Angina

For what reason is itching? Why the body itches: causes of itching and methods of treatment

In this article, you will learn why your skin may itch and itch. You will understand that the basis of skin itching is a whole complex of causes and indirect factors that provoke it. You will receive complete information about methods of getting rid of discomfort using traditional means and folk methods, and also learn about ways to prevent this unpleasant symptom.

Classification

Itchy skin – an external manifestation accompanied by irritation of the skin area and a strong desire to itch. This symptom can occur in anyone, regardless of age or gender. In medicine, there is a classification of skin itching, which is based on its individual characteristics.

According to the degree of prevalence, itchy skin is distinguished:

Generalized. The phenomenon is typical for the skin of the entire body.
Focal (localized). A clearly defined pathological area of skin is identified.

Depending on the causes:

Dermatological. Develops as a symptom of skin diseases.
System as an external manifestation of pathologies of the liver, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, and thyroid gland.
Psychogenic. Occurs against the background of stressful situations that give rise to neuroses.
Neuropathic. Formed as a result of diseases of the nervous system.

There are several specific types of skin itching:

Aquagenic. Occurs when skin comes into contact with water.
Senile. Itching appears in 60-70% of people after 70 years of age.
Reflex. People who are overly emotional or excited have a desire to scratch if they hear or see a phenomenon or object that irritates them.
High-rise. The symptom develops when a person rises to great heights.

Reasons

The desire to scratch occurs as a result of a rush of blood to the receptors located in the upper layer of the skin. The blood may contain hormones, acids, and waste products, which contribute to irritation of the receptors.

Excessive release of certain compounds into the blood occurs under the influence of diseases or external phenomena. In this regard, several groups of factors can be identified that cause skin itching.

Dermatological diseases

Skin diseases are often accompanied by severe itching. It can either concentrate in one or several areas or spread throughout the body. The skin itches unbearably with the following diseases:

Itching can be a symptom not only of skin diseases, but also of pathologies of internal organs. It is caused by the following diseases:

Physiological reasons

Sometimes itchy skin is not associated with diseases:

The period of menopause and pregnancy in women. Hormonal changes in the body provoke the release of hormones into the blood, which leads to irritation of receptors on the surface of the skin.
Stressful situations. Overexcitation and stress contribute to a rush of blood to the epidermis, which provokes the desire to scratch.
Taking medications. Some medications on the list of side effects have skin itching. It may be caused by an allergy to drugs.
Senile itching. After 70 years, the functioning of the sebaceous glands is disrupted, the skin does not retain moisture well and dries out. Lack of nutrition and loss of regenerative functions of the skin with age leads to regular scratching.
Overheating, hypothermia or frequent contact with water. Natural factors contribute to dryness and cracking of the skin.
Lack of hygiene. If a person rarely washes or uses aggressive washing products, the epidermis is affected and itching occurs.

Important! The exact reason why the skin itches can only be determined based on a combination of several symptoms.

Dermatovenerologist M.G. Conte will tell you about the causes of skin itching. She will tell you in detail about diseases, one of the symptoms of which is the desire to scratch.

Since there are more than 100 factors that can trigger itching, the dermatologist prescribes a whole range of diagnostic measures. The patient’s initial visit to a dermatologist includes:

Obtaining anamnesis, including information about additional symptoms.
An examination during which the dermatologist carefully examines the patient's skin.

The second stage of the examination involves:

blood test, including biochemical;
urine test;
examination of stool for the presence of pathogenic bacteria;
scraping from affected areas of the skin to determine the presence of pathogens.

If a disease of the internal organs is suspected, the doctor will refer the patient for examination by specialized specialists (endocrinologist, gastroenterologist, oncologist, etc.).

Treatment

Methods for eliminating skin itching are selected depending on the reasons that gave rise to the unpleasant symptom.

Skin diseases

Treatment of itching in dermatological diseases is carried out not only with drugs for external use, but also with drugs for internal use.

Neurodermatitis. The disease involves taking antihistamines (Astemizole, Loratadine) and sedatives (Phenazepam, Aminazine). For external treatment, ointments are used: antiseptic (zinc, ichthyol, tar), anti-inflammatory (Bepanten, Gistan), nourishing (Radevit), corticosteroid (Sinaflan, Advantan).

Hives. Treatment involves limiting contact with the allergen, taking antihistamines (Claritin, Cetrin, Zyrtec), and hormonal medications (Nerobol, Retabolil). Externally, zinc and naphthalan ointments and hormonal creams (Flucinar, Fluorocort) are used.

Pediculosis. For hair in the pubic area and armpits, use tar soap, boric or mercury ointment. Shampoos and aerosols against lice (Veda, NOK, Sumitrin) help well.
Xeroderma. To relieve itching and exfoliate scales, ointments with salicylic acid and urea (“Keratolan”, “Ureotop”) are used. Baths with collagen, salt and soda are useful. Compresses with a propylene glycol solution give good results.

Lichen planus. The treatment is complex, it includes several groups of medications: immunosuppressants (Cyclosporin A, Chloroquine), systemic corticosteroids (Metypred, Prednisolone), interferons (Interferon-alpha 2b, Neovir), drugs with vitamin A (Tigazon, Acitretin), antihistamines (Zyrtec, Diazolin), antibiotics (Metacycline, Azithromycin).

