All skin itches. Are you itching? To the doctor! What causes itching. Itching in skin diseases

Skin itching is a specific uncomfortable sensation in the upper layers of the epidermis that occurs in response to irritation of nerve receptors. Itching occurs in response to external or internal stimuli and is considered by some scientists to be a form of pain. Why itching may occur and what to do in such cases, our article will tell.

There are many criteria for assessing itching: by localization, intensity and nature of occurrence. For proper diagnosis and treatment, it is also very important to determine the accompanying symptoms: rash, peeling, hair loss in this area of the body, as well as the formation of cracks and wounds.

Itching is divided into the following categories:

Localized when a certain place itches. This can be the scalp, elbows and inguinal folds, the anus (anal itching), perineum and other parts of the body.
generalized, in which itching occurs throughout the body at once. May indicate the presence of tumors, diseases of internal organs, hormonal imbalance, allergies and mental disorders.

The frequency of occurrence of itching of any localization is also important. Usually, with constant itching, other alarming symptoms also occur: insomnia, irritability, soreness and hypersensitivity of the skin. If the body itches, there is a high risk of scratching and infection in the wounds.

You should definitely visit a dermatologist, even if itching appears without rashes and redness. The doctor can advise local painkillers, as well as, if necessary, appoint a consultation with narrower specialists: an allergist, immunologist or endocrinologist.

Causes of itching without rashes

Most dermatological diseases are manifested precisely by a rash of a different nature. At the same time, there is a certain category of diseases in which there are no skin rashes or they appear slightly. Usually, the skin on the body itches under the influence of the accumulation of toxins and histamines in the upper layers of the epidermis, and there may be several reasons for such phenomena.

The main factors affecting the appearance of itching:

Overdrying of the epidermis due to temperature fluctuations, lack of moisture, or under the influence of external negative factors.
Fungal infections of various localization.
Diseases of the liver and kidneys. In this case, the body is prone to intoxication with metabolic products.
Side effects after taking certain medications.
A negative reaction of the body to stress or deterioration in mental health.
Hormonal imbalance, especially often occurs during pregnancy.
Allergic reaction of the body upon contact with plant pollen, chemicals or toxins.

On the mucous membranes, itching most often occurs with fungal infections (a common example is thrush in women), with some sexually transmitted diseases, or bactericidal inflammation of the skin. In these cases, additional symptoms are added to the main symptom: mainly a rash, the nature of the appearance of itching (more often in the evening and at night), as well as fever, weakness and changes in blood counts. If itching appears without a rash, you should look for other causes.

What diseases does itching of the skin of the body indicate?

Skin itching without the manifestation of rashes may indicate a high content of toxic substances in the blood. These may be metabolic products that are not excreted from the body with liver or kidney dysfunction. Such itching is often called toxic, and it will pass only after the main problem is eliminated.

During pregnancy, complaints of itchy skin are also often received. This is due to hormonal changes in the body, stretching of the skin due to an increase in the abdomen, as well as purely psychological discomfort.

What diseases can cause severe itching:

After taking certain groups of drugs, persistent itching can also be observed. Usually, specific treatment is not required in this case, an unpleasant symptom will disappear after the drug is discontinued. Most often, drugs based on the hormone estrogen (including contraceptives), erythromycin, opium drugs, anabolic steroids, acetylsalicylic acid and its derivatives can “boast” of such an effect.

In what cases you need to see a doctor

Itching is not the most uncomfortable symptom, but it can indicate more serious problems in the body. For any pathologies, you should consult a doctor, but in some cases it may even become vital.

Urgently to the doctor:

Against the background of itching, rashes or purulent wounds appeared.
The temperature has risen.
Itching is accompanied by swelling and star-shaped spots on the body.
There is a mental disorder, behavior changes.
Difficulty breathing, there are signs of anaphylactic shock.

Only a doctor can determine what it may be and the appropriate treatment. Itching is not a separate disease, but only a symptom, so the patient will not get better from temporary measures. If the problem is dry skin, applying moisturizers will fix the problem, but more often than not, persistent itching is a sign of more serious conditions.

How to help yourself if the whole body itches, but there is no rash

Home methods for eliminating such uncomfortable manifestations can be used in extreme cases, when for some reason a visit to a doctor is temporarily unavailable.

To relieve the condition of severe itching will help:

A contrast shower will help relieve itching for a while.
A warm herbal bath will also help relieve discomfort.
If the area of itching is small, you can apply an ice pack or a wet wipe.
Cooling creams with menthol are also used, but only on areas without wounds and rashes.
Mild sedatives (valerian, motherwort tincture) will help get rid of nighttime itching.
To humidify the air in the room, use steam or a proven method - drying wet clothes on a battery.
If you suffer from nighttime itching, you can wear soft gloves on your hands to avoid scratching the skin.

All these measures will help relieve itching if there is no rash. In case of skin reactions, you should definitely go to a dermatologist without self-medication. In some diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, it is necessary to limit contact with water for a while, so a relaxing bath can only do harm.

Prevention measures

You can save yourself from itching in advance. It is enough to follow the rules of hygiene, regularly change underwear and bedding, choosing the most natural and hypoallergenic fabrics. In winter, it is very important to properly care for the skin, preventing it from drying out and chapping. Well "work" daily washing with a warm decoction of herbs that soften and soothe inflamed skin. Detergents should be chosen with the most non-allergenic composition.

It is also very important to follow the principles healthy eating, give up smoking and alcohol, as well as "harmful" foods: canned and smoked food, sweets with chemical composition and carbonated drinks. Timely examination of specialists and control over existing diseases will help prevent the development of serious pathologies. In addition, it is imperative to avoid stressful situations and conflicts.

Itching in different places on the body is an unpleasant symptom. It can occur under the influence of various factors and be a sign of serious diseases. Most often, itching occurs due to irritation of the nerve receptors of the skin. If itching bothers you constantly or has a pronounced localization, you must definitely visit a doctor to determine the causes of this discomfort.

Skin itching is a symptom of many dermatological diseases and often causes unbearable suffering to a person, depriving him of rest and sleep. In most cases, the skin turns red, covered with a rash, and flaky. Sometimes unbearable and obsessive itching throughout the body is not accompanied by any of the listed signs. Let's try to figure out why itching appears without rashes and how to get rid of this problem.

