What causes anal itching and what to do if the anus itches unbearably? Itching in the vagina - quick help when the doctor is not around.

Itching is an unpleasant sensation that forces a person to scratch the affected area of ​​the skin. If the skin itches slightly, this is normal and occurs often, but sometimes this sensation can be strong and cause many problems. Constant and intense itching is usually a symptom of some disease of the skin, body organs or nervous system.

Sometimes itching is accompanied by a rash, but it can also occur on apparently unchanged skin. According to the degree of distribution they distinguish generalized itching- when the whole body itches and local (local) itching, covering only a specific area of ​​the skin.

Frequent scratching causes the skin to become thin, damaged and inflamed, which can cause it to become painful and itch even more. Regardless of the cause of the itching, some ways can help reduce its intensity and alleviate the condition:

• rub the affected area of ​​skin with your fingertips or press on it with your palm;
• moisturize itchy skin with emollients, then you will damage it less when scratching;
• make cold compresses, for example, from a damp cloth, take cool baths;
• use external antipruritics in the form of lotions, ointments, etc., for example, calamine lotion, antihistamines and steroid creams;
• buy fragrance-free cosmetics and hygiene products;
• Avoid clothing that irritates the skin: synthetic fabric, coarse wool, etc.

Nails should be clean and short, especially for itchy children. The ends of the nails should be filed rather than cut. The cut ends of the nails are sharp and uneven, causing more damage to the skin.

Causes of itching

In most cases, the sensation of itching occurs when sensitive nerve endings in the skin and mucous membranes - receptors - are stimulated. Receptor irritants can be: mechanical, temperature, influence of chemicals, light, etc. One of the main chemical irritants is a biologically active substance - histamine, which is produced in the body during allergies or inflammation.

There is also itching of central origin, that is, it develops without the participation of the nerve endings of the skin. The source of central itching is the focus of excitation of nerve cells in the brain, which occurs in some neurological diseases.

Finally, it is known that there are factors that can make the skin more sensitive to itching. For example, when exposed to heat in hot weather or when body temperature rises, the skin itches more, while cold, on the contrary, relieves the itching. People suffer most from itching in the evening and at night, which is associated with daily fluctuations in the diameter of blood vessels, and consequently, skin temperature.

The immediate causes of itchy skin can be various diseases of the skin, internal organs, nervous system, blood and even malignant tumors. Itching in a child is a common symptom of varicella (chickenpox) - a childhood infection, the main manifestation of which is a characteristic rash on the skin.

Itching due to skin diseases

Skin diseases, in addition to itching, are accompanied by the appearance of a rash: blisters, spots, nodules, blisters, peeling and other elements on the skin. The following skin conditions can cause itching:

In addition, the skin may itch after insect bites: mosquitoes, bedbugs, lice (for pediculosis), fleas, stinging arthropods (wasps, bees, etc.). As a rule, a small nodule forms at the site of the bite against a background of reddened and hot skin. Sometimes in the center of the nodule you can see the immediate site of the bite in the form of a dark dot. Insect bites are especially difficult for people with sensitive skin and a tendency to allergies.

Often the cause of skin itching is various chemicals that affect the skin, for example:

• cosmetics;
• paints or fabric coatings;
• some metals, such as nickel;
• juices of some plants (nettle, hogweed).

Under the influence of ultraviolet rays from the sun, it is easy to get a sunburn, after which itching appears, the skin turns red, and sometimes becomes covered with watery blisters. Another cause of itching can be excessive dry skin. If the above diseases occur, consult a dermatologist.

Itching of the skin due to diseases of the internal organs

A symptom of some diseases of the internal organs is generalized (general) itching. In most cases, the skin remains unchanged: normal color, without rash or peeling. Such diseases include:

• Diabetes mellitus. Severe itching of the skin and thirst are sometimes the first symptoms of diabetes. Particularly severe itching usually occurs in the genital area and anus.
• Hyperthyroidism is sometimes accompanied by complaints of itchy skin. This is due to an acceleration of metabolism and an increase in temperature. With reduced thyroid function, general itching associated with dry skin is also possible.
• Kidney failure may cause itching. This is due to damage to the nerve fibers of the skin and a decrease in the sensitivity threshold of nerve endings. That is, weaker irritants begin to cause a sensation of itching.
• Polycythemia is a blood disease associated with excessive production of blood cells, which thickens the blood and increases the risk of blood clots and blockages in blood vessels. With polycythemia, itching is a common problem; the skin itches especially severely after taking a shower or any other contact with water. Polycythemia is treated by a hematologist.
• Iron deficiency anemia is a blood disease associated with impaired hemoglobin production. Taking iron supplements usually relieves the itching quickly.
• Lymphogranulomatosis (Hodgkin's lymphoma) is a malignant blood disease that begins with enlarged lymph nodes, most often in the neck. Sometimes the first symptom of lymphogranulomatosis is skin itching, which intensifies in the evening and at night. The skin often itches in the area of ​​the affected lymph node.
• Some types of cancer, such as breast, lung or prostate cancer, also cause itchy skin.