Dermatitis. To relieve symptoms, contact with the allergen is minimized, antihistamine ointments and creams (Zodak, Claritin, Cetrin), antifungal and antimicrobial medications (Candide, Terbix) are used.

Fungal skin infection. To eliminate pathogens, antifungal drugs are used, both externally and internally (Exoderil, Pimafucin, Candide, Nizoral, Diflucan).

Folliculitis. Depending on the causative agent of the disease, take antibiotics (Erythromycin, Cephalexin) or antifungal medications (Fluconazole, Terbinafine). Treat the affected areas of the skin with a solution of brilliant green, methylene blue, salicylic or boric alcohol.

Demodecosis. Treatment is predominantly local, consisting of applying sulfur ointment or benzyl benzoate, treating skin areas with tar soap. To prevent secondary bacterial infection as part of complex therapy, use Trichopolum.

Internal diseases

In diseases of the internal organs, skin itching is only one of the many symptoms of the pathology. The course of treatment is aimed at eliminating the underlying cause; topical preparations only improve the condition of the skin and reduce itching.

Diseases of the liver, gall bladder. To eliminate discomfort, for cholestasis and other diseases of the liver and gallbladder, medications are used that reduce the level of bile acids in the blood: ursodeoxycholic acid, Cholestyramine, Phenobarbital, Rifampicin, Naloxone, Tavegil.

Kidney itching. UVB therapy (12 courses) will help soothe itching in kidney diseases. For longer-term treatment, the following are prescribed: Activated carbon, Thalidomide, Naltrexone, Ondansetron, antihistamines (Tavegil), and for topical use, Capsaicin cream.

Endocrine diseases. If the functions of the thyroid gland are impaired, the course of treatment is usually based on hormonal medications (“L-Thyroxine”). For diabetes mellitus, insulin medications are prescribed. After a course of replacement therapy, the itching goes away on its own.

Blood diseases. Treatment of blood cancer is very complex; in severe stages it includes chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and blood stem cell transplantation. For iron deficiency anemia, iron supplements are prescribed in the form of injections or orally (Sorbifer Durules, Totema).

Immunodeficiency states.. Local treatment in the course of therapy for HIV infection consists of moisturizing and nourishing the skin to eliminate dryness. To do this, use fatty creams that create a protective film on the skin (“Silicone”).
Diseases of the nervous system. To normalize the patient’s condition, doctors prescribe sedatives (“Adaptol”, “Akatinol Memantine”, “Actovegin”). To relieve itching, use ointments and creams with a soothing effect, for example, Nezulin cream-gel.

Avitaminosis. If there is a lack of vitamins A and B, take vitamin complexes (“Alphabet”, “Revit”, “Vitrum”). Radevit cream has nutritional properties.

Intestinal helminths. You can cope with an unpleasant symptom (itching) only by eliminating the cause. To get rid of helminths, take “Vormil”, “Vermox”, “Pyrantel”. Creams “Bepanten” and “Actovegin” will help reduce skin itching.

Periarteritis nodosa. Treatment of the disease is complex, including immunosuppressive cytostatic drugs “Azathioprine”, “Cyclophosphamide”, drugs against hyperthrombosis “Heparin”, “Pentoxifylline”. For external use, hormonal ointments “Prednisolone”, “Hydrocortisone”, “Akriderm-GK” are recommended.

Important! Be very careful when treating itching in the presence of internal diseases and allergies. Hormonal and antihistamine drugs have many side effects!

Prevention of physiological itching

If skin itching is not associated with the presence of dermatological diseases or pathologies of internal organs, preventive measures will help reduce discomfort:

Folk remedies

Traditional methods help reduce the symptoms of itching, but do not cope with severe diseases. For serious pathologies, they are used only as part of complex therapy.

Ingredients:

Sunflower oil – 1 tbsp.
Onions – 6 pcs.
Wax – 1 tbsp.

How to cook: Boil oil and add chopped onions to it. When the onion darkens, strain the mixture and add crushed wax. Boil for another 5 minutes, cool.

How to use: Apply to the affected area of skin for 15-20 minutes 2-3 times a day.

Result: The ointment relieves itching and moisturizes the skin.

Boric acid mash

Ingredients:

Black tea – 50 g.
Boric acid – 5-7 drops.
Medical alcohol – 7 drops.

How to cook: Boil 0.5 liters of water and brew tea. Add alcohol and boric acid to the cooled and strained liquid.

How to use: Lubricate the affected areas of the skin 2-3 times a day.

Result: The skin is disinfected and the itching goes away.

Ingredients:

Mint or lemon balm leaves – 10 g.
Vodka – 50 ml.

How to cook: Pour mint leaves with vodka and infuse the mixture for a week.

How to use: Wipe the affected areas with the tincture 2-3 times a day.

Result: Peppermint essential oils soothe the skin, itching goes away.

Question and answer

What childhood diseases can be accompanied by itchy skin?

When you have chickenpox, your skin will itch and watery blisters will appear on your body. To treat the disease, antiviral drugs are prescribed (“Viferon”, “Cycloferon”). Lubricate the rash with a solution of brilliant green (zelenka). The solution helps reduce itching and disinfects wounds. Sometimes the skin itches with rubella, and the rash is bright pink and occurs against a background of fever, cough, and runny nose.