Possible reasons

Itching itself is not a disease, but serves as a signal that some kind of failure has appeared in the body.. After all, the desire to scratch is a response of the nervous system to the impact of any stimuli. Itching that appears all over the body can have many causes. Let's take a closer look at the most common ones.

hepatitis and cirrhosis

Severe itching accompanies many liver diseases, and in most cases it occurs long before all other symptoms. This is due to the fact that the cells of a diseased liver cannot fully cleanse the blood of toxins that accumulate and gradually poison the body.

Hepatic itching begins on the palms and feet, and then spreads throughout the body. Its characteristic feature is the impossibility of elimination with the help of antihistamines.

Most often, with cirrhosis and hepatitis, the body itches at night, causing unbearable suffering to the patient.

Diabetes

Even in the earliest stages of the disease, an increased content of glucose in the blood contributes to the clogging of small vessels with sugar crystals and prevents the normal elimination of toxins. At the same time, the skin, losing moisture, dries up and begins to itch.

Itching in diabetics is localized in the groin, on the genitals, buttocks and abdomen. Sometimes the palms, feet and bends of the elbow joints itch. As a rule, diabetic itching is observed in older and older people, especially in women.

depression and psychosis

This symptom is a frequent companion of many mental and nervous disorders.

Experts have found that under the influence of overvoltage and stress, the body produces an increased amount of histamine, which is the cause of allergic reactions. Nervous itching most often occurs on the arms, legs, or scalp.

In some cases, itchy sensations in mental illness take the form of tactile hallucinations. It seems to the patient that insects or animals are crawling all over the body. More often suffer from such disorders women after 40-45 years.

Oncological diseases

The relationship between itching without a rash and oncology was discovered by physicians back in the 19th century, but the mechanism of its occurrence is still not clear. Most likely, the reason lies in the increase in the level of toxins in the blood, which causes responses in the body. Most often it accompanies cancer of the pancreas, intestines, genitourinary system.

Itching in oncology can have a generalized form or be localized in certain parts of the body. So, with uterine cancer in women, the genitals itch, with neoplasms in the intestines - the area around the anus, with brain cancer - the nostrils.

People who have a hereditary predisposition to oncological diseases, if itching appears without a rash, should go through full examination and pass all the necessary tests to prevent the development of a terrible disease.
Itching in the absence of a rash is caused by the scabies mite, which can become infected through someone else's clothing, bedding, or other household items.

In this case, the stomach, elbow cavities and areas between the fingers most often itch. The sensation is worse in the evening or at night.

Blood diseases

Many blood diseases are accompanied by itching, which can be localized to a specific area or be widespread. The most common cause is iron deficiency anemia, which is characterized by dizziness, pallor of the skin, changes in taste. Itching is concentrated in the pelvic organs, chest or genitals.

Reaction to medication

Cause severe itching of the head and the whole body can take some medicines. More often, the reaction occurs to antibiotics, acetylsalicylic acid, vitamin medications, as well as to oral contraceptives and anabolic steroids.

If itching occurs, you should immediately stop taking the medication and consult a doctor who will prescribe antihistamines or other drugs to eliminate the unpleasant symptom.

Other reasons

Not only the listed diseases can cause itching without skin rashes. Other reasons include the following:

some food;
personal hygiene products;
synthetic clothing or bedding;
washing powder and detergents;
animal hair;
chlorinated bathing water.

In addition, itching can become a harbinger of dermatological diseases, appearing before other symptoms - redness, swelling or rash. It could be on initial stage atopic dermatitis, seborrhea.

Itching during pregnancy

Women who are expecting a baby often complain of constant itching in the abdomen and chest. At the same time, there are no other signs indicating skin diseases. In medical practice, this condition is called "polymorphic dermatosis of pregnant women" and is explained by the natural stretching of the muscles. During this period, a woman's body undergoes hormonal changes, which can also cause itching.

In the vast majority of cases, after childbirth, the unpleasant symptom completely disappears. However, if itching brings discomfort to the expectant mother, then it must be eliminated with the help of medications or folk remedies which should only be prescribed by a doctor.

If the itching in a pregnant woman is localized in the genital area, this may be one of the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis or thrush. In this case, a visit to a dermatologist and gynecologist is required, since the disease can cause serious complications for the mother and the unborn baby.

Senile itching

This diagnosis is often made in people over 65 years of age. It has been observed that men are more likely to experience age-related itching than women. At first, one area itches, and then spreads to the whole body, acquiring a generalized character. Unpleasant sensations appear in the late afternoon and disturb the person throughout the night.

If we exclude the presence of skin or internal diseases, then the cause of senile itching should be sought in age-related changes in the body. Older people experience drying and thinning of the epidermis, disruption of keratinization processes, degeneration of nerve endings, and atherosclerosis of blood vessels supplying the skin with blood.

To eliminate an unpleasant symptom, it is enough to moisturize the skin well using special nourishing creams intended for older people. To improve sleep, you can take soothing teas or tinctures of medicinal herbs - motherwort, valerian, mint, lemon balm.

Diagnostics

Itching without a rash can be a symptom of many serious illnesses that require immediate treatment. Before you start taking drugs and undergo procedures, you need to accurately establish the cause that caused itching.

You need to make an appointment with a dermatologist who will conduct a thorough examination. In the absence of skin pathologies, the doctor will refer you for a consultation to other specialists - a general practitioner, gastroenterologist, endocrinologist, allergist, urologist, gynecologist or neuropathologist.

The patient will need to submit lab tests, undergo ultrasound of internal organs, computed tomography and other types of research. Only after the doctors restore the full picture of the disease, it will be possible to talk about the appointment of medical procedures.

Treatment

The list of drugs and the method of their use are determined by the disease or condition that provoked the patient's itching. To relieve symptoms, use as traditional medicines, and no less effective folk recipes.

Medical treatment

Most fast way get rid of itchy skin - treat the problem area with ointment. For this, it is recommended to use the following drugs:

Oral antihistamines will help eliminate itching: Cetrin, Suprastin, Zodak, Tavegil, Diazolin, Clemastin, Telfast.

To normalize sleep and relieve nervous tension caused by constant itching, sedatives will help - motherwort tincture, peony tincture, Persen, Notta, Novopassit. The doctor may prescribe physiotherapeutic procedures - electrophoresis, electrosleep, aromatherapy, radon or sulfur baths, hypnosis.

Each of these drugs has contraindications and side effects. Therefore, it is not recommended to use them without the appointment of a specialist, so as not to aggravate the condition.