Somewhat less often, itching is accompanied by a change in skin tone, which, for example, happens with subhepatic jaundice associated with a violation of the outflow of bile from the gallbladder. The skin begins to itch due to the accumulation of bile acids in it. This can happen with cholelithiasis, some types of hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, pancreatic cancer, etc.

Sometimes itching occurs as a result of neurological or mental disorders or diseases. For example, after a stroke, with postherpetic neuralgia, stress and depression.

Itching during pregnancy and menopause

Itching often occurs in pregnant women and goes away after childbirth. A number of skin conditions that cause itching can develop during pregnancy, including the following:

• Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (multiform dermatitis of pregnancy) is a skin condition that occurs during pregnancy in which an itchy, red, raised rash appears on the thighs and abdomen;
• prurigo gravidarum - a red, itchy skin rash that most often appears on the arms, legs and torso;
• itching of pregnancy - itching, without a rash on the skin, resulting from overload of the liver during pregnancy.

All these conditions usually appear in late pregnancy and disappear after childbirth. Their treatment is carried out jointly by a general practitioner and an obstetrician-gynecologist. If you experience itching or an unusual skin rash during pregnancy, consult your doctor.

Itching is also a common symptom of menopause. The cause of itching is considered to be a decrease in estrogen production and an imbalance of other hormones.

Itching in the anus

The causes of itching in the anus or anal itching can be a number of diseases, for example the following:

Itching in the intimate area (itching in the vagina, perineum, itching of the penis and scrotum) is one of the painful and delicate problems. The main causes of itching in this area are usually infection:

• thrush (vaginal candidiasis and thrush in men) is a fungal infection of the genital organs that can sometimes spread to the rectal area, causing itching in the anus;
• sexually transmitted infections - sexually transmitted diseases;
• bacterial vaginosis can cause intimate itching in women;
• lice pubis - infestation with pubic lice;
• allergies, including to condom latex, intimate hygiene products, sperm, etc.

Why do my feet itch?

In addition to general causes, local itching of the legs may be associated with:

• varicose veins of the lower extremities - accompanied by swelling, pain and heaviness in the legs in the evening;
• fungal infection of the nails and skin in the spaces between the toes; in addition to itching, peeling of the skin, changes in the shape and color of the nails may occur.

Treatment of itching

Depending on why the skin itches, treatment recommendations will differ, but there are several general rules that, if followed, will help relieve the itching. Particular attention should be paid to the rules of personal hygiene. When taking a bath or shower, do the following:

• Use cool or lukewarm water (not hot).
• Avoid using soap, shower gel or deodorant with fragrances. Fragrance-free lotions or water-based creams can be purchased at your pharmacy.
• Apply a moisturizing lotion or cream without fragrance after a bath or shower to prevent your skin from drying out.

Regarding clothing and bedding, adhere to the following rules:

• Avoid wearing clothes that irritate your skin, such as those made from wool or synthetic fabrics.
• Buy clothes made from cotton whenever possible.
• Avoid tight-fitting clothing.
• Use mild detergents that do not irritate the skin.
• Sleep in light and loose clothing.

Anti-itch medications

Regarding medications, adhere to the following rules:

• Apply a rich moisturizer to dry or flaky skin;
• If prescribed by a doctor, you can use steroid (hormonal) creams for several days, applying them to inflamed, itchy areas of the skin;
• Take antihistamines (anti-allergy medications) to stop itching - consult your doctor before use.

Antihistamine tablets can also cause severe drowsiness, so do not drive, use power tools, or do heavy work that requires alertness after taking them.

Some antidepressants, such as paroxetine or sertraline, can relieve itching (if your doctor prescribes them, it does not mean you are depressed).

If you have itching in hairy areas, such as your scalp, your doctor may prescribe a special lotion instead of using sticky creams.

Which doctor should I consult if my skin itches?

Using the NaPopravku service, you can quickly find doctors who usually diagnose and treat itchy skin. This:

• dermatologist - if itching is associated with a skin disease;
• allergist - if you are prone to allergies;
• therapist/pediatrician - if the cause of the itching is not clear and initial diagnosis is required.

If you are not sure which doctor to see, use the Who Treats It section of the website. There, based on your symptoms, you can more accurately decide on the choice of a doctor.

Genital itching is a very common phenomenon. Often women complain of discomfort in the intimate area, which is not accompanied by discharge. And such a symptom can be not only a separate ailment, but also evidence of some serious disorder.

Specific measures to eliminate itching depend on what caused this phenomenon. There are many reasons, let’s look at each of them in more detail.

Often itching appears due to normal irritation of the genitourinary organs, resulting from improper care (or, alternatively, lack thereof). You need to know that for cleanliness of the body and normal vaginal microflora, any woman must wash her external genitalia at least twice a day. And if hygiene is not observed, various unpleasant sensations may arise, including itching.