Is it possible to cure senile itch?

As you age, your skin becomes drier. The reason is a general slowdown in metabolic processes in the body. It is impossible to completely cope with age-related skin itching. To reduce discomfort, use fatty creams to nourish and moisturize the skin (Belita, Green Mama).

How to relieve itching during pregnancy?

If a pregnant woman does not suffer from any of the diseases listed above, the cause of itchy skin during pregnancy is hormonal changes and stretching of the skin. Since most drugs for pregnant women are prohibited, use folk remedies: make lotions from oatmeal soaked in milk, wash the skin with decoctions of string, calendula, chamomile. Follow the drinking regime (at least 1.5 liters of clean water per day) and preventive measures.

What to remember:

The cause of skin itching can be both physiological factors and diseases.
Proceed with treatment only after establishing the exact cause.
Do not use antihistamines and hormonal ointments without a doctor's prescription.
Follow measures to prevent itching, whatever the cause of its occurrence.
If ointments or folk remedies are ineffective, contact a dermatologist and get examined.

Itching is a sensation of mild or severe skin irritation, the response to which is scratching. It's nothing more than body's defense reaction, designed to focus attention on the cause of the itching and eliminate it.

In trivial cases, rubbing and scratching is enough: massage of the integument causes blood flow to the lesion, activates metabolic processes and also mechanically eliminates the irritant. But more often a more serious approach is required to identify the source and cause of itching.

Sources of itching

The scratching reflex occurs at the site where the action on the nerve endings of the skin and the resulting itching is provoked by a certain substance, influence or condition.

The most common sources of itching are:

Mechanical irritation

Most often it occurs due to contact with insects and contaminants on the skin (crawling insects and dripping drops), touch of certain materials (feathers, etc.) - if it passes without violating the integrity of the skin, it does not pose a danger.

Thermal impact

Or first-degree frostbite is often accompanied by itching, followed by peeling of the skin, and more serious thermal damage causes pain, not itching.

Intradermal irritants

Histamines, bilirubins, secretions of substances injected by insects - when entering the skin or produced in it, these substances cause local swelling and itching.

Mushrooms

Getting on the surface of the skin and mucous membranes, they cause itching in the area of distribution.

Diseases

Changes in the composition of the internal environments of the body due to systemic diseases often cause itching without a specific localization and external changes in the skin.

These immediate sources of itching do not appear just like that, but for a specific reason, most often due to a disease.

Causes of itching

Skin diseases of non-infectious origin

Neurodermatitis

Specific reaction of the skin to adverse effects: stress or a long-term psychologically traumatic situation, change in climate zone and season, gastronomic errors (spicy, fatty, industrially prepared food), friction of clothing, odors, etc.

It differs from allergies by the presence of a nervous nature of origin, seasonality not related to the development of plants.

Psoriasis

Chronic, currently incurable skin disease.

It is characterized by the appearance and spread of areas of altered skin with itching, thickening, peeling and further discoloration.

Periods of remission can be long, but when unfavorable factors appear, the disease worsens.

Eczema

Associated with imperfect immunity and hereditary predisposition.

It is characterized by the appearance on the skin of exposed parts of the body (face, hands) of red spots covered with blisters, which soon burst and release serous fluid. From here the second name of the disease is weeping lichen.

The listed diseases are accompanied by itching of varying severity and do not pose a danger to others.

Lichen contact

A group of skin diseases caused by contact with a pathogenic agent and posing a threat in close contact.

Pityriasis rosea (Giber's disease)

It is manifested by the appearance of a pink or light brown maternal spot-plaque with slight peeling. This is the largest formation in the colony, around which smaller pink rashes are grouped, causing mild itching.

Shingles

It is caused by the high-contact chickenpox virus, an encounter with which for the majority of the population ends with a banal and quickly passing chickenpox. When the immune system is weakened, a serious disease occurs - herpes zoster.

In both cases, papular rashes on the skin are accompanied by severe itching, but with lichen there is poor health and a not entirely favorable prognosis - complications may arise in the form of eye damage, hearing loss, and partial paralysis.

Ringworm (trichophytosis) and its variety microsporia

Caused by mushrooms. Trichophytosis is transmitted from humans (possibly through shared objects) and animals (causing a more severe form), and microsporia appears exclusively after contact with animals.

Most often they appear on the scalp, as well as under the beard and on the eyebrows. The pink spots are covered in the center with white scales. The hair in the affected area breaks off at the root. Itching is mild.

Dermatophytosis

Fungal disease is most often localized on the skin of the feet.

One of the manifestations of the disease is itching.

It can be transmitted from humans and through household contact (shared shoes, underwear), as well as when visiting a bathhouse and swimming pool.

A fairly common cause of itching is intolerance to certain substances or allergies.

Skin reactions to the introduction of an irritant may be different, but they are all accompanied by itching:

Contact dermatitis

Appears more often after encountering an external irritant: synthetic clothing, chemicals, and other substances.

Small blisters appear on the skin at the site of contact, which quickly open, and in their place, as contact continues, ulcers form.

After eliminating the irritating factor, the symptoms disappear.