Folk recipes

Along with pharmacological agents, you can get rid of itching with the help of traditional medicine recipes. The most effective, according to patients, are the following:

Mix in equal parts string, sage, lavender, chamomile and nettle. Pour 5 tablespoons of the collection with 1 liter of boiling water and let it brew for 1 hour. Use the infusion for taking a bath before going to bed, the duration of the procedure is at least 15 minutes.
Wipe itchy places with a 5% solution of apple cider vinegar or half a lemon.
Pour pine buds or young needles with water at the rate of 1 liter per 100 g of raw materials and bring to a boil. Wrap in a blanket and let cool completely. Use as compresses on problem areas of the skin or for baths.

Peppermint oil or ice compresses from frozen herbal decoctions will help quickly relieve severe itching. But, since each of the proposed remedies can cause an allergic reaction, their use must be agreed with the doctor.

In what cases you need to see a doctor

A sudden itching without a rash should alert a person and become a reason to visit a specialist. But sometimes it's not just about a consultation, but about immediate medical care.

An ambulance should be called if the patient has the following symptoms:

The sooner the patient is helped in such cases, the greater the likelihood of his speedy recovery and getting rid of unpleasant symptoms.

Prevention measures

The most important principle of preventing disturbing itching is the timely detection and treatment of any chronic diseases and the prevention of their recurrence. In addition, the list of preventive measures includes the following:

Lead a healthy lifestyle, get rid of bad habits.
Spend more time on fresh air.
Avoid nervous overload and stressful situations.
Do not use drugs indiscriminately.
Follow a hypoallergenic diet.
Strengthen immunity.
Choose cosmetics according to age and skin condition.

By following these simple but effective rules, you can forget about itchy skin forever and maintain health for many years.

Doctors do not share such a frivolous attitude to pruritus. This symptom can be a manifestation of quite serious health problems.

The floor is given to our expert, neurologist, author of books on healthy lifestyle life, doctor of medical sciences, professor Evgeny Shirokov.

For general practitioners and narrow specialists, pruritus is a telling symptom. Sometimes various diseases manifest themselves in this way, the presence of which a person may not be aware of. If we are not talking about skin diseases, you can itch with the following problems:

Diseases of the biliary tract and liver

Why does it itch. This development of events leads to the accumulation in the blood of bilirubin, which is a toxic and water-insoluble compound that is formed during the processing of hemoglobin from degraded red blood cells and bile acids. These metabolic products are excreted in the intestines. In diseases of the liver and biliary tract, this process can be disrupted.

Where does it itch. In these cases, itching is usually localized in the abdomen, chest, back, limbs.

Associated symptoms:

nausea, lack of appetite;
heaviness or pain in the right hypochondrium;
increased fatigue;
change in the color of urine (its darkening);
yellowing of the whites of the eyes and skin.

What to do. Pass a biochemical blood test with the determination of bilirubin, liver enzymes - AST and ALT. If they are elevated, consult a gastroenterologist who can prescribe an ultrasound of the liver and gallbladder, as well as a number of other studies.

Diabetes

Why does it itch. Skin itching may be the first sign of an increase in blood glucose levels, which for the time being may no longer manifest itself.

Where does it itch. In the area of the perineum and genitals.

Associated symptoms:

increased thirst;
frequent and/or profuse urination;
hunger;
long-lasting wounds.

What to do. Take a blood sugar test.

kidney failure

Why does it itch. Itching in such patients is due to high level creatinine (end product of metabolism) muscle proteins) and urea in the blood, which happens in chronic kidney disease (glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis, urolithiasis), which can be asymptomatic for a long time.

Where does it itch. in different parts of the body.

Associated symptoms:

frequent urination (including at night);
swelling (on the legs, face);
pain(in the lower back, perineum, lower abdomen).

What to do. If you have any of these symptoms, you need to pass a biochemical blood test to determine the level of creatinine and uric acid in the blood, as well as pass a urine test and undergo an additional examination, including ultrasound of the kidneys.

Allergy

Why does it itch. When you encounter an allergen again (most often itching occurs when you are allergic to drugs or food), the number of so-called mast cells increases in the body, which actively produce a large amount of histamine and other biologically active substances.

Where does it itch. Most often in the area of the inner surface of the forearms, lower abdomen, inner thighs.

Associated symptoms:

difficulty breathing, asthma attacks;
dry cough;
dyspnea;
urticaria (flat blisters on the skin, resembling a rash after skin contact with nettles).

What to do. Do a skin test or a special blood test.

Neurodermatitis

Why does it itch. This disease is multifactorial. It may be based on hereditary weakness of the endocrine, nervous or immune system. Anything can be the impetus for an aggravation: stress, emotional overload, taking antibiotics, eating disorders ...

Where does it itch. In the area of the neck and elbows of the arms, skin around the eyes, mouth, in the area of the earlobes, popliteal fossae.

Associated symptoms:

irritation (formation of weeping crusts) and inflammation at the site of scratching;
asthma attacks;
stool disorders (usually diarrhea).

What to do. A specific allergological examination, a study of the immune status, and an analysis of feces for dysbacteriosis help to reveal the truth.

An article on the topic: "reasons why the body itches without visible signs of the disease. features of itching" from professionals.

pruritus

Far from always discomfort accompanied by skin rashes. More than half of patients' visits are associated with itching without rashes, which is a symptom or a harbinger of any ailment. Why does the body begin to itch? How can you eliminate itching without rashes? This is what will be discussed in our article.

Itching - what is it?

Unpleasant sensations that occur on the skin of a person, which make him itch, are called pruritus. More intricate definitions of the concept of "itch" are extremely rare, since scientists and physicians have not yet been able to fully study the mechanism of the appearance and spread of such a phenomenon.

Initially, itchy sensations occur on the surface of the epidermis, in the area of \u200b\u200bthe skin nerves, which are located in close proximity to the skin. After that, the corresponding signal enters the spinal centers. From there to the brain.

As practice shows, most often itching occurs against the background of exposure to various irritants, which can be both in the body itself and outside it. The scratching reflex can also occur against the background of exposure to environmental factors.

Some scientists believe that itching is a modified form of pain. The latter also occurs as soon as the nerve endings in the skin are irritated.

Why do people itch

While combing the affected areas, a person conducts a kind of self-massage of itchy parts of the body. With such manipulations, blood circulation processes, as well as lymph flow, are enhanced. There is a removal of harmful substances, the nerve endings stop being irritated.

In some cases, itchy sensations occur in perfectly healthy tissues. As a rule, they appear against the background of accumulation of metabolic products in certain parts of the body. Such itching does not require specific therapeutic measures and, in 99% of cases, goes away by itself.

What is itching: the main types

native

According to the classification common among physicians, itching of the skin is divided into two main types.

