People suffer itchy skin for many reasons. It may be an allergic reaction, a disease, or an immune system deficiency. No matter what the cause, the worst thing one can do is to scratch the skin. Most people who suffer from itchy skin have some sort of a rash, which can appear as bumps, rough leathery skin, dry cracked skin and more.
Below are a few common reasons for itchy skin and ways to help combat the itch:
Eczema can be a life long condition and is thought to be caused by a malfunction of the immune system. Most people experience eczema as children. Certain triggers can bring on an outbreak such as rough, itchy materials against the skin, certain foods including eggs, fish, milk, soy and what. To help treat it, apply a cold or cool compress to itchy skin. Applying anti-itching creams such as oatmeal creams like Aveeno, or corticosteroid creams may help relieve symptoms. Keeping skin moisturized will also help.
Poison oak, poison ivy, poison sumac and more. Exposure to any one of these plants can cause a rash on the skin in a mild or severe manner. Scratching tends to spread the rash to other parts of the body. If you experience a rash or blister-like symptoms, scrub the body gently to get any oils off. Taking cool baths or using oatmeal-based lotions may also reduce itching. For more severe cases, a physician should be consulted. Most often corticosteroid creams will be prescribed. Most rashes run their course in a couple of weeks.
Liver or kidney disease, cancer and lymphoma may all cause itchy skin on the body. It is imperative if symptoms don't clear up after a couple of weeks to consult a medical professional to ascertain the root cause of the problem.
Allergic reactions to certain drugs may also cause the skin to itch. If you believe a drug you have been prescribed is causing you to itch, be sure to consult your doctor to see if he recommends changing drugs. Never stop or interrupt medication without consulting a medical professional.
No matter what the symptoms, itchy skin may be more than irritating. It may cause you to lose sleep, become irritable or may interfere with your ability to do your job. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, consult a doctor or physician. If other symptoms appear alongside itchy skin, be sure to make an appointment with a medical professional, as there may be a more serious complications occurring with vital organs.
If your symptoms persist for more than a couple of weeks consult a physician or doctor. Keep a journal of potential triggers to help stay away from them. Become familiar with what poison oak, poison ivy and poison sumac look like and avoid them at all costs. Keep skin moisturized.