Hives

Inflammation of a clearly defined area of skin with itching, redness and swelling, caused by the entry of an allergen into the body or onto a surface.

The most common cause is food allergies, in particular to citrus fruits.

The short-term condition lasts no more than a day.

Atopic dermatitis

It occurs in childhood, and the tendency to it manifests itself until adolescence, and in some cases throughout life.

Allergy manifests itself in the form of inflammation followed by the formation of crusts on the skin.

They most often affect children and adolescents in closed groups (groups in kindergartens, classes in schools, groups in health camps, wards in hospitals and sanatoriums), as well as members of their families.

Pediculosis

The appearance of lice in the scalp.

The insect goes through several development cycles on the head; its metabolic products irritate the skin and cause quite severe itching.

Scabies

Transmitted through close contact from person to person.

Insect bites

A common cause of short-term itching is insect bites.

During the warm season, a person may be attacked mosquitoes, flies, bees, OS, other insects.

Some of them cause not only itching, but can also be accompanied by the development of severe allergies, including angioedema, which threatens health and life.

At home, a bite is possible all year round bedbugs, fleas from animals, as well as ticks.

The latter most often attack residents of the lower floors of apartment buildings, where rats live in unsanitary basement conditions. After deratization, mites from the fur of dead rats will move to the first floors of buildings in search of a new host. There they settle in the fur of domestic animals, and in their absence they attack humans.

Children are especially likely to experience bites. The consequences of such contact may not be limited to itching and discomfort.

Rat ticks- carriers of serious diseases.

Sexually transmitted diseases

Not all illnesses that occur after sexual intercourse cause itching. But most of them already in the first stages clearly demonstrate trouble in this way.

Gonorrhea

Itching is more pronounced in men, the disease is accompanied by purulent discharge.

Trichomoniasis

Severe itching in the genital area occurs in women, and asymptomatic carriage is often found in men.

Other sexually transmitted diseases (mycoplasmosis, ureaplasmosis, papillomatosis, candidiasis, etc.) may be accompanied by itching, but may also occur without this symptom.

Somatic diseases

Diseases that are not directly related to the skin, but affect the state of body fluids and their production of hormones and secretory fluid, can also cause itching.

Itching, to one degree or another, is characteristic of the following diseases and conditions:

diabetes mellitus(increased sugar content provokes the activation of inert fungi and the growth of their colonies);
liver and gallbladder diseases(hepatitis, cirrhosis, blockage of the duct with a stone);
liver diseases(hydronephrosis, pyelonephritis and other nephropathies);
blood diseases(erythermia, lymphomas, leukemia, spleen dysfunction);
mental illness(itching as an obsessive condition or a reaction to stress).

Localization of itching

The location of the itching is not always associated with damage to this particular area of the skin. But any part of the human body can itch.

Some localization clearly indicates a specific disease.

Anal itching

Reasons to suspect the presence of:

insufficient hygiene and associated skin irritation in this area;
helminths, in particular pinworms, - the worms crawl out and lay eggs in the area around the anus;
cracks in the anal mucosa- constipation causes an increase in the mass, density and volume of feces, which are simultaneously removed from the rectum, which causes trauma to both the mucous membrane and the external adjacent areas; infected fissures are often found after anal sex;
hemorrhoids- along with pain due to inflammation of the veins, severe itching occurs, especially after defecation;
proctitis- inflammation of the rectum;
dysbacteriosis contents of intestinal flora;
fungal infection of the anal area, which is typical for people with low immunity.

Itching in the genital area

In addition to sexually transmitted diseases, itching in this area may indicate:

failure to comply with hygiene rules;
degenerative changes in mucous membranes, precancerous conditions (kraurosis of the vulva, balanoposthitis)
inflammation of the glans penis, pinching caused by inflammation- in these conditions, itching is not the most striking sign; pain and swelling come first;
unbalanced composition of microflora- appears after taking antibiotics, as well as various types of abuse - appears more often in women, but their sexual partners may also suffer.

Itching of the scalp

Dry seborrhea

Dandruff, due to a decrease in the secretion of sebum from the pores below normal, is characterized by thinning and increased sensitivity of the skin, numerous flakes of skin covering the head, lingering in the hair and falling on the shoulders.

Oily seborrhea

Increased secretion of sebum, gluing of dead particles on the surface of the head, creation of a shell of fat and obsolete skin, which impedes breathing, causes impaired blood supply and severe itching.

Neurosis

Due to stress, sometimes certain areas of the body itch, including the scalp.

Itching of extremities

In addition to the above reasons, the most common of which is allergies, the skin of the legs may itch when varicose veins.

Insufficiency of the valves that prevent the reverse flow of blood causes swelling, pasty tissue of the legs and ankles, and itching.

This is not the most characteristic sign of the disease, but it is the persistent itching that draws attention to the vessels of the legs.

Special Conditions

Itching during pregnancy

Itching during pregnancy occurs at one stage or another in 30 - 40% of women.

In the first trimester it is manifestation of toxicosis, when the body ceases to perceive familiar foods and smells as necessary for the body, and strives to prevent their further intake through various atypical reactions - nausea, vomiting, itching.

External manifestations of itching in this case may be absent or limited to urticaria.

