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Severe itching of the skin

Itchy skin is a symptom of any disease: systemic or dermatological. In addition, itching of the skin may occur due to excessive dryness, lack of hygiene, etc.

Among the causes of pruritus are:

  • Diseases of the liver and biliary tract. Disorders that cause skin itching – cirrhosis, hepatitis, cancer of head of pancreas, primary sclerosing cholangitis, obstruction of the large bile duct and major duodenal papilla tumors or stones, infection with Giardia, cholestasis (see also: treatment of liver folk remedies);

  • Kidney disease, particularly renal failure. Patients with uremia, especially in the terminal stage of the disease, suffer from a pronounced itching. The more disturbed functional ability of the kidneys, the stronger the itchy skin. It contributes to the weakening of the dialysis, but renal itching this procedure is still not able;
  • Diseases of the thyroid gland. Up to 10% of patients with hyperthyroidism indicate a pronounced persistent generalized itching. The itching often affects people with diffuse goiter, which for a long time is not subjected to treatment. Scientists believe that itching occurs in this case due to the high blood flow to the skin, which leads to a local increase in temperature;

    Another cause of itching skin in hyperthyroidism is the development of chronic urticaria. If the patient is diagnosed with urticaria, it makes sense to suspect the autoimmune nature of thyroid disease. In addition, patients with myxedema (an extreme form of hypothyroidism) also complain of itching. It is caused by excessive drying of the skin and gives the patient a serious concern;

  • Carcinoid syndrome. Itching caused due to frequent tides in the head and neck, especially against the backdrop of previous stress, overeating or drinking alcohol;

  • Diabetes. Patients with elevated levels of glucose in the blood, often suffer from genital itching. He developed Candida is caused by lesions of the mucous membranes. In the area of scalp itching appears in diabetic neuropathy. With regard to generalized itching, in diabetes, as a symptom, which is quite rare. If sickcomplain of generalized itching, most often it is associated with the metabolic disturbances of diabetes mellitus on the background of kidney damage;

  • Hematological disease. Among these pathologies are: Hodgkin's disease, various lymphomas, polycythemia Vera, leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, myeloma, mastocytosis, paraproteinemia, macroglobulinemia waldenstrom's.

    • When polycythemia Vera is almost 50% of patients complain of pruritus generalized type. Most often it occurs after contact with the liquid. That is why this itching is often called the marine. Sometimes itching appears much earlier in the disease and may precede him for the next few years. Helps to relieve itching, aspirin, antihistamines are ineffective, although the level of histamine in the blood of such patients is elevated;
    • Itching may accompany iron deficiency anemia. Its severity is not related to the degree of anemia, but after treatment of the underlying disease, this symptom disappears quickly;
    • With chlamydia itching to complain up to 30% of patients. He pursues the man as during acute disease and during remission. Most often it is localized in the lower extremities, gradually moving to the lower part of the body, and later spreading to the whole body. Itching accompanied by burning sensation, most of all disturbs the patient at night;
    • Itching in lymphoma is not as common, although patients with a syndrome of Sezari he is recorded as a complaint always. Moreover, patients report a painful itch that occurred many years before onset of the disease;
    • Sometimes the itching is accompanied by paraproteinemia, mastocytosis, lymphoma. In some cases scientists have linked its appearance with the increase concentration of serotonin in the other – with rising levels of histamine and other amines.
    • If the disease manages to take control, the itching usually becomes easy to handle.
  • Senile or senile pruritus. Upon reaching 70 years, more than 50% of people experience itching of the skin. Most often it is associated with excessive dryness of the skin, when they are no longer able to hold the liquid, and the efficiency of the sweat and sebaceous glands is disturbed. Additional risk factors of pruritus are overheating the skin (in older age, people begin to dress warmer), dry air, frequent trips to the shower. In addition, elderly people become more susceptible to histamine, they have a falling regenerative function of the skin, food is scarce, they oftenexperiencing depression. These or other factors result in pruritus after the age of 70 years;
  • The itch of the human immunodeficiency virus. Often HIV-infected people complain of disturbing itchy skin. In 92% of cases it is associated with concomitant infections that develop due to a drop in immune strength. With the progression of the underlying disease itching can cause excessive dryness of the skin. Much itching especially worried patients in the cold season;
  • Mental disorders: psychogenic itching. Itching may be triggered by conditions such as stress, overwork, a high level of anxiety, depression. It is the latter factor more than the others affects of itching. In the development of depression in the blood, increasing the level of dopamine, serotonin and other internal opioids, leading to the development of itching. In addition, people with mental illness can experience generalized itching, which they attributed parasitism that is actually an illusion. Parasitophobia is quite Intrusive, and ill even give the doctor a variety of evidence of self-infection.
  • Periarteritis nodosa and other systemic diseases;
  • Diseases of the nervous system: brain tumors, multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis itching starts suddenly and stops after a few seconds. In severe attack of pruritus people can Wake up in the night.

