Itchy skin: why does the skin itch?

Itchy skin: why does the skin itch?

The appearance of itchy skin that gives this itchy feeling can cause significant stress that aggravates the phenomenon. Finding the cause of this itching is always very difficult and sometimes requires a lot of patience.

Photo Karolina Grabowska in pexels

Symptoms: itchy face, legs...

Itchy skin, or "pruritus", is a common problem. Itching is clinically defined as the subjective, unpleasant sensation of needing to scratch the skin.

This is not a disease, but a symptom felt when the skin sends a nervous message that there is an underlying problem.

Depending on the cause, this itching can appear when it is cold or hot, in the morning or at night, with or without shin, with or without swelling and in any part of the body: leg, face, abdomen (in the liver), etc.

Causes: allergies, eczema, dryness, stress, diabetes

Many causes can cause this unpleasant itching sensation on the skin.

Depending on whether they refer to a specific area of skin that covers it, or if they are diffuse over a large part of the body, and if there are possible visible skin lesions, the causes will be different.

In the case of localized itching, it can be :

• Insect bite,
• by contact with a stinging plant similar to a nettle,
• eczema.

If the itching is more extensive, it can be..:

• of dry skin,
• of hives,
• A parasite like scabies,
• chickenpox,
• a more or less serious disease such as a liver or kidney pathology.
• other infectious diseases related to a fungus (a mycosis), a virus such as chickenpox or a bacterium,
• allergies, or medications
• sometimes itching is related to diabetes, intoxication, stress, cancer...

Diagnosis

When the itching persists or worsens, the treating physician proposes a check-up to investigate the cause and propose treatment. If necessary, a dermatological or gastroenterological opinion can complete the treatment.

Itchy skin: when to consult?

You should always consult your doctor, who will probably do a blood test and can advise you, if he considers it useful, on antihistamine medication.

"If your skin itches, it's normal to have a scratching reflex to relieve it, but don't forget that this can also have unfortunate consequences such as skin irritation, aggravation of itching and increased risk of infection.

To avoid this, I advise you to gently massage the itchy area with the palm of your hand instead, applying a little pressure," says Dr. Claire Lewandowski, a doctor specializing in general medicine.

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