Localized. A person is disturbed by itchy sensations that occur on a particular part of the body. So, various parts of the body can itch: from head to toe. Dermatological diseases (fungal lesions, pediculosis, urticaria, etc.) are the main and most common cause of such itching. In medical practice, the following subspecies of localized itching are most common:

Itching of the scalp. Occurs due to pediculosis, seborrhea, dandruff. Read more about itchy scalp here.
anal itching- Unpleasant sensations occur in the anus (anus). As a rule, anal itching is characteristic of diabetics, people suffering from hemorrhoids, helminthic infestations, etc.
Vaginal itching in the representatives of the weaker sex. Appears against the background of various gynecological diseases, the most common of which is thrush.

Generalized. Another name is widespread itching. The patient experiences unpleasant itching sensations throughout the body, which can be due to many different reasons.

The frequency of itching also matters. Both the first and second types of it can disturb a person constantly, or declare themselves periodically. In addition, physicians distinguish different types of itching according to the degree of intensity: from weak to very strong. With severe itching, a person may experience:

insomnia, loss of appetite;
a constant desire to scratch the whole body or its individual parts;
wounds on the surface of the skin as a result of strong scratching of itchy places.

Itching at night

Scientists have found that most often itching torments a person in the afternoon. Mostly in the evening or at night. This circumstance is easily explained: in the evening, the vessels dilate significantly, while blood circulation increases. The temperature of the skin rises slightly, resulting in an increased level of exposure to irritants. In addition, a long stay in bed leads to an increase in body temperature, which, in turn, contributes to increased blood circulation and faster delivery of waste products to the skin.

Why you want to itch: common reasons

Most often, itching occurs against the background of banal dryness of the epidermis. As a rule, dryness makes itself felt in the cold season. If so, then we are talking about seasonal itching that does not require special treatment and passes by itself with the advent of heat or through the use of special cosmetics.

Elena Malysheva and her colleagues understand why a person itches, the causes of itching of the skin and the main methods of getting rid of an unpleasant symptom.

Psychogenic itching

It is the body's response to stress. In the vast majority of cases, it occurs in women over the age of 40 years. May be accompanied by other symptoms: unpleasant sensations and tastes in the mouth, burning of the tongue, a sense of presence in the body foreign bodies, organisms, etc.

An unpleasant symptom, as a rule, is experienced by people of advanced age. In the process of aging, the skin of older people undergoes significant changes, loses its elasticity, properties, becomes excessively dry. This causes discomfort. Quite often, itching due to dryness of the epidermis appears after removing clothes.

Many patients report generalized itching that starts in the back and spreads to other parts of the body. In some cases, excessive dryness of the skin and itching are not a consequence of the aging process, but occur against the background of intestinal dysfunction, with severe atherosclerosis, thyroid disorders, or other serious ailments.

Medications and itching

An unpleasant symptom can also occur during drug treatment. This type of itching manifests itself as an individual reaction of the body to medications. Patients are interested in the question of which drugs most often provoke itching:

preparations such as acetylsalicylic acid, opium and their derivatives;
erythromycin;
anabolic steroid;
medicines containing estrogen.

It is these drugs that are the most common "culprits" of pruritus without a rash. Also, the body can itch a lot while taking contraceptives in tablet form.

Itching during pregnancy

Starting from the second half of the second trimester, an unpleasant symptom makes itself felt in about a third of pregnant women. The constant desire to scratch passes immediately after childbirth and does not require specific treatment.

Diseases that cause itching

Diabetes. The most common ailment is the culprit of itching without redness and rash. Unpleasant sensations in diabetes occur against the background of a decrease in the threshold of susceptibility and all kinds of complications. Patients with diabetes suffer mainly from localized itching in the genital area, as well as in the anus, which occurs against the background of developed thrush. The latter occurs due to an increase in blood sugar levels. Up to half of diabetics suffer from thrush.

Itching on the body is not observed in all diabetics. An unpleasant symptom occurs only in 20-30% of patients with elevated blood glucose and metabolic disorders.

In the case of diabetic neuropathy, the patient is concerned about itching in the scalp, which decreases with adequate treatment of the underlying ailment and a decrease in sugar.

Doctors assure that it is impossible to say in advance whether a diabetic patient will have itching or not. At the same time, the severity of itching has no connection with the duration of the disease, the age and gender of the patient.

Cirrhosis and other liver diseases. Often a harbinger of cirrhosis is generalized itching of the skin, which may appear several months before the onset of jaundice and 1-2 years before the onset of true symptoms of a serious illness. In such cases, itching usually begins suddenly. First, the patient's palms begin to itch, then the soles. In later stages, itching "disperses" throughout the body.

To reduce the manifestations of itching in case of liver problems, taking a drug such as Cholestyramine helps.

About 25% of people with jaundice also suffer from itchy skin. In patients with hepatitis, itching is noted only in 10-15% of cases.

kidney failure. Most patients with this disease (about 90%) note the presence of itching. During or immediately after the hemodialysis procedure, itching is most pronounced. At the same time, the age of the patient, his gender and the duration of hemodialysis treatment do not affect the likelihood of itching sensations.

mental illness(neurosis, psychosis, etc.) are also accompanied by pruritus. There is a close correlation between the irritating factor (stress) and the intensity of itching.

Sexually transmitted diseases(STD). They declare themselves with severe itching in the genital area. The symptom is characteristic of both the male and female half. With STDs, itching is not the only symptom of the disease. As a rule, the patient is concerned about discharge from the genital organs with an atypical odor and color, pain syndrome.

Malignant neoplasms. Also, itching can be the first symptom of lymphoma. Rarely - cancer. Up to 3% of tumors of various nature are manifested by itching.

The use of opium drugs exacerbates the widespread itching that is felt throughout the body.

Skin diseases of a different nature. The most common are: neurodermatitis, contact and atopic dermatitis, urticaria, fungal infections, scabies, pediculosis, psoriasis. In addition to itching, with the above ailments, a person may be disturbed by:

peeling of the skin;
hair loss in certain parts of the body;
redness at the site of injury and swelling;
suppuration of the skin.

Itchy skin in adults (video)

Symptoms, causes and treatment of severe itchy skin in adults. Practical recommendations from a doctor and methods for preventing itching.

Diagnosis and treatment of itching

For treatment to be effective, the underlying cause of the itching must be established. In this case, a visit to a dermatologist will be the best solution. The doctor will conduct a survey and tell you what examination should be done, as well as make a diagnosis. It is possible that a consultation with a dermatologist alone will not be enough to determine the causes of itching. Therefore, consultations of narrow specialists can be recommended: an endocrinologist, an allergist, a general practitioner, etc.