    • Itching may appear after some time after suffering a cerebral hemorrhage. It is manifested on the opposite side from the injury of the brain, in addition, there are motor and sensory impairments;
    • Postherpetic neuralgia – one cause of itching which is accompanied by painful sensations.
  • Allergic reactions. Contact dermatitis can occur due to application to the skin of different medications, due to the use of unsuitable cosmetics or detergents. Could provoke an contact with clothing, chemicals manufacturing, wearing ornaments and jewelry.

    • Allergic urticaria occurs after ingestion of allergens inside, during therapy wrong person drugs, from the effects of dust due toinsect bites, as a result of temperature changes under the influence of cold and light;

    • Eczema often occurs in people who are prone to allergic reactions. It also can develop on the background of chronic diseases, after vaccination or medication, can be the body's response to stress or eating allergenic foods.

  • Infestation. In this case we are talking about a helminth infection in which itching occurs in the area of the anus, but can also spread throughout the body.

    • Skin itching causes head licewhen mainly itchy scalp, whiskey and neck. Sometimes the lice lesions are the eyelashes and eyebrows. The longer the hair, the greater will be itching;

    • A itching is another cause of pruritus. The parasites live in the folds of clothing and striking places are the most frequent contact of the skin and things;
    • Ftiras or pubic lice – the itching of the skin. In this case it is scratched mainly inguinal region. However, lice can also hit the region of the ears, mustaches, beards, eyebrows and eyelashes;
    • When demodectic mange mites cause itching – zeleznice. They affect the hair follicles of a person, his sebaceous glands;

    • Cause itching can itch when the skin is affected by microscopic mites. The mite damages the skin of the hands, the elbow, the skin of the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, and breast.
  • Fungal skin. Keratomycosis in which the lesion is exposed to the stratum corneum of the skin. Itching can cause diseases such as erythrasma, tinea versicolor, and actinomycosis.

    • Itching also can be caused by tinea, which affects the epidermis. Among such diseases of the athlete, favus, trichophytosis;
    • Candidiasis of the skin most often develops in people with overweight, and among children with poor hygiene;
    • Severe itching of the skin of the body can also be triggered by fungal disease such as ringworm.
  • Beriberi. Often itchiness is associated with dryness of the skin. It is able to provoke a shortage of vitamin A, b vitamins, vitamin C. in addition, negatively affects the condition of the skin zinc deficiency. With its lack at the start of human skin problems – acne, boils, causing itchy skin;
  • violations of the rules of hygiene. The poor personal hygiene is the most obvious cause, can lead to itching of the skin;
  • Menopause. Itching during menopause is most often affects the genitals and it is connected with hormonal changes in the body;
  • Folliculitis. One of the symptoms of the disease may become intense itching in the folliculitis. It is especially hard tolerated itching when you have many inflamed follicles;
  • Atopic dermatitis. In atopic eczema there is itching, rashes and redness, peeling;
  • Insect bites, including flea bites during the night;

  • Psoriasis. Itching in psoriasis often bothers the person with the progressive course of the disease. In addition to itching, the patient suffers from pronounced peeling in the affected area.

