In one place, elements of several stages are observed at once (redness, bubbles, crusts)	Symmetrical skin areas, often on the limbs (especially the upper ones), as well as the face
Limited neurodermatitis	Dry plaques, around which there may be red spots that do not have clear boundaries with healthy skin	On the lateral surfaces of the neck, in the folds
Diffuse neurodermatitis	In adults - dried spots on the skin, surrounded by a reddish corolla, without a sharp transition to healthy skin	Eyelids, feet, lips, brushes. Maybe all over the body.
	Swelling and redness, swelling and peeling, there may be red rashes, blisters or crusts on top	In children - after the introduction of complementary foods - on the cheeks, neck area, upper extremities
	Small spots of various shapes protruding above the skin, shiny	At 2 years of age, located in the area of \u200b\u200bfolds
T cell lymphoma	Red, itchy, oval skin rashes	Locations not exposed to sunlight
Lichen planus	Violet, polygonal loose elements, with scales, towering over a healthy integument	Flexor surface of the wrists
Folliculitis	Vesicles and pustules	Hips, back, chest
Psoriasis	Silvery plaques, on top of which - peeling	Extension surface of the limbs, itching of the scalp and neck, palms and soles
Scabies	Paired black dots are visible	Arms, armpits, abdomen, genitals

Combination of itching and skin flaking

Itching accompanies peeling of the skin in such cases:

• The outcome of an allergic reaction that manifested itself as urticaria. The allergy could be caused by:
  • products;
  • medicines;
  • saliva of animals;
  • household and other chemicals;
  • insect bites;
  • cosmetics.
• Eczema. At the same time, various types of blisters and redness were initially noted. These elements are localized, as well as peeling after them, often symmetrically on the arms or legs, as well as on the face.
• Dysfunction of the ovaries, thyroid or. In this case, other symptoms will also be noted. For example, insufficient thyroid function is characterized by weight gain, dryness and itching of the skin of the body, in later stages - a slowdown in mental reactions. To change the work of the ovaries - irregularities in the cycle, difficulty getting pregnant, and so on.
• "Settling" in the intestines of worms can also cause itchy peeling of the skin of the whole body.
• If mainly the face peels off, it itches, itches, there is rapid eye fatigue, eyelash loss, frequent "sourness" of the eyes, the reason may be infection with an eyelash mite, Demodex.
• Another cause of itching can be diabetes mellitus. In this case, there are no loose elements, but there are general symptoms: hunger, thirst, frequent urination, easy accession of a pustular infection and poor wound healing.
• Itching and flaking that appears after signs of acute respiratory viral infections, arising from spots of symmetrical outlines, located more often on the trunk and hips, may be signs of pink lichen. To make an accurate diagnosis, you need a consultation with a dermatologist.
• Peeling and itching of the skin of the feet and palms can indicate their fungal infection.
• and itchy scalp may be signs of:
  • disease caused by the fungus Pityrosporum Ovale;
  • psoriasis, in which dandruff is severe;
  • folliculitis;
  • buying bad shampoo.

If itching is accompanied by a burning sensation

Burning and itching most often occurs at the site of skin inflammation. This can be a reaction to mechanical irritation when shaving, using a depilatory or waxing. Poorly healing inflammation in diabetes mellitus is also possible, which burns due to changes in tissue pH as a result of this metabolic disease. Burning and itching can be accompanied by diseases of the veins of the lower extremities - then the skin may be edematous, a little cyanotic, but without any visible rash.

A combination of these two symptoms can develop in a person when a rash appears (see the appropriate section) - as an individual reaction to eczema, neurodermatitis, urticaria or other dermatitis.

Other symptoms that may indicate the cause of the itching

The symptom may also indicate systemic diseases:

• with cholestasis, in addition to itching, there is also yellowness, if not of the entire skin, then the whites of the eyes. Itching often appears in places that rub against clothing, worse at night;
• the smell of urine from the body, dry skin sprinkled with white "powder" and its itching, change in the amount or color of urine indicates renal failure;
• itching of the skin after taking a warm bath / shower is characteristic of erythremia - a pathology when the number of red blood cells is much higher than normal.

However, if the skin itches for some time after bathing (shower, bath) only in the heating season, it is possible that the skin reacts to "technical" hot water in the tap, containing various harmful impurities. If itching is felt after swimming and in summer, it may be because the water is very hard and high in chlorine.

Itching without other symptoms

When an itch appears, and there is no dryness, no “powder”, no spots, no changes in its color on the skin, it can be:

• disease of the hematopoietic system, in particular, lymphogranulomatosis. Need a consultation with a therapist who probes a person's lymph nodes, prescribes and deciphers a hemogram and other blood tests and sends them to a hematologist or oncologist;
• senile itching that appears after 60 years for an unknown reason. But, even if you fit into this category, you need to exclude more serious diseases;
• mental or neurological illnesssymptoms of which you may not notice in yourself;
• intestinal population by helminths, which can be excluded by analyzing feces for their eggs, as well as blood tests for antibodies to worms. To appoint such a diagnosis is the lot of an infectious disease doctor (it can be found in the clinic in the office with the abbreviation "KIZ").

In any case, you may not notice the symptoms that a qualified doctor will pay attention to, so if you experience itching, contact him.

Treatment

Treatment of itchy skin is prescribed after an examination, the purpose of which is to identify the cause of this condition. The main analyzes that will help clarify the ethology will be:

• general urine and blood tests;
• blood glucose;
• scraping the skin to identify fungi;
• liver and kidney tests (by blood);
• fecal occult blood test;
• determination of helminth eggs in the feces.

While the tests are being performed, antihistamines are prescribed to alleviate the symptoms of itching - if there are no signs of renal or hepatic insufficiency, which the doctor should tell you about - Edem, Fenistil, Diazolin, which do not cause drowsiness, or drugs are more powerful, but with this effect ("Suprastin", "Tavegil").

With a localized lesion, an anti-allergic ointment for itchy skin can be used, for example, "Sinaflan", "Akriderm", "Apulein", hydrocortisone ointment or other corticosteroid agents. Sometimes other local drugs of non-hormonal origin are prescribed - "Prograf" or "Elidel".

If itching is caused by cholestasis, bile acid-absorbing drugs are used with success. When the cause of the symptom lies in a blood disease, specific agents are used - inhibitors of monoclonal antibodies. Psoriasis is treated with a combination of local and systemic drugs that normalize skin cell division.

In the case of severe itching, weak opiates are prescribed, and the treatment is supplemented with hirudotherapy, ultraviolet irradiation of the skin, etc.

Thus, the causes of itchy scalp and body are manifold. Most often, these are various allergic reactions to both the substance that has got inside the body and to the one that touches the skin. But there may be life-threatening kidney, liver or even blood diseases. To clarify the reason and choose a treatment, you need to undergo a comprehensive examination.