Pay attention! All women sometimes find themselves in a situation where, due to the lack of warm water, it is not possible to take a bath (for example, during a hiking trip, a long business trip, etc.). To do this, you should always have wet wipes on hand, which, of course, will not replace proper washing, but will prevent irritation.

Reason #2. Allergic reaction

If there is itching, redness and inflammation in the intimate area, but there is no discharge, then we may be talking about an allergy. Allergies can develop for many reasons, such as synthetic underwear, gels, soaps, sanitary napkins (especially scented ones), toilet paper, etc.

It must be remembered that the dermis in these places is especially thin and sensitive, and therefore requires special attention. You cannot use products that are not intended for the genitourinary system, otherwise irritation and disruption of the microflora may occur, which will lead to the development of candidiasis.

To eliminate the problem, you just need to stop using the allergen - after a few days the itching should go away on its own.

Reason #3. Hormonal changes

During menopause, itching, burning or dryness may occur in the perineum, but this does not indicate an allergy or some kind of disease, but rather an estrogen deficiency. Because of this deficiency, the mucous membrane becomes thinner and becomes more vulnerable. As a result, a woman suffers from discomfort during intimacy. If soap or urine gets on the wounds that appear, then painful sensations arise.

Menopause, estrogen deficiency, resulting in irritation and itching

Treatment in such cases consists of hormonal therapy or, alternatively, the prescription of a cream containing the hormone estrogen.

Reason #4. Allergy to semen

Sometimes married women (that is, with one sexual partner) feel itching after sex without contraceptives. The reason for this is an allergy to the spouse’s sperm. This happens extremely rarely and may also be accompanied by redness.

Such an allergy can become a problem for a married couple, because it not only causes discomfort, but can also lead to thoughts of cheating. Typically, the irritant can be either sperm protein or food products or medications taken by a man. In such cases, you need to consult a doctor who will do allergy tests of the semen and determine further tactics of action.

Reason #5. Sexual infections

There are also a number of hidden infectious diseases that belong to the group of STDs. Such diseases may not manifest themselves for a long time, but under certain conditions (for example, a weakened immune system, a virus, or an exacerbation of a secondary chronic disease), mild discomfort, itching and burning may occur.

Table. Sexual infections that cause itching

Name	Brief description, symptoms
	Includes gonorrhea, donovanosis, syphilis, chancroid and lymphogranuloma.
	A viral disease that develops in the vagina in the form of growths. Here, the causative agent is the papilloma virus.
	Another disease that causes intimate itching. In women it is predominantly recurrent in nature.
	In addition to severe itching, this disease provokes the appearance of a painful rash caused by the herpes virus.

Pay attention! As a complication of these diseases, urethritis can develop, a disease in which the urethra becomes inflamed. Symptoms of urethritis include pain when urinating, burning and itching.

To eliminate a symptom, you must first find out its cause, that is, a specific disease. Therefore, you should start by visiting a gynecologist, who will conduct an examination and prescribe all the necessary tests. Once the diagnosis is made, appropriate treatment will be prescribed (usually a course of antibiotics).

Reason #6. Non-gynecological diseases

There are a number of causes of itching in intimate places that are not gynecological at all. Let's take a brief look at each of them.

Table. Non-gynecological causes of genital itching

Name	Brief description, treatment
	One of the symptoms of diabetes (especially type 2) may be itching in the perineum. Less commonly, itching is an allergy to certain medications used for diabetes. As for treatment, this disease is incurable - a woman must take insulin for the rest of her life. To eliminate unpleasant sensations, you need to contact your doctor, who, if necessary, will prescribe additional medications or replace those already prescribed.
	Depression, overwork, emotional overload - all this can also cause itching. Treatment consists of visiting a psychotherapist, taking tranquilizers and sedatives, but - and this is very important - only as prescribed by a doctor.
	The cause may also be pubic lice. To treat the disease, it is recommended to shave your pubic hair and then use insecticidal shampoos or ointments. As a rule, at least several applications of the drug are required.
	In some cases, with helminthiasis, itching occurs not only in the anus, but also in the vaginal area, which means you first need to be tested for worm eggs. If the diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor will prescribe one of the specific drugs (Levamisole, Diethylcarbamazine, Albendazole, etc.). In parallel with this, symptomatic treatment and a special diet are prescribed.
	Dysbacteriosis, hemorrhoids (both external and internal types), proctitis and anal fissures - all this can also provoke genital itching. This is explained by the fact that the vulva is very close to the anus. As for treatment, it depends on the specific disease, so you should start with a medical examination.
	Another reason for which antibiotics are used (but only as prescribed by a doctor).
	Genital itching may indicate leukemia or cancer of the female genital organs. Radiotherapy or chemotherapy, as well as surgical methods, may be prescribed to treat cancer.

