ITCHING

Overview & Facts

Itchy skin, also known as pruritus, is an irritating and uncontrollable sensation that makes you want to scratch to relieve the feeling. The possible causes for itchiness range from internal illnesses, such as kidney or liver disease, to skin rashes, allergies, and dermatitis.

Types & Symptoms

Many common skin conditions can cause itchy skin. The following can affect any area of skin on the body:

  • Dermatitis: inflammation of the skin.
  • Eczema: a chronic skin disorder that includes itchy, scaly rashes.
  • Psoriasis: an autoimmune disease that causes skin redness and irritation, usually in the form of plaques.
  • Dermatographism: a raised, red, itchy rash caused by pressure on the skin.

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis of pruritus involves a thorough history taking by the physician. It may also include several tests to determine the cause of the inflamed and irritated skin. These tests include:

  • Blood test: may indicate an underlying condition
  • Test of your thyroid function: can rule out thyroid issues
  • Skin test: to determine if you’re having an allergic reaction to something
  • Scraping or biopsy of your skin: can determine if you have an infection

 

RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS

Antihistamines and/or emollients offer relief to pruritic patients.

Related Articles

TETRALOGY OF FALLOT

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect that affects the [...]

TRICHINOSIS

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Trichinosis, also known as trichinellosis, is a parasitic infection caused by [...]

TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Trigeminal neuralgia is a neurological condition characterized by severe facial pain. [...]