  • Spots on the skin and itching – what does it mean?

    If the occurrence of pruritus accompanied by the appearance of spots, it is often evidence of skin disease, not a systemic pathology. May people suffer from allergies or inflammation, among which are contact and atopic dermatitis. See also: Atopic dermatitis in adults and children.

    • For contact dermatitis itching and spots are localized in the place where there was contact of the allergen with the skin. Redness have defined borders. To determine the allergen yourself, you should think about the new hygiene, about buying a new washing powder or stuff, etc. Contact dermatitis is characterized in that after removal of the allergen, an inflammatory reaction of the skin and itching own eliminated.
    • With regard to atopic dermatitis, it most often is diagnosed in childhood, although it sometimes affects adults. The reason also lies in allergic reactions, however, it occurs in response to the allergen is ingested by the body. If you have children in blush, first and foremost, cheeks, adults – elbows, knees (bend), as well as the wrist.
    • If the skin appeared red spot, it itches and is on the site of previously obtained injuries, this symptom often indicates diabetes mellitus. Mainlysuch spots are formed on the lower limbs.
    • Sometimes the red spots are the signs of psoriasis, they may itch, but can not cause any discomfort.
    • Itchy red spots on lower extremities, which later becomes darker, may indicate venous disorders.
    • Photodermatosis is another reason the emergence of different form itchy spots. They can rise above the surface of the skin, can be in the form of bubbles can be at the same level with the rest of the skin.
    • Lichen planus is also seen in the form of itchy spots, towering above the skin. Often these spots are formed on the feet and the Shin may have a purple shade and merge, forming larger spots.
    • Ringworm also manifests itself in the form of spots that have clear boundaries and rounded shape. On the periphery of this itchy spot is pink cushion, is represented by bubbles and nodules.
    • As for eczema, it is also characterized by red spots, which the disease progresses transformirovalsya in bubbles and then reveal. Itching may be present, but sometimes eczema is not to scratch the sore place.
    • Urticaria is itch and blisters protruding above the surface of the skin.
    • Bullous pemphigoid usually appears in areas of maximum friction with clothes and accessories.
    • Also cause the appearance of itchy spots may be limited or atopic dermatitis.

    Skin rash with itching in adults

    Itchy rash on the skin of an adult can indicate following diseases:

    • Eczema appears as a spot, on which subsequently formed bubbles, and after their opening – brown;
    • T-cell lymphoma is accompanied by a rash appears in places that most often come into contact with ultraviolet rays;
    • Folliculitis is characterized by the formation of small bubbles, which subsequently are filled with purulent contents;
    • Scabies manifests itself in the form of a bubble rash, which is red in color and transparent content. Under the skin visible tick moves;
    • Allergic dermatitis can also take the form of small or large rash. Her appearance is accompanied by pruritus;
    • Diseases of the internal organs (liver, kidney), disorders of blood can manifest in the form of small itchy rashes on the skin.

    If skin rash appears, accompanieditching, you must appeal to the doctor and clarify their causes.


    The types of itching on the skin

    Depending on the cause and origin of pruritus, there are the following types:

    • Proprioceptive (arising in response to stimulation of C-fibers by pruritogens) example – itching with scabies, insect bites;
    • Neuropathic (arising from damage to the nervous system) example – itching neuralgia and thrombosis;
    • Neurogenic (has a Central origin, does not depend on nerve pathologies), example – cholestasis;
    • Psychogenic (accompanied by mental disorders), example – parasitophobia;
    • Mixed example – itching uremia.