Reason #7. Uncomfortable tight underwear

Tight and uncomfortable underwear, even high-quality ones, can create a greenhouse effect and constantly rub the perineum. The only way out is to wear looser underpants.

Reason #8. Overheating/hypothermia of the body

Exposure to too hot or cold temperatures can also trigger vaginal itching. Therefore, women are advised to always dress according to the weather and try to avoid such aggressive conditions.

Reason #9. Condoms

Sometimes there is a congenital intolerance to the lubricant of condoms (more precisely, spermicides or lubricants used during processing) or latex itself, which leads to itching during intimacy.

Genital itching - what to do?

As noted earlier, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. If this is not yet possible for one reason or another, you can resort to the measures below.

Specific treatment is possible only after a medical examination.

During pregnancy, the female body is vulnerable to irritation in the genitourinary area. Itching usually occurs in the fourth or fifth month, sometimes earlier. For some, the sensations are almost imperceptible, while others experience serious difficulties.

Pay attention! The main reason in this case is dry skin, provoked by hormonal changes. Therefore, to prevent dehydration, you need to regularly moisturize the irritated areas with cream.

Also, the cause of itching can be the infectious diseases mentioned above, because the vaginal microflora during pregnancy creates ideal conditions for the proliferation of harmful microorganisms. Finally, discomfort may be a consequence of nervous overstrain, and at a later date – pressure from the fetus on the blood vessels of the pelvis.

To eliminate itching, it is necessary, first of all, not to abuse hygiene procedures, wear cotton underwear and adjust your diet. Pregnant women should not take most medications, which means that treatment should be carried out under strict medical supervision.

Video - Vaginal itching without discharge, treatment and possible causes

Itching around the anus is a very delicate problem that is not usually discussed out loud. Most often, when such symptoms occur, a person is in no hurry to consult a doctor, as he is embarrassed to talk about his illness. He tries in every possible way to get rid of the violations on his own, sometimes resorting to the most extraordinary methods. In most cases, this practice has negative results and leads to an exacerbation of the disease and the appearance of its complications. But banal itching around the anus can indicate serious diseases of the rectum and even oncology in the initial stages. In this regard, there is no need to ignore such symptoms, that is, immediately seek help from doctors.

You can learn more about itching around the anus in men and women, the causes and treatment of the pathological condition, by studying the materials presented in the article.

Possible causes of itching near the anus

Depending on the reasons for the development of itching near the anus, this pathological symptom will manifest itself in different ways, and differ in duration, intensity, time of occurrence, etc. Accordingly, doctors distinguish two main types of itching sensations:

• primary, which occurs without specific pathological causes;
• secondary, in the development of which the main culprit is a disease already existing in the body of a sick person.

So, it is secondary itching near the anus that is dangerous to human health. It may be one of the first signals about the development of severe pathological conditions in the human body, accompanied by dysfunction of internal organs and the formation of persistent changes in their normal structure. Only a qualified specialist can determine why a patient itches near the anus after a thorough diagnosis and examination.

As a rule, most often pathological itching near the anus appears with enlarged hemorrhoids. Such unpleasant sensations are often preceded by a strong burning sensation and the appearance of bloody discharge at the end of a bowel movement. Why does the skin itch with hemorrhoids? This happens for several reasons:

• due to increased sensitivity of the skin and mucous membranes to irritating factors;
• as a symptom of the inflammatory process, which is associated with the prolapse of hemorrhoids;
• as a result of the interaction of irritated tissues and mucus secreted from the posterior opening.

Anal fissure

When cracks form in the anus, patients often complain that they are itching near the anus. Although this is not the most important symptom of the disease. Itching in the anal area can occur in the later stages of the development of the problem, and at first people note severe pain that accompanies every trip to the toilet.

Helminthiasis

Diabetes mellitus

During hyperglycemia, glucose is released through the pores on the human skin, which causes local irritation and itching. Also, the development of an unpleasant symptom in the anal area is facilitated by the addition of an infection with the formation of inflammation.

Pathological conditions of the liver

With liver diseases, certain enzymes enter the bloodstream, which cause symptoms of intoxication and severe generalized itching. Therefore, with pathologies of this class, not only certain areas itch, but also.

Skin ailments

Itching in the anus area can occur with some skin pathologies, namely: dermatitis, allergic reactions, skin mycoses, and the like. Due to the fact that for effective treatment it is necessary to establish the exact cause of the disease, if itching with redness occurs, you should definitely visit a dermatologist.

Mental illness

It has been proven that when the psycho-emotional background is disrupted, the sensitivity of a sick person changes, and the parasympathetic nervous system is activated. Such processes cause the development of itching near the anus in women and representatives of the stronger sex, which is eliminated only after taking sedatives.

Overweight

Itching and redness around the anus is one of the common manifestations of a person’s sudden weight gain. As a result of what is happening in the patient, the area of ​​skin surfaces that come into contact with each other increases, creating suitable conditions for the appearance of diaper rash. In turn, this gives rise to the development of itchy skin around the anus and itching sensations directly inside it.

Allergic reactions

Allergy is a pathological condition that is accompanied by itching. It often appears as a result of skin contact with potential allergens, in particular, synthetic fabrics from which underwear and bed linen are made, lubricants, and intimate toys.

Intestinal dysbiosis

As you know, dysbacteriosis often causes diarrhea and constipation, which causes itching around the anus.

To find out the real reasons why itching near the anus in adults and children, you will need to undergo a number of studies, including:

• general blood test;
• general urinalysis;
• blood test for sugar levels;
• biochemical blood test;
• analysis of feces for the presence of traces of helminth activity in it;
• examination of stool for the presence of dysbacteriosis.

Anoscopy and colonoscopy will help doctors clarify the final diagnosis. A proctologist can suspect that a patient has hemorrhoids or anal fissure while examining the site of the lesion and identifying the main objective symptoms of the disease. It is important to remember that only a competent diagnosis of the pathological condition will allow us to establish its causes and prescribe adequate treatment.

Highlights of modern treatment

Treatment for irritation and itching around the anus depends solely on the causes of its occurrence. The decision on the choice of treatment tactics for a pathological condition should be made exclusively by the attending physician after a detailed examination and evaluation of the results of additional examination.

Update: October 2018

Often itching is caused by individual intolerance to some substance that gets either on the skin or inside the body - through the mouth or by injection. It can occur due to thermal, mechanical or electrical stimulation of skin receptors. The symptom also indicates an excess of other substances in the blood, except for histamine, which appears during allergies. Some of these diseases can be life-threatening.

Where does the itching sensation come from?

The imperative desire to scratch an area of ​​skin occurs when blood with a high concentration of dissolved substances flows to the pain receptors (nociceptors), spread out in the form of a network under a layer of epithelial cells:

• histamine and/or histidine. These substances are formed in excess by immune cells when certain - specific for each organism - foreign proteins enter the body;
• bile acids produced in the liver. They enter the skin cells and cannot leave them when a condition such as cholestasis develops - when bile cannot completely enter the duodenum and is forced to stagnate in the cells of the liver and biliary tract;
• serotonin is a substance formed from an amino acid, which, when released, leads to a significant contraction of smooth muscles located in blood vessels and internal organs. This is a neurotransmitter, that is, a chemical compound that allows communication between nerve endings (the signal passes from nerve to nerve not like electricity, but rather like a bubble with a chemical substance, depending on the structure of which the activity of a neuron can be inhibited or activated). Its structure is very similar to the psychoactive hallucinogen LSD;
• cytokines – molecules that enable “communication” between immune cells;
• endorphins – natural pain-relieving molecules;
• nitrogenous wastes that accumulate in the blood during kidney disease;
• some other bioactive substances: thyroid hormone calcitonin, pancreatic enzymes (trypsin, kallikrein), VIP neuropeptides and substance P.

Since each person’s body has its own characteristics, no direct connection has been identified between the concentration of the above substances and the severity of the need to perform mechanical stimulation. Thus, severe itching in one individual may accompany the initial stage of renal failure, while in another it will not appear even with the terminal stage of uremia.

Only the skin and those mucous membranes, the layer of epithelial cells in which is in contact with the external environment and is located near the skin: gums, tongue, genitals, are “subject to itching”. The signal from the pain receptors located underneath them travels along type C and A-delta nerve fibers, reaches the spinal cord and, together with its structures, is delivered to the brain, to its sensitive zone.

Itching can be of a different nature: from a mild “tickling” to severe, painful. Its nature dictates to a person how to “process” its localization:

• scratch: this is more typical for skin pathologies such as neurodermatitis or eczema;
• rub gently: inherent in lichen planus;
• cool (typical for acute urticaria).

However, a diagnosis cannot be made based on these characteristics alone. In determining the cause of itchy body skin, the following are important:

• its localization;
• the condition of the skin at the site of such sensations;
• conditions for the appearance and relief of itching;
• additional symptoms.

Let’s consider the combination of these factors to make it easier to get examined and choose exactly the specialist who can quickly alleviate your condition.

Types of itching

The prevalence of the symptom is the main criterion from which the diagnosis of the cause of skin itching begins. Based on this measure, pruritus (the so-called itching in medicine) may be:

• Localized (a person can indicate a specific place where itching is felt).
• Generalized (throughout the whole body, not necessarily at the same time).

Generalized itching

Itching accompanied by changes in the skin

This symptom is indicative of pathologies that are within the competence of dermatologists. That is, local changes are accompanied by skin diseases that are less dangerous than systemic diseases.