In the second half of pregnancy, the cause of itching can be:

skin stretching- with excessive enlargement of the abdomen, the integument increases in size in a short time, which causes the appearance of striae (microtraumas of the dermis in the form of thinned stripes), their healing causes itching;
disruption of internal organs- stomach (heartburn, belching), gallbladder (impaired outflow of bile, blocked ducts), liver (non-infectious hepatitis), kidneys (delayed outflow of urine) - these conditions are caused by displacement of organs due to an enlarged uterus and are often accompanied by itching;
stress as your due date approaches- a common cause of itching in pregnant women, sometimes accompanied by significant scratching and infection.

All these reasons disappear on their own after childbirth, as does the itching itself. There are no consequences observed.

Itching in cancer

During cancer treatment, patients undergo chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

These manipulations often cause itching.

At the end of the period of exposure, complications in the form of unbearable itching gradually disappear.

Senile condition

In old age, many metabolic processes are gradually disrupted.

The skin becomes thinner, the fat layer decreases. Blood supply to the integument is reduced.

Itching is very possible.

Bedsores

Bedridden patients are at risk: the appearance of itchy skin can serve as a sign of the appearance of a bedsore - a condition of necrotic degeneration of the skin, causing complete disintegration of the skin in a separate area, with the further addition of infection.

Diagnosis of causes and treatment

Determining the cause of itching is not difficult in most cases. For this complaint, the diagnosis is established by collecting anamnesis, examination and, in some cases, instrumental and/or laboratory tests.

To avoid itching you should:

maintain body hygiene;
avoid contact with blood-sucking insects (use repellents and clean your home of bedbugs and ticks);
do not use other people’s personal hygiene items (combs, shoes, underwear);
When in contact with a known sick person, observe sanitary conditions;
follow a hypoallergenic diet;
follow all doctor’s recommendations if you have allergies;
during the season of exacerbations, take antihistamines prophylactically (as recommended by a doctor);
avoid traumatic situations, use methods of psychological relief;
carefully treat emerging acute and existing chronic diseases;
streamline your lifestyle - a measured regime, activity and elimination of pathological addictions;
At the first signs of illness, consult a doctor.

Thus, itching is one of the manifestations of many common and rare diseases. The correct diagnosis of the causes of itching and ways to eliminate it, as well as treatment of the underlying disease, can only be established by a doctor.

Self-medication in the case of a serious underlying cause of this sensation can lead to aggravation of the situation, complicating further treatment.

In trivial cases, for example, mosquito bites, mild sunburn, diagnosed allergies, minor frostbite, you can completely cope with the problem on your own. It’s just important not to overdo it and not cause an allergy to an allergy medicine, for example.

Special attention to children. Itching without visible damage or cause is a reason to consult a pediatrician. Preventive medical examination will determine the predisposition to allergic reactions, and, if necessary, identify the allergen. Since an incorrect or excessive reaction of the body to the intake of a particular substance is becoming more and more common, we must learn to live with it. Properly managed allergies do not interfere with a full life, do not progress and make you feel like a healthy person.

Content

Every person's skin may itch from time to time, and sometimes this is not taken seriously. However, this phenomenon cannot be ignored, because itching can cause a serious illness. Every person who cares about their health needs to know why the skin of the body sometimes itches.

What is itching

This is the name for the feeling in which the skin is irritated and you want to scratch it. May be accompanied by tingling and burning. Itching is not a separate ailment. This is just a symptom, one of a complex characteristic of some disease. Regardless of what pathology it is caused by, it occurs due to irritation of the nerve endings existing in the upper and middle layers of the epidermis.

Types of itching

There is a classification according to the mechanism of origin. According to it, there are several types of itching:

Pruritoceptive. It begins on inflamed, dry or damaged skin.
Psychogenic. There are many root causes for its occurrence, but the most common is constant emotional depression.
Neuropathic. Occurs when there is a disturbance in the functioning of the nervous system.
Neurogenic. Caused by pathologies that do not affect the nervous system.

Depending on the area of localization, the following types of itching are distinguished:

general(generalized);
local.

Generalized itching

This is the name given to a condition in which the entire body itches. The causes of generalized itching can be both pathological and natural. The skin on the body may itch due to prolonged exposure to the sun or rising to high altitudes, as well as the aging process of the body. As a rule, the feeling of discomfort worsens in the evening and reaches its peak at night. There are cases when the itching is generalized, but not pronounced. It manifests itself occasionally as a slight burning sensation.

Localized itching

In this case, a certain area of the skin itches and irritates. As a rule, localized itching is pathological. The most common places of damage: scalp, genitals, anal area. In addition, there are a huge number of cases when people’s ears, eyelids, nose, face, fingers, and limbs itch. It is not the irritation itself that needs to be treated, but the diseases that caused it.

Causes of itchy body skin

To get rid of discomfort, it is necessary to find out why it arose. There are many reasons for itchy body skin. It is caused by skin diseases, problems with internal organs, or even a certain emotional state. Regardless of why the skin of the body itches, this condition must be eliminated. It is worth taking a closer look at the most common factors that provoke it.

