Itch (Lat. pruritus) is a skin sensation that provokes a desire to scratch. Skin Itching problem arise when some things produced by the body, such as histamine or binary salts, or those coming from the outside such as nickel or wool, irritate the skin’s nerve endings.

The following tests may be needed to diagnose the skin itching:

• Body temperature and weight should be measured.
• Body should be examined to find parasites, rash, jaundice, painful spots and other skin changes which include sensitive areas.
• Chest X-ray
• Abdominal ultrasound
• Urine tests
• If an allergy is suspected, skin tests and blood tests should be done.
• Diet trials may reveal food intolerances so should be done.

What to do to get rid of Skin Itching

1. Avoid Scratching. Scratching may cause more itch, so resist to scratch, if possible.

2. Washing body

3. Maintain cool

4. Moisturizers

5. Antipruritics – Medications and Remedies against skin itching

6. Antimicrobials

In case of bacterial, parasitic or fungal infections, antimicrobial soaps or ointments or oral or injected antibiotics might be required. In some viral infections, acyclovir per mouth or as ointments may help.

7. Phototherapy

Phototherapy using ultraviolet UV-B rays is effective in severe skin itching (aquagenic pruritus, atopic dermatitis and AIDS). PUVA or Psoralen Untraviolet- a phototherapy can help in case of polycythemia problem.

8. Treat the Cause

The cause of itchiness can be treated successfully in bacterial and fungal infections and parasites. Most kidney and several cancers and even hormonal disorders can be successfully treated.

9. Wait and Prevent

Sometimes treatment of the cause is not possible, rather not necessary, so waiting that a disease heals by itself, and prevention of its re-occurrence is recommended. This may apply for:

• Most viral skin infections
• Contact dermatitis
• Viral hepatitis
• Allergies

Itch Prevention and control measures:

Measures to reduce possibility to get Skin Itching condition include:

• Regularly bathing or showering, taking head baths twice a week, washing hands to avoid contracting parasites or problem of infection, washing the sports kit after every time of use.
• Avoiding spices, caffeine and alcohol as these expand the skin vessels which results in skin heating.
• Wearing clothes which are loose, light and are made of materials which can soak up sweat.
• Making use of protective wear while dealing with irritants such as detergents or fiberglass to avoid Skin Itching.
• Protecting against sun and wind by using appropriate clothes and creams
• Limiting cosmetic use.

Also Read:

• Different Itching Causes: Skin Mites and Dust mites
• Itching Hands and Arms : Causes and Treatments
• What is AIDS (HIV)? Control, Prevention & Common Myths and Facts
• Itchy Eyes – Causes, reasons, prevention and treatment
• Itchy legs – Causes, reasons, prevention and treatment

by admin on 04. Apr, 2010 in Diseases and Conditions