    Depending on the prevalence of the symptom of itching may be localized, when possible to clearly define the itch, and generalized, when all body itches. An example of the localized itching may be scabies, pediculosis, ringworm, atopic dermatitis, etc. Generalized itching occurs in renal failure, with a helminth infection, in diabetes, in gout , etc.


    Methods of treating itch

    In order to get rid of itching, should first define the tactics of treatment of the disease, this symptom is triggered. It is important that vicious circle, which often are the patients with itching (itching – scratching – itching more pronounced), was interrupted.

    Drug treatment is chosen individually, however when excessive dryness of skin must adhere to the following rules:

    • The room where most of the time sick man, must be thoroughly ventilated. It is important that the air remained cool;
    • You should not use too warm blankets for the night time, it is also important to wear light clothing made of natural fabrics. This will avoid overheating;
    • While bathing you need to the water was not too hot;
    • Take shower as often undesirable, especially with soap or gels;
    • Alkaline Soaps should be banned.

    As for the therapy of pruritus in specific diseases, there are the following recommendations:

    1. Renal itch. Usually perform regular dialysis is able to get rid of painful itching in renal failure.Uremic itching eliminates UVB therapy. It can be done before was prescription drugs. Usually enough 12-minute exposure once a day. The number of sessions varies from 6 to 8, the course duration is 3 weeks. Longer treatment with UVB therapy is impractical, as it increases the risk of developing cancer, especially in old age.

      It is also possible the reception of the following medicines:

      • Activated carbon (sometimes assigned to Cholestyramine);
      • Thalidomide, taken before the night's rest allows you to reduce itching 50% of patients with renal insufficiency. However, possible development of side effects, particularly drowsiness and peripheral neuropathy.
      • Antagonists of opioid receptors, for example, Naltrexone. It is possible to use in patients with severe itching;
      • Ondansetron, can be used in the form of suppositories;
      • If the itching is localized form, there shall be Capsaicinoid cream;
      • Antihistamines, for example, Powder, take for 3 weeks.

      However, most doctors are inclined to believe that to completely get rid of the itching is only possible through the operation of kidney transplantation.

    2. Itching caused by cholestasis. For getting rid of discomfort prescribe drugs that reduce the concentration of bile acids in the blood.

      It can be:

      • Ursodeoxycholic acid;
      • Cholestyramine (will not make the itch go away, which is triggered by the blockage of the bile duct stone);
      • Phenobarbital to get rid of itching due to sedative effects;
      • Rifampicin, a potent drug that must be used quite carefully to not disturb liver function;
      • Naloxone, Naltrexone and Nalmefene. With these drugs it is advisable to start treatment of chronic itching;
      • Tavegil, Fixedin, Trexel – are relatively rare, as data regarding their effectiveness is not enough.

      UVB therapy can often help reduce itching after 8 sessions.

    3. Endocrine diseases. Since hypothyroidism itching appears on the background of dry skin, you need adequate skin hydration which is performed on the background of treatment with hormones. After compensation of diabetes mellitus, itching usually go away on their own.

      Diseases of the blood and itching. Therapy of iron deficiency anemia with drugs containing iron, able to relieve the patient from itching. The improvement may be from the first day of treatment.

    4. If the itching triggered by polycythemia Vera, the patient is recommended taking Aspirin, Holestiramina, Cimetidine.

    5. Senile itching. To get rid of senile itching, it is important to perform some common activities aimed at the relief of this symptom. Sometimes prescribe sedatives, but in older persons they are, even in small doses can cause unwanted symptoms.

    6. Skin diseases. The treatment is carried out depending on the specific disease of the skin, which triggers itching. After eliminating this symptom, as a rule, eliminated independently. Therefore, if you notice rashes or spots on the skin should seek the advice of a dermatologist.

    Itching can be a symptom of various diseases, not only of dermatological pathologies. Its causes are diverse, ranging from dry skin to cancer. He itching can be both minor and pronounced, seriously deteriorate the quality of human life. Therefore, itching is always a cause for seeking professional medical advice.