Causes of itching all over the body without rashes

A very common occurrence. The following causes of itching all over the body without rashes may be noted:

chronic renal failure;
old age (as we get older, the skin becomes drier, so itching may occur);
development of liver diseases;
pregnancy;
mental disorders;
pancreatic head cancer;
blood diseases;
blocking of the duodenal opening by a neoplasm;
infectious invasions;
diabetes mellitus and thyroid disorders (very common causes of itchy body skin without a rash);
stress;
a side effect of taking a drug.

Causes of severe itching all over the body

Sometimes the irritation is simply unbearable. The causes of severe itching all over the body are:

allergies (usually atopic dermatitis, urticaria);
stress (the degree of irritation varies from mild and unnoticeable to very strong, causing uncontrolled scratching of the skin);
seasonal weakening of the body (especially in people with vegetative-vascular dystonia);
lymphogranulomatosis;
kidney disease;
Hodgkin's lymphoma;
multiple sclerosis;
erythremia.

Rash and itching on the body in an adult

The most common, but far from the only cause of such symptoms is allergies. In general, the factors that provoke rash and itching on the body in an adult are divided into infectious and non-infectious. Each group requires detailed consideration. Infectious causes of skin itching with rash:

Syphilis. In the second stage of the disease, the body becomes covered with spots, and in the third - a small rash similar to a nettle lesion. The route of transmission is sexual.
Lichen. Absolutely all types of rashes are characteristic of such skin lesions. Always accompanied by itching and irritation.
Herpes. It most often appears on the face, but can also be located in other areas. It starts with a spot of redness that you want to scratch unbearably, then small bubbles with water inside appear in its place, then crusts.
Rubrophytia. A fungus that affects the feet.
Pemphigus.

Non-infectious reasons why the skin on the body itches and a rash occurs:

lupus erythematosus or systemic lupus;
seborrheic dermatitis (affects areas of the body where there are many sebaceous glands);
hives;
psoriasis (at first the rash does not itch, but later leads to severe discomfort);
Diaper rash.

Subcutaneous itching

This phenomenon does not occur as often as others, but it causes a lot of inconvenience for both adults and children. Subcutaneous itching begins due to:

These two states are closely interrelated. The main causes of dry and itchy body skin are aging and dehydration. The cells gradually become less elastic than before. In addition, dry itchy skin occurs when:

allergies;
fungal infections;
skin diseases;
kidney and liver problems;
infectious diseases;
being in unfavorable climatic conditions (excessive cold or heat);
use of inappropriate personal hygiene products and cosmetics;
thyroid disease.

Rash on the back of an adult

This phenomenon, in most cases, occurs with allergies. The appearance of rashes on the back of an adult is typical for:

hormonal imbalances (adolescence, pregnancy, lactation);
dysbacteriosis;
lack of personal hygiene (rare showering);
problems with the urinary system;
gynecological diseases;
being in unfavorable climatic conditions;
endocrine diseases;
stress;
insect bites;
poor nutrition;
excessive sweating.

What skin diseases cause itching on the back:

hives;
fungi;
psoriasis;
skin infections;
scabies;
seborrhea;
neurodermatitis.

Psychogenic itching

Caused by stress, situations that provoke anxiety or emotional instability. As a rule, the appearance of psychogenic itching is typical for people over forty years of age. There are no skin changes. Patients may feel as if someone is crawling on their body. Sometimes they scratch the areas that bother them so much that wounds appear.

My whole body itches at night

Increased itching in the evening is typical for almost every person, be it a man or a woman. At night, the whole body itches because the blood vessels dilate and blood circulation increases. More heat enters the cells, which leads to increased exposure to stimuli. There is nocturnal itching of the skin of the body - the causes of which are exacerbations of the sensitivity of the nervous system caused by stress, neurasthenia, complications of any disease.

Rash on the sides of an adult

Possible reasons for this phenomenon:

A rash on the sides of an adult occurs with certain types of herpes, especially herpes zoster.
Scarlet fever.
Problems with the liver or pancreas.
Allergy.

Itching and peeling skin on the legs

Many people encounter this phenomenon. Itching and peeling of the skin on the legs can occur with:

neurodermatitis;
fungus;
negative climate impacts;
contact dermatitis;
erythroderma;
varicose veins;
using low-quality skin care cosmetics;
exfoliative dermatitis;
diabetes mellitus;
psoriasis;
dermatosis;
eczema;
allergic reaction to foods, medications;
thrombophlebitis;
wearing low-quality and too tight shoes;
dehydration.

Itchy whole body and head

The causes of this phenomenon may be illnesses, but external factors cannot be ruled out. Diseases in which the whole body and head itches:

neurodermatitis;
scabies;
hives;
diabetes mellitus;
xerosis.

The head and body can also itch for the following reasons:

contact with external irritants (chemicals, pollen, synthetic clothing, etc.);
increased sensitivity of the nervous system;
excessive impressionability.

Rash on the hands of an adult

This symptom is characteristic of many diseases. A rash on the hands of an adult occurs when:

allergic dermatitis (contact, atopic, toxicoderma);
eczema;
scabies;
syphilis;
erysipelas;
intestinal yersiniosis;
lichen;
psoriasis;
vasculitis.

Diagnosis of body skin itching

If you suddenly start itching, do not put off visiting a dermatologist. Diagnosis of body skin itching to identify a disease for which treatment should be prescribed consists of the following measures:

initial examination of the patient (skin);
survey (the patient must list his complaints and indicate additional symptoms);
laboratory tests and non-invasive studies.