In the process of diagnosis, it is important to exclude the presence of the most common diseases accompanied by itching - diabetes mellitus, STDs, helminthic invasions, diseases of the large and small intestines, dysbacteriosis, diseases of the genitourinary system.

Treatment of itching is carried out in several main areas:

Determination of the root causes of unpleasant itchy sensations.
Topical treatment (more often used for localized itching).
Complex (systemic) treatment.

If itching bothers you for a long time, you should make an appointment with a doctor. Immediately before taking it, it is not recommended to take any measures to eliminate or reduce itching: drink antihistamines, smear the affected areas with any compounds, since such manipulations can significantly complicate the diagnosis.

Therapeutic measures

If itching is not caused by any systemic disease that requires a special approach and specific complex treatment, then the following will come to the rescue:

Local treatment. If the whole body itches, doctors recommend periodically moistening the skin with a 5% solution of vinegar with a sponge. Well remove the unpleasant symptoms of powder on a talc basis. With genital and anal itching, regular hygiene is important: you should wash yourself 2-3 times a day with baby or laundry soap.

With anal itching, washing after each bowel movement is mandatory.

Itching in the anus is effectively removed with the help of various ointments with a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect: Triderm, Ultraprokt, etc. It is worth emphasizing that their use gives only a short-term effect and does not eliminate the root cause of itching. Symptoms disappear only at the time of their application.

Systemic treatment. It is carried out with an increased level of histamine in the skin. In this case, the patient is recommended to take antihistamines. The most common are Suprastin, Tavegil, Erius, Loratadin. As a rule, people who are bothered by itching are very nervous and irritable. To relieve excessive nervousness in case of skin itching, soothing sedative drugs are used: Novopassit, valerian, motherwort in alcohol form, mint tea, etc.

Pay special attention to personal hygiene.
Moisturize the skin regularly to prevent excessive dryness of the epidermis, which can cause itching.
Refuse products that promote vasodilation and increased itching: spices, strong tea and coffee, too hot food, etc.
Avoid overheating of the body, carefully monitor the air temperature in the room.
Minimize stressful situations, deal with nervous tension and increased anxiety, get enough sleep.

What to do if itching occurs for no apparent reason

To eliminate excessive dryness of the skin, warm, not hot, baths are used, which are carried out every other day. The duration of the procedure is 15-20 minutes. It is important to use a hypoallergenic soap that does not cause dry skin. The ideal solution is for children. After the bath, do not rub the skin with a towel. Pat your body dry with a soft terry towel and generously lubricate with a moisturizer or body lotion.
If itching is caused elevated temperature air in the room, wet towels hung on heaters or open containers of water will help to humidify the air.
If you notice that itching occurs when the skin comes into contact with clothing, you should abandon outfits made of synthetic fabrics.
Allergic people should eliminate everything that can lead to allergies and itching: allergenic foods, remove flowers, pets from the room, regularly wet clean to avoid dust accumulation, remove feather pillows and blankets, etc.
If parts of the body itch, cold bandages may help. Only the affected areas of the body should be lightly bandaged.
To prevent scratching the affected areas to blood and infection, it is recommended to cut your nails short. For severe itching, wear soft gloves.
Stick to a diet that excludes irritating components. Preference should be given to dairy products, as well as products plant origin. It is important to enrich the diet fresh vegetables and fruits, dairy products, lean meats and fish. It is important to refuse products such as canned food, meat and fish broths, smoked meat products, sweets, spices, chocolate, coffee.
With itching of the skin, rubbing the affected areas with lard (lard) or tar helps well.

As you can see, it is quite possible to get rid of unpleasant itchy sensations on the skin. The main thing is to diagnose the cause of itching in time, undergo complex treatment, and exclude irritating factors from everyday life. Remember, treatment started on time will significantly reduce the time for treatment procedures and allow you to quickly forget about an unpleasant symptom. 0 comments

Itching over the body without rashes can be anatomical. Such itching cannot be cured without eliminating the underlying disease. The use of the best antipruritic agents will bring results only as an element of a complete treatment.

Possible causes of itching on the body without rashes

The skin is practically composed of nerve endings. Even a slight breeze or a sudden insect can cause the skin to react, and there will be an uncomfortable feeling in the area of irritation, in other words, itching of the body.

Having analyzed in detail each disease, you can safely determine why the body can itch, and how to eliminate itching.

Skin scabies with this disease is a common occurrence. When the liver is healthy, the body is gradually cleared of harmful substances; a diseased liver cannot cope with this task. A lot of toxins begin to accumulate in the body, which are excreted in slow motion. They become a source of irritation and appear at night.

A characteristic symptomatology is sleep disturbance due to itching of the body.

On the subject: Quincke's edema (photo)

In frequent cases, itching of the body becomes the first symptom of diabetes that has not yet manifested itself. The appearance of scabies is due to a delay in the tissues of carbohydrate metabolism products. In addition to all this, small blood vessels and nerves are damaged, which gives severe disruptions in the sensitivity of the skin.

The affected area becomes: genitals, axillary zone, anal ring. To alleviate the condition and reduce the itching of the body, it is enough to give up sweets and get rid of unnecessary nerves.

An unpleasant disease, albeit a fairly common one. The activity of helminths is strongly manifested at night, causing severe itching of the body.

The most common case is when the body itches in different places. Anything can serve as an allergenic source - from a flower on the window to a new perfume. In each case, a rash appears.

To identify the source of the rash, it is necessary to pass a full range of tests, go through several stages of the examination. This should not be delayed, as a number of serious consequences are possible.

If the skin is constantly itchy, this may indicate a blood disease. It is worth donating blood for analysis, and if high hemoglobin and an increased number of red blood cells are shown, in 70% of cases it is polycythemia.

See also: red dots on the skin

Troubles at work, problems in personal life and many similar factors greatly affect the psychosomatics of a person. As a result of stress, nerve endings malfunction. The skin may itch for hours or short periods.

Eliminating the itching of the body is quite easy if you find and eliminate the points that cause stress.

Appears in spring or autumn. Such a problem as seasonal itching of the body occurs with a severe lack of vitamins in the body (avitaminosis). It is enough to drink a course of vitamins, which will be prescribed by the attending physician.

If itching begins in winter, you need to contact a dermatologist.

If this problem occurs, it is better to contact a dermatologist who will prescribe the necessary series of tests, medications and procedures.

As a rule, not only problems with the physical or mental state of a person can become a source of body itching.

There are a number of different diseases that differ not only in symptoms, but also in severity.

Diffuse neurodermatitis. With this disease, the strongest itching of the body is manifested, which passes from one area to another. There is a severe rash. The cause of the disease can be an external factor - a scratch, a cut, and so on.
Dermatitis. Occurs when you are allergic to specific foods or other strong allergens. Symptoms are pronounced: redness, severe itching of the body, the formation of white coatings. Almost all areas on the body serve as the site of the lesion, but most often the face and sides. The disease is difficult to treat, at the first manifestations it is necessary to urgently contact the KVD.
Hives. Often appears in young children, on vulnerable areas of the skin. Occurs on the abdomen, outer sides of the palms, buttocks, back. Characteristic redness, swelling of the affected areas, severe itching of the body are the main symptoms of this disease.
Pediculosis(lice). The main area of damage is the head. Features - the appearance of small bites, wounds, depressions, severe itching.
Scabies. One of the most severe types of skin diseases. Scabies activity is most pronounced at night, which greatly affects sleep patterns. Apart from physical condition the mental is also disturbed, due to the constant itching of the body, neurosis and other symptoms may appear.

According to medical statistics, many people are faced with a similar problem. Most often, the factors arise from the physical side of the body and are easier to treat. Cases with a mental aspect of the occurrence of body itching are also not uncommon, but they are much more difficult to cure.

What to do if there are strong indicators of the disease? At the first symptoms, immediately go to the hospital. They conduct a detailed examination, find out what reason served as the manifestation of a skin disease.

The inspection includes a number of the following procedures:

temperature measurement;
fatigue test;
systematic weight loss;
checking for skin manifestations;
checking the condition of the gastrointestinal tract;
determination of the state of the nervous system and the general mental state of the patient;
if there are problems with the visual apparatus - an additional series of tests;
checking changes in basic mental indicators (sleep, appetite, mood swings).

Be sure to take blood from a finger and a vein, urine and other necessary tests to understand which disease has similar symptoms.

If the dermatologist finds it difficult to answer what it is it may be necessary to consult other narrow specialists. The cause of body itching can be not only in the skin, but also in the internal organs (heart, liver, etc.).

As soon as it became clear what the itching on the body comes from and an inflammatory factor is found, treatment can begin. In this case, both traditional medicine and medication are used.

In this area, traditional medicine shows itself from the best side.

To forget about itching all over the body once and for all, it will be enough:

Take a herbal bath. Use only nettle (if the disease is not hives), chamomile, mint (menthol essence) or celandine.
Lemon juice will be a good helper to eliminate itching all over the body. But it is strictly forbidden to smear them with places with broken skin.
To soothe irritated skin, basil is quite acceptable. It contains many vitamins that play a key role in skin health. Rub a fresh basil leaf on the affected areas.

If finances do not allow you to purchase expensive medicines, traditional medicine will be a good helper in many situations. The exceptions are cases when ulcers or blisters appear on the skin.

As for the treatment with medicines, they are prescribed by the attending physician. The list of drugs may vary depending on the severity of the disease, personal symptoms and the individual nature of the body of each person.

The general list of medicines is:

Ointment "Erythromycin". Relieves itching, eliminates redness, has a pleasant cooling effect.
Tablets "Doksibene" - a strong anti-inflammatory antibiotic. It is issued strictly according to the doctor's prescription.
In addition to medicines, spicy, salty, bitter and fried foods are removed from the diet.
Infusion from chamomile tea will help the body calm down, slightly reduce active itching.

Self-treatment at home is not excluded. It happens only in consultation with a specialist. The doctor can register, create a disease card, so that in case of complications, he can provide the necessary assistance.

A number of home self-treatment procedures for itching on the body include:

Making gauze compresses with burdock roots. Finely grind the dried roots, then pour a liter of water and cook for half an hour. After cooking, dip a gauze cloth into the solution and hold for 3-4 minutes. When finished, apply to the affected area. The result comes quickly, within 10-15 minutes.
Preparation of coniferous conditioner. Pour young pine buds (100–200 gr.) with a liter of boiling water and cook over low heat for half an hour. Wash with a cooled broth, thoroughly rinse the places that itch. After a few days, the main symptoms should disappear or noticeably decrease.

If the disease turned out to be of a mental nature, a number of procedures are completely different. Walking in the fresh air, especially in the evenings, will affect a speedy recovery. More time should be devoted to your favorite activities, narrowing the circle of contacts only to close and dear people. Thus, in 90% the root of depression disappears, and with it the itching disappears.

The remaining 10% are clinically ill, and the help of a psychotherapist is needed here. The method of psychotherapy will help to find the essence of the disease, to analyze the factors of occurrence in detail. Then a series of rehabilitation measures takes place, and only after this the patient can be considered healthy.

Older people are not prescribed many medications. The body is in an extremely weakened state, against the background of the manifestation of the disease. In such cases, one often resorts to traditional medicine. The effect will be similar, but safer for health.

Note: creams, body lotions and many other cosmetic products with a moisturizing effect are essential. They soften the skin, eliminate dryness and inflammation, thereby accelerating the regeneration of damaged skin. Taking a warm bath with soothing herbs also has a positive effect on well-being.

In the room where the patient spends most of his leisure time, it is desirable to maintain a cool temperature. This helps to alleviate the condition of the skin of the body.

Important to remember: It is not always necessary to self-medicate. Even the most harmless itch can carry many consequences. It is better to consult a doctor and only with his permission to carry out rehabilitation measures at home.

Skin itching is the most common complaint with which patients come to see a dermatologist. In most cases, this symptom is accompanied by rashes, but in some diseases, itching can be an isolated symptom. Sometimes the clinical picture is supplemented by burning and tingling, but itching remains the main symptom and requires an extended examination. In rare cases, generalized skin itching can be a symptom of malignant tumors, so you should not postpone a visit to a specialist. It is possible to prescribe the correct treatment and eliminate the problem only after a thorough diagnosis and determination of the cause that caused the appearance of unpleasant symptoms.

Itching of the body without a rash: causes

What is itching like?

Itching is a sensation of burning or strong tingling in the surface layer of the epidermis. It can occur not only on the surface of the skin, but also in the mucous membranes. Areas of the body that are constantly in contact with environment are often soiled or wet. For example, at obese women The area under the bust can be a problem area. This part of the body often sweats, and sweat is an excellent breeding ground for fungus and pathogenic bacteria that cause severe burning. Sometimes an unpleasant putrid odor may appear, but more often women complain only that the skin under the breast itches.

Itching can occur on the skin of the genitals, feet, elbows and knees, and other areas. Such an itch is called localized, since it appears in a certain part of the body (has a certain localization). Sometimes tingling and burning sensation occurs over the entire surface of the body - given form pathology is generalized.

What is pruritus

According to the time of occurrence and severity of the process, itching can be:

sharp;
chronic.

Provoking factors in acute itching are most often various allergens: animal hair, houseplants, food, dust. Sometimes such a reaction occurs when using certain drugs, so people with poor tolerance to any synthetic components should definitely inform the doctor about this.

Chronic itching can be a sign of several diseases, and most of them are not related to dermatology. A qualified doctor will help to correctly determine the cause of discomfort. You need to start the examination with a visit to a therapist or dermatologist, according to the indications, the patient may be assigned additional studies and consultations of specialized specialists: an endocrinologist, an immunologist, an allergist and a gastroenterologist.

The pathogenesis of pruritus

Itching without a rash: possible causes

If itching has been bothering you for a long time, while other signs of allergy (rash, lacrimation, redness of the eye sclera) are absent, it is necessary to check the functioning of the internal organs, since the causes of such symptoms can be very serious. Sometimes, to eliminate itching, it is enough to remove a product from the menu or refuse to use certain drugs, replacing them with drugs with a similar effect, but in some cases, treatment can be long and difficult, so you should not delay going to the hospital.

Etiology of pruritus

hepatitis and cirrhosis

More than 100,000 people die each year from cirrhosis of the liver. In 80% of cases, the pathology has an extremely unfavorable prognosis, especially if, in addition to the liver, the nervous system is also affected. Life expectancy with progressive cirrhosis is usually 4-5 years, while death can occur much earlier if the patient does not follow the doctor's recommendations for regimen and treatment.

On early stage cirrhosis is almost asymptomatic. The only sign by which one can suspect violations in the work of the “main filter” of the body is generalized itching. It occurs due to the fact that the liver cells (hepatocytes) are gradually destroyed, and the body cannot fully perform the functions of filtering and cleansing the blood of toxins, poisons and allergens.

Stages of cirrhosis of the liver

As the pathology progresses, the patient may notice other manifestations, which include:

an increase in the abdomen while maintaining the parameters of other organs;
yellowing of the skin and eye sclera;
periodic fluctuations in body temperature;
increased itching.

The same features are typical for different types hepatitis, so when they appear, it is urgent to take tests and do an ultrasound of the liver to confirm or refute the alleged diagnosis.

Diabetes

Itching in diabetes mellitus of any type is localized and occurs mainly on the genitals. Sometimes the patient has a desire to scratch his hands in the area of the elbows, feet and palms. Such symptoms are rarely diagnosed in young patients. Usually, women of retirement and elderly age (over 50-55 years old) complain of itching, in men this symptom occurs only in 35% of cases.

Important! Increased itching in diabetes is observed with a sharp increase in blood glucose, therefore, with a significant burning sensation, you should measure the sugar level with a glucometer and call a doctor if the general state of health is unsatisfactory.

Symptoms of Diabetes

depression and psychosis

Psychological disorders are one of the most probable causes the appearance of itching. In people with impairment hormonal background even slight excitement can exacerbate skin manifestations and increase burning sensation. If a patient develops a depressive disorder, it is important to consult a specialist in time, since delay is fraught not only with external manifestations, but also with deep emotional depression, which can be fatal even in people who are not suicidal.

Teenagers are especially quick to become depressed and have a hard time enduring it, so parents need to carefully monitor the child's condition and notice any changes that may be the first warning signs. These include:

frequent mood swings;
too abrupt lull and desire for solitude (especially if the teenager used to be quite active and liked to communicate with peers);
sleep problems (the child may often wake up in the middle of the night and sit on the bed, looking at one point).

Symptoms of depression

From the external manifestations, one can notice a constant desire to scratch any part of the body, flexion-extension of the fingers, changes in gaze.

Important! Itching in depression is always generalized, so it can appear at any time and on any part of the skin and mucous membranes.

Itching with psychosis is characteristic mainly for women over 40 years old. It usually occurs on the scalp and resembles the crawling of insects. In medicine, this phenomenon is called "tactile hallucinations." Outwardly, a woman may look as usual and show no signs of pathology, therefore, if such complaints appear, it is necessary to urgently seek medical help.

Oncological diseases

It is very important to pay attention to any skin manifestations for people who have a genetic predisposition to malignant processes. Cancer at an early stage proceeds without obvious symptoms, so any signs and changes in well-being should be alarming.

Symptoms of pancreatic cancer

Generalized severe itching most often occurs with cancer of the pancreas and intestines, especially if the tumor blocks the hole in the duodenum. Malignant formations in the organs of the genitourinary system can also occur against the background of moderate itching without a rash or any other symptoms. The table below shows the incidence of pruritus at various locations of cancerous tumors.

Symptoms and signs of worms

Important! Some believe that with helminthiasis, burning and itching occur only in the anus and genitals, but this is not so. Some types of worms (for example, roundworms) can move into the lung system and heart muscle, causing severe itching throughout the body. Ascariasis is deadly to humans, so you can not leave such a symptom unattended.

Pediculosis- Another cause of itching, which in this case will occur on the scalp. Lice infestation often occurs in children's groups, so it is best for girls with long hair to braid their hair, lifting it high and tying it tightly into a bun.

At scabies- an infectious pathology caused by the ingestion of a scabies mite - itching is rarely an isolated symptom. Often it appears with skin rashes, but with a small degree of damage, a rash and other symptoms may be absent.

Symptoms of scabies

Blood diseases

With a lack of iron in the body and the development of iron deficiency anemia, every second patient complains of itching. It usually occurs in places of increased blood circulation: the genitals, pelvic organs and chest. It is not difficult to diagnose anemia, therefore, with a timely visit to a doctor, it is possible to prevent complications and avoid unpleasant consequences.

In addition to tingling, the patient also has a number of other symptoms, for example:

frequent headaches and dizziness;
pale skin;
changes in taste preferences;
recurrent bleeding.

Sometimes itching with anemia may be completely absent, but in most cases there is a chronic tactile disorder with frequent relapses.

Skin itch clinic

Other reasons

Lack of sufficient hygiene may cause isolated itching without the addition of a rash and other symptoms. Incorrectly selected cosmetics with a high content of fragrances and dyes can increase discomfort and cause significant discomfort. Even scented toilet paper can irritate the skin of the genitals and around the anus, so better means for skin care, it is better to choose neutral ones, without the addition of strong synthetic substances.

Taking certain medications (most often opium) can trigger an attack of severe itching, which is difficult to stop with antihistamines. When such side effects it is necessary to contact your doctor as soon as possible, since self-administration of allergy medications can aggravate the situation.

Video - 3 causes of itching

Senile itching

Age-related itching is considered a normal phenomenon that has several physiological causes:

loss of moisture and increased dryness of the skin;
hormonal changes;
insufficient production of collagen and elastin;
disorders in the functioning of the kidneys and liver, leading to insufficient purification of blood and other fluids from toxins and allergens and their accumulation in the body.

Senile itching usually has an average intensity and does not cause much discomfort. To reduce burning sensation, it is necessary to add more fruits, herbs, berries and vegetables to the diet. Meat and fish should be consumed at least 3-4 times a week, as they are excellent sources of protein and essential amino acids necessary for healthy skin and maintaining its functions. Do not forget about dairy products - a source of calcium and phosphorus.

You can solve the problem in old age with the help of cosmetics, but they must be of high quality and safe. It is better to choose a cream for especially sensitive skin, as such cosmetics do not contain parabens, fragrances and toxic dyes.

If itching gets worse, a rash or painful cracks appear, you should consult a doctor.

Skin itching treatment

Itching during pregnancy

A slight burning sensation during pregnancy is due to a change in hormonal levels, so there is no cause for concern in the absence of other complaints. Some women note the appearance of itching on the abdomen. Sensations intensify in the last trimester, when the stomach future mother reaches its maximum size.

The skin on the abdomen is constantly stretching along with the growth of the abdomen. With rapid growth or lack of elasticity, the skin is stretched too much, stretch marks and severe itching appear. A remedy that will alleviate these symptoms will help you choose a gynecologist who observes a woman, but the burning sensation will completely disappear only after childbirth.

Itching without rash is enough dangerous symptom, according to which one can suspect the presence of severe pathologies in the work of internal organs. Even if everything is in order with health, it is necessary to find out the cause of the phenomenon and take measures to eliminate it. Constant scratching of the skin leads to the formation of microcracks, into which the infection easily penetrates, so it is necessary to visit a doctor immediately after the appearance of such symptoms.

Have you ever been driven crazy by itchy skin? Itching can occur for many reasons, such as insect bites, allergic reactions, sunburn, skin infections, dry and cold weather, medication, illness, and even pregnancy or aging. It is critical to contact your doctor if itching continues for several weeks or months to get necessary treatment; however, if itching is tolerable and not accompanied by other symptoms, it can be easily managed with effective home remedies.

Attention: The information in this article is for informational purposes only. Before using any methods, consult your doctor.

Steps

Picking a Remedy for Immediate Itching Relief

Take a cold shower or bath. Scientists are still unsure of the exact mechanisms by which itching occurs, but it has been suggested that itching occurs when a particular “irritant” is encountered (such as scratching). Cold water can be used to relieve itching.

Apply a cold compress. Soak a towel or cloth in cold water, and then apply it to the itchy area of the skin until the skin calms down. Try holding the compress for about 30 minutes. Soothing occurs due to the fact that a wet cloth “soaks” (softens) irritated skin and helps to “cleanse” it (remove dead skin cells).

Instead, an ice pack or frozen foods can be applied to the itchy area, but they must be wrapped in a towel before being applied to the skin. Apply frozen objects to the skin for about 10-20 minutes, but no more.
Hot water and hot compresses increase skin irritation.

Soak the irritated area in the solution baking soda. Baking soda is a natural anti-itch that can be used for all types of itchy skin, but is especially effective against itchy skin caused by bee stings and other insects.

Take an oatmeal bath or make oatmeal paste. Oatmeal contains antioxidants that help soothe the skin and stop irritation. It is recommended to use colloidal cereals, but in cases where they are not available, you can also take whole oats or whole oatmeal. You can use a coffee grinder to grind oats and cereal. The largest number active ingredients(anthranilic acid amines) is observed in untreated oats.
- Add 2 cups of raw oatmeal or oatmeal to your bath water. Remember that the water should be cool or lukewarm, but not hot, as this can harm your skin. Soak daily in the bath for an hour until the itching stops.
- Raw uncooked oatmeal can also be mixed with water to form a thick paste. The paste can be applied to itchy skin for about 20-30 minutes.
Use aloe. Aloe vera has antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also very rich in vitamin E, which is helpful in treating burns and helping to reduce inflammation and itching.

Use fresh mint. A study showed that taking a bath with fresh mint leaves and essential oil Peppermint has a positive effect on itchy skin. Peppermint contains anti-inflammatory and anesthetic ingredients that help reduce and stop itchy skin.

The use of antipruritic solutions after insect bites

Use calamine lotion."Calamine" lotion contains zinc oxide, one of the forms of iron oxide and/or zinc carbonate. It has been used for decades to relieve itching of various etymologies, including poison ivy, poison sumac, sunburn, and insect bites. It can also be used to prevent the occurrence of skin infections on combed skin.
- "Calamine" lotion can be inexpensively purchased at a pharmacy.
Prepare an oatmeal poultice. A poultice is a soft, moist mass, usually consisting of ground herbs and other plant materials or flour. The poultice is applied directly to the body and is usually held in place with cloth bandages. Take 1 cup of colloidal oatmeal and use a coffee grinder or blender to grind it into a coarse flour. Add enough water to form a thick paste and apply it to the contact area of the poison ivy, poison sumac, in place sunburn or an insect bite. Leave until skin feels comfortable, then rinse with warm water.
- You can also use unground oatmeal, but it will be more difficult for you to spread it evenly over your skin.
Make a baking soda poultice. Measure out about 1/2 cup of baking soda. Add a little warm water to form a thick paste and apply it to poison ivy, poison sumac, sunburn, or insect bites. Leave the poultice for as long as you feel comfortable, and then rinse with warm water.
- You can also cover the lotion with a cotton cloth and wrap it with an elastic bandage, or fix it with a band-aid.

Identification of the causes of pruritus

Understand the causes of itching. There are special nerve endings that transmit information about various body sensations (such as itching) to the brain. When these nerve endings are stimulated, various chemical signals called cytokines are produced that activate nearby nerves. Histamine is one of the cytokines that leads to itching and allergic reactions. The more nerves that are stimulated, the more information goes to the brain about itching, which signals that the skin needs to be scratched.
- As you know, itching can also be accompanied by redness, swelling on the skin and various types rash. In other cases, no changes occur with the skin.