Diseases accompanied by redness of the skin

Itching and redness of the skin are more typical for inflammatory or allergic diseases. This:

• Contact dermatitis: irritation and itching are located in the area that came into contact with the allergen. The boundaries of redness are clear. To diagnose, you need to remember what new places you have been to, what new household chemicals you started using, what clothes or accessory you put directly on your skin. So, redness in the armpits may be associated with wearing a new woolen sweater/dress or clothes that are familiar, but washed with a new powder. And itching of the skin of the hands - using a new cream or other chemical product. A characteristic feature of this disease is the complete disappearance of symptoms after the allergen ends.
• Atopic dermatitis– a disease that most often affects children, but can also occur in adults. Its causes are an allergen, most often taken orally with food. In children, redness is located mainly on the skin of the face (on the cheeks), the flexor surface of the knees and elbows. In adults: the face is excluded, wrists, knees and elbows may turn red - on their bends.

Combination of itching and rash

Disease	Type of rash	Localization, features
Contact dermatitis	Redness with a clearly defined border; there may be blisters at the top of the redness	Anywhere. Can recall contact with clothing/accessory/chemical
Hives. If such blisters protruding above the cover appear after mechanical friction of this area - dermographic urticaria	Redness that has a border, protrudes above the skin level, and tends to merge with each other, similar to a mark left by a nettle.	Anywhere
Bullous pemphigoid	Initially, redness rises above the skin, after which a bubble of tense properties appears in this place	In places where friction occurs with clothing or accessories (bag belt, watch belt)
Eczema	At first there is redness and swelling, which have a clear shape, then bubbles appear, some of which open, and crusts develop in their place. Elements of several stages are observed in one place (redness, blisters, crusts)	Symmetrical areas of skin, most often on the extremities (especially the upper ones), as well as the face
Limited neurodermatitis	Dry plaques, around which there may be red spots that do not have clear boundaries with healthy skin	On the sides of the neck, in the folds
Neurodermatitis diffuse	In adults - dried spots on the skin, surrounded by a reddish rim, without a sharp transition to healthy skin	Eyelids, feet, lips, hands. May be all over the body.
	Swelling and redness, swelling and peeling, there may be red rashes, blisters or crusts on top	In children - after the introduction of complementary foods - on the cheeks, collar area, upper limbs
	Small spots of various shapes protruding above the skin, shiny	At the 2nd year of life, located in the area of ​​the folds
T cell lymphoma	Red rash on the skin, accompanied by itching, oval	In places not exposed to sunlight
Lichen planus	Violet, polygonal shaped polygonal polygonal granules with scales that rise above the healthy cover	Flexion surface of the wrists
Folliculitis	Bubbles and pustules	Hips, back, chest
Psoriasis	Silvery plaques with peeling on top	Extensor surface of the extremities, itching of the scalp and neck, palms and soles
Scabies	Paired black dots are visible	Arms, armpits, stomach, genitals

Combination of itching and skin peeling

Itching accompanies peeling of the skin in the following cases:

• The outcome of an allergic reaction, which manifested itself as urticaria. The allergy could be caused by:
  • products;
  • medicines;
  • animal saliva;
  • household and other chemicals;
  • insect bites;
  • cosmetics.
• Eczema. At the beginning, various types of blisters and redness were noted. These elements, as well as the peeling after them, are localized, often symmetrically on the arms or legs, as well as on the face.
• Impaired functioning of the ovaries, thyroid gland or. In this case, other symptoms will be noted. For example, insufficient thyroid function is characterized by weight gain, dryness and itching of the skin of the body, and in later stages – slower mental reactions. To change the functioning of the ovaries - cycle disorders, difficulty getting pregnant, and so on.
• The “settlement” of worms in the intestines can also cause itchy peeling of the skin of the entire body.
• If it is mainly the face that is peeling, it itches, itches, there is rapid eye fatigue, loss of eyelashes, frequent souring of the eyes, the reason may be infection with eyelash mites, Demodex.
• Another cause of itching can be diabetes. In this case, there are no rash elements, but there are general symptoms: hunger, thirst, frequent urination, easy addition of pustular infection and poor wound healing.
• Itching and peeling that appear after signs of acute respiratory viral infection, occurring in patches of symmetrical shapes, often located on the torso and thighs, can be signs of pityriasis rosea. To make an accurate diagnosis, you need to consult a dermatologist.
• Peeling and itching of the skin of the feet and palms may indicate a fungal infection.
• and itchy scalp may be signs of:
  • disease caused by the fungus Pityrosporum Ovale;
  • psoriasis, in which dandruff will be severe;
  • folliculitis;
  • buying bad shampoo.

If the itching is accompanied by a burning sensation

Burning and itching most often occur at the site of skin inflammation. This may be a reaction to mechanical irritation when shaving, using a depilator or waxing. Poorly healing inflammation in diabetes mellitus is also possible, which burns due to the pH of the tissues changing as a result of this metabolic disease. Burning and itching may be accompanied by diseases of the veins of the lower extremities - then the skin may be swollen, slightly bluish, but without any visible rash.

A combination of these two symptoms can develop in a person when a rash appears (see the corresponding section) - as an individual reaction to eczema, neurodermatitis, urticaria or other dermatitis.

Other symptoms that may indicate the cause of itching

The symptom may also indicate systemic diseases:

• with cholestasis, in addition to itching, yellowness also occurs, if not of the entire skin, then of the whites of the eyes. Itching more often appears in places that rub with clothing, intensifies at night;
• the smell of urine from the body, dry skin sprinkled with white “powder” and its itching, a change in the amount or color of urine indicates kidney failure;
• Itching of the skin after taking a warm bath/shower is characteristic of erythremia, a pathology when the number of red blood cells is significantly higher than normal.

However, if the skin itches for some time after swimming (shower, bath) only during the heating season, it is possible that the skin reacts this way to “technical” hot water in the tap, containing various harmful impurities. If itching is felt after swimming and in the summer, perhaps the reason is that the water is very hard, with a high content of chlorine.

Itching without other symptoms

When itching appears, and there is no dryness, no “powder”, no spots, or any changes in color on the skin, it may be:

• disease of the hematopoietic system, in particular, lymphogranulomatosis. You need to consult a therapist who will palpate a person’s lymph nodes, prescribe and interpret a hemogram and other blood tests, and refer you to a hematologist or oncologist;
• senile itch, which appears after 60 years of age for an unknown reason. But, even if you fit into this category, you need to rule out more serious diseases;
• mental or neurological diseases, the symptoms of which you may not notice in yourself;
• intestinal helminth population, which can be ruled out by a stool test for their eggs, as well as blood tests for antibodies to worms. Prescribing such a diagnosis is the job of an infectious disease doctor (he can be found in the clinic in the office with the abbreviation “KIZ”).

In any case, you may not notice the symptoms that a qualified doctor will pay attention to, so if itching occurs, contact him.

Treatment

Treatment for itchy skin is prescribed after an examination, the purpose of which is to identify the cause of this condition. The main tests that will help clarify the ethology will be:

• general urine and blood tests;
• blood glucose;
• skin scraping to identify fungi;
• liver and kidney tests (blood);
• test for occult blood in stool;
• detection of helminth eggs in feces.

While the tests are being performed, to alleviate the symptoms of itching - if there are no signs of renal or liver failure, which the doctor must tell you about - antihistamines are prescribed: "Edem", "Fenistil", "Diazolin", which do not cause drowsiness, or more powerful drugs, but with this effect (“Suprastin”, “Tavegil”).

For a localized lesion, an antiallergic ointment for skin itching can be used, for example, Sinaflan, Akriderm, Apulein, hydrocortisone ointment or other corticosteroids. Sometimes other local drugs of non-hormonal origin are prescribed - “Prograf” or “Elidel”.

If itching is caused by cholestasis, bile acid-absorbing drugs have been successfully used. When the cause of the symptom lies in a blood disease, specific drugs are used - monoclonal antibody inhibitors. Psoriasis is treated by combining local and systemic medications that normalize skin cell division.

In case of extremely severe itching, weak opiates are prescribed, and treatment is supplemented with hirudotherapy, ultraviolet irradiation of the skin, etc.

Thus, the causes of itching of the scalp and body are varied. Most often, these are various allergic reactions both to a substance that has entered the body and to a substance that has touched the skin. But there may also be life-threatening kidney diseases, liver diseases, or even blood diseases. To clarify the cause and select treatment, you need to undergo a comprehensive examination.

Severe itching is an unpleasant burning sensation, sometimes tingling and irritation on an inflamed area of ​​the skin or part of the body. The causes of the appearance can be very diverse depending on where the symptom is localized.

With this sign, the body tells a person that a problem has formed. Itching is a defensive reaction. By mechanical action, that is, scratching the affected area, the patient tries to eliminate the attack of itching, but the opposite effect often begins.

Etiology

Quite often, severe itching throughout the body is caused by intolerance to certain components that a person may consume. It can also manifest itself from exposure to temperature, electrical and mechanical irritants on the skin.

Every person has experienced this more than once in their life. As a rule, this phenomenon occurs from excess wax in the ear, but clinicians say that this is far from the only provoking factor. The symptom also has other causes, which sometimes lead to a serious condition. Itching in the ears can occur under the influence of such factors and irritants:

• chronic otitis;
• infections;
• diabetes;
• old age;
• damage to the ear canal;
• mechanical impact.

A common cause of itchy ears is water ingress. This inflammatory process can occur from frequent diving, visiting a water park or swimming pool. To get rid of this symptom, doctors advise using a solution of hydrogen peroxide and instilling it into the ear for a few minutes.

Hemorrhoids are a possible cause of itching in the anus

Women often experience discomfort in the genitals. Severe can be provoked by the same variety of factors as with skin itching. The manifestation prevents a woman from living a normal life and causes discomfort. Often a symptom manifests itself from a pathological process. Clinicians have identified the most common reasons why itching of the labia appears:

• infections due to sexual contact;
• allergies;
• wearing incorrect, constricting underwear;
• pathologies not related to gynecology;
• poor genital hygiene;
• hormonal imbalance;
• inflammation in the genitourinary system;
• psychological factors.

A woman may experience the same unpleasant sensations at the moment when the menstrual cycle comes to an end. Itching before menstruation has the following etiological causes:

• sexually transmitted pathologies;
• bacteria and genital infections;
• improper hygiene;
• allergies to certain materials that come into contact with intimate parts;

If a woman’s menstruation begins with such unpleasant symptoms, then, most likely, other symptoms will appear throughout the entire period, for example, discharge or stench.

Severe itching can occur not only in women in intimate places, but also in men. Various infectious lesions of the organ and pathologies of internal organs can provoke the appearance of itching. Severe itching of the scrotum develops under the influence of the following reasons:

• psoriasis;
• pubic lice;
• eczema;
• scabies mite.

Classification

Itching can be caused by many different reasons. In accordance with these factors, doctors have identified several characteristic forms of the symptom:

• cutaneous - manifests itself from insect bites, injuries, burns, as well as from the development of pathologies in the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, liver, endocrine system;
• anal - diagnosed in people of middle and elderly age, applies to the genitals;
• genital - in women itching of the labia appears after symptoms in the vagina, and in men on the scrotum;
• neuropathic - provoked by a violation of nerve endings;
• neurogenic - occurs from certain drugs;
• psychogenic - from emotional stress and disturbances in a person’s psychological balance.

Diagnostics

To eliminate the burning sensation, the patient must consult a doctor. If a symptom appears for a long time and does not subside, then there can be many reasons for the manifestation of such a symptom. A patient with the following manifestations will need urgent help and consultation with a specialist:

• severe discomfort;
• duration more than two weeks;
• spread throughout the body;
• manifestation of other symptoms.

Depending on the location of the itching, the doctor conducts an examination of the patient, which includes a mandatory examination of the body and laboratory tests. After a presumptive diagnosis has been made, the doctor can prescribe instrumental diagnostic methods to the patient, since they are intended for a more detailed examination of the body.

Treatment

Even during the diagnostic period, the patient should adhere to some rules in order to slightly reduce the severe itching of the scalp, hands, genitals and the whole body. Doctors recommend following these recommendations:

• do not scratch or damage the skin;
• put a cool compress on the inflamed area;
• wears clothes made from natural materials;
• use baby soap when bathing;
• take a warm bath with baking soda;
• to avoid drying out the skin, moisturize it with baby cream after washing;
• distance yourself from allergens.

To eliminate severe itching in the intimate area or other parts of the body, doctors sometimes prescribe special diets to patients that are aimed at eliminating the symptom, eliminating the allergen and improving the general condition.

Quite often, when treating itching in any area of ​​the body, doctors prescribe antipruritic medications to the patient, and also prescribe the following medications:

• sedatives;
• antihistamines;
• from allergies;
• anti-inflammatory;
• anesthetics;
• corticosteroid ointments.

If a person has been diagnosed with itching of the head, arms or legs, then it is advisable for him not to let his skin become dry. To do this, you can regularly ventilate the room, use not too warm blankets and bedspreads while sleeping. To take a bath, it is recommended to use warm water, but you need to wash with soap without alkali.

Depending on the diagnosed illness, doctors prescribe other procedures, medications and ointments to the patient. In the general course of therapy, doctors use simple treatment methods that effectively relieve itching on the hands, feet or head:

• use anti-inflammatory ointments;
• use antihistamines and sedatives.

If a person is bothered by itching in the ear, then the most common reason for the appearance of the doctor is considered to be an excessive amount of sulfur. Therefore, doctors recommend regularly cleaning the ear with special sticks and disinfecting the entire auricle. You can also use a vinegar solution or a mixture of water and soda. The last cleaning method may be the most effective, since soda has a destructive effect on sulfur. After cleaning, you can drip vegetable oil into your ear to reduce the unpleasant feeling.

If the above cleaning methods do not help to cope with the itching, then the patient should definitely consult a doctor. Perhaps the cause of the symptom formation was a more serious and severe factor.

Just as in previous cases, treatment in the perineal area is possible only after the cause of the symptom has been established. If the etiology of the symptom lies in improper hygiene, then the patient should treat his body more carefully and after a while the severe itching in the perineum will disappear. When identifying complicated causes, doctors use other methods of therapy:

• balance the diet;
• use glucocorticosteroid drugs;
• You can cope with dermatitis using ointments with a drying effect;
• for hemorrhoids, use medications that reduce itching and burning;
• When a helminthic infestation develops, the patient should also pay attention to personal hygiene.

The symptom must be eliminated by addressing the cause of its occurrence. In this case, all symptoms of the pathology will disappear. In very advanced stages of the disease, the patient may be prescribed surgical treatment. Doctors often resort to such a radical method in case of formation