As a rule, the patient is prescribed an examination according to an individual program, which may include one or more of the following procedures:

blood tests: general, biochemical, detailed, for sugar and thyroid hormones;
X-ray;
stool tests: general and for the presence of worms;
endoscopy (colonoscopy, gastroscopy, etc.);
urine test.

Treatment of itchy body skin

local antihistamines and anti-inflammatory(Bepanthena, Elokola, Fenistila, Mesoderm, Beloderm, Solcoseryl);
antihistamines for internal use(Erius, Zyrtec, Tavegil, Loratidine, Diazolin, Cetrin);
folk remedies(melissa tincture);
antifungal(Fluconazole);
ointments with glucocorticosteroids(Lokoid, Advantan).

Generalized itching is an irritating, painful, tickling sensation that affects the skin throughout the body or over many large areas. Today we will tell you about the causes and treatment of severe skin itching all over the body, with and without a rash, with colorful photos.

What is generalized itching

Generalized itching is an irritating, painful, tickling sensation that affects the skin throughout the body or in many areas of a large area, and provokes a physiological scratching reflex. The very concept of itching in medicine is not defined with sufficient accuracy, since the physiological and biochemical mechanism of this phenomenon is not clear.

However, it has been established that itching is a sensation close to pain, stimulating the nerve endings at the border of the epidermis and dermis and causing the need to scratch the skin in a certain area. Most often, itching all over the body is a symptom of a systemic (general) disease, which in any case requires mandatory detection of the cause, that is, an accurate diagnosis.

This form of itching is characterized by the absence of rashes and skin defects, which is characteristic of a localized form in skin pathologies, manifestation in the form of attacks (often unbearable), and an increase at a certain time - usually in the evening or at night. With paroxysmal obsessive itching, the patient can scratch the skin not only with nails, but with hard, piercing objects - combs, brushes - damaging the epidermis (the so-called biopsy itch).

In other cases, the patient may suffer from itching almost constantly.

This video will tell you what generalized itching is:

Its classification

Modern medicine classifies itching according to its origin. Generalized classification according to Twycross and Bernhard:

Pruritoceptive or dermatological. Occurs with inflammation, skin damage, for example, with an insect bite, tick-borne acariasis (),.
Systemic (neurogenic) itching, occurring without damage to the nervous system, as one of the symptoms of internal pathologies (diseases of the liver, digestive organs, kidneys, endocrine disorders).
Neuropathic itching, which develops when there is damage to one of the central or peripheral parts of the nervous system, and is often combined with impaired sensitivity. This may include postherpetic neuralgia, nerve damage, brain tumors, and brain abscesses.
Psychogenic itching- a special, severe form of itching that occurs in mental disorders without any symptoms of skin diseases. But severe, prolonged stress and anxiety can provoke a similar form of itching even in the absence of any mental disorders.

Very often, generalized itching is of mixed origin, so diagnosing the true cause of its development is difficult.

How to identify a symptom in yourself

It is easy to identify such a pronounced sensation as itching, even if the itching is not constant and is of moderate intensity.

External symptoms of itching:

excoriations of a point or linear nature (scratching) on various areas of the skin
blood crusts;
the appearance of a “polishing” symptom on the nail plates - the nails become shiny and very smooth, and their edges are ground off;
, exhaustion of the nervous system.

We will talk about the reasons that cause generalized skin itching below.

Possible diseases and disorders

Diseases that provoke generalized skin itching are different in etiology (cause). These may be the following pathologies.

Kidneys and liver

kidney diseases, including failure of function, glomerulonephritis, occurring in a chronic form (85% of patients or more) against the background of the slow development of uremia (poisoning of the body with toxic substances). Uremic itching can appear diffusely - throughout the skin - or in areas: neck, shoulder girdle, external genitalia, limbs, nose. The intensity of such itching usually increases at night, in the summer months, after a dialysis procedure.
liver disease. Hepatic itching is one of the most intolerable and constant symptoms of liver pathologies that develop against the background of increasing cholestasis - bile retention due to a violation of its outflow. It is observed in giardiasis, in 25% of patients with jaundice, in every 5 patients with hepatitis, in 10% of cases, as well as in primary sclerosing cholangitis, cholelithiasis. In the case of biliary cirrhosis, itching occurs in almost 100% of patients. Often itching is an early sign of the disease, appearing 1 or 2 years earlier than other symptoms. It is usually more pronounced on the thighs, abdomen, between the fingers, on the skin of the palms and soles.

In addition to itchy skin, there are other important symptoms of liver dysfunction:

nausea, belching with bitterness, vomiting;
bloating, flatulence, diarrhea or constipation;
light (yellow, gray) feces;
darkening of urine;
yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, sclera;
general malaise, lethargy, .

Hematology

With blood diseases, itching often spreads throughout the skin, but a special sign is its intensity in certain areas: with iron deficiency anemia - in the intimate area, with Hodgkin's disease (every 3) - above the lymph nodes, especially in the neck and armpits.

Diffuse itching also occurs with systemic mastocytosis, polycythemia (erythremia), in which it has a persistent, stabbing, burning character, often aquagenic, that is, noticeably expressed after contact with water.

As in cases of liver pathologies, skin itching in hematological diseases often appears before other symptoms appear. In polycythemia, itching worsens after a hot bath. You should also pay attention to other serious signs of Hodgkin's disease:

the patient loses weight;
there is profuse sweating at night (underwear wet with sweat);
possible fever, followed by a temperature that drops below normal;
severe pain and enlargement of the lymph nodes, especially after drinking ethanol;
enlargement of the liver and spleen is determined.

Endocrine, hormonal and metabolic disorders

Causes of itching include endocrine, hormonal and metabolic disorders, which include diabetes mellitus, hyper- and hypothyroidism, menopause, gout, vitamin A and B deficiency).

Diabetic generalized skin itching in some patients affects the skin of the entire body, but more often affects the area of the genitals and anus, and the ear canals.
Moderate, intermittent itching with hyperthyroidism is observed throughout the body in 5–10% of patients against the background of the development of thyrotoxicosis.

Hypothyroid itching, which is provoked by drying out of the skin, is generalized, sometimes manifesting itself very clearly - even causing skin damage during scratching.

the development of malignant tumors (neoplastic tumors in the stomach, pancreas, glucagonoma) in 3% of cases is manifested by itching throughout the body. Especially often observed with and.
neurological diseases, psychoneuroses, psychoses, brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, deep depression, phobias (fears), cause the development of so-called psychogenic itching.
allergies and use of certain medications.

Often, itching of the entire body torments patients with asthma and obstructive pulmonary disease, provoked by an undetected allergy, this is especially noticeable during coughing attacks. At this moment, all the skin itches, but especially severely - on the front of the neck - at the pit, on the chest, on the back.

The causes of such itching are endocrine disorders, dehydration of the skin, xeroderma, and atherosclerosis.

Menopausal itching in women can also be diffuse, but more often affects the genital area and anus, axillary folds, chest, tongue, and palate.

Other types of generalized itching:

seasonal itching that appears in spring or autumn;
itching as a reflex reaction to a strong experience, for example, after an insect bite.

altitude itching is not a very common phenomenon, developing at an altitude of 10 thousand meters due to changes in pressure.

This video will tell you what the 3 main causes of itching all over the body are:

How to deal with itching all over your body

The presence of itching, affecting the entire skin, multiple areas and especially symmetrical ones, more often indicates its internal nature, that is, that it is one of the signs of a developing disease, sometimes at a very early stage. Therefore, identifying the internal pathology that causes itching is the main diagnostic task and the basis for further development of treatment tactics and simultaneous elimination of itching.

Diagnostics

Diagnosing skin itching is a very important medical event, since an urgent need to scratch often precedes the onset of serious illnesses. First, a so-called physical examination of the patient is carried out with an analysis of the skin condition.

If the itching is not associated with dermatosis, the search for other diseases begins. The examination includes:

mandatory blood test to determine the number of leukocytes, ESR;
urine analysis with mandatory identification of the amount of protein, sugar, sediment, microorganisms;
(liver tests, including indicators of sugar levels, ALT, bilirubin, alkaline and acid phosphatase, cholesterol, creatinine, urea, uric acid, as well as determination of the status of protein metabolism and protein fractions; the amount of iron in blood serum, in erythrocytes);
(blood clotting indicators);
analysis of stool for the content of blood, helminths and their eggs;
X-ray of the lungs, ultrasound of the liver and thyroid, pancreas, spleen, gall bladder;
analysis for thyroxine levels.

Patients with itching, the cause of which cannot be immediately determined, are periodically re-examined, since the disease causing the need for scratching often manifests itself later.

Treatment

With widespread itching, even if the disease that provokes its development is identified, it is quite difficult to eliminate it. Therefore, first of all, factors that contribute to increased itching are eliminated.

Avoid overheating when in rooms with cool air, use cool showers and baths more often.
Avoid touching the skin with fabrics made of synthetic and woolen fibers;
avoid contact with irritating chemicals - soap, powders, gels, use detergents with a low pH factor, use moisturizers;
Avoid taking medications and products that can cause allergic reactions;
minimize the use of any substances that dilate subcutaneous blood vessels (caffeine, alcohol), which increases itching, as well as hot water for showering.

Principles of general therapy

General etiotropic therapy (treatment of symptoms) includes the use of:

sedatives, especially necessary for neurogenic, psychogenic itching;
antiallergic drugs, mast cell membrane stabilizers (Ketotifen), calcium preparations, sodium thiosulfate;
corticosteroids for endocrine disorders, hormones and phytoestrogens for menopausal and senile itching;
sequestrants (Cholestyramine, Colestipol), absorbing bile acids and removing them through the intestines, sorbents, salicylates.
physiotherapy, which includes: UV irradiation, adrenal inductothermy, electrosleep, contrast shower, sulfur and radon baths, cool baths with sea salt;
external therapy products - powders, emulsions, pastes, ointments - that help with itching that affects multiple areas, but the effect of topical medications is usually short-lived.

It is important that with liver itching, antihistamines that cope with allergic itching are practically useless. Liver itching is relieved by using the following medications:

sorbents (Polysorb, Polypefan, white and black coal) that bind and remove poisons;
intravenous infusion of agents that cleanse the blood of toxins;
hepatoprotectors (Essentiale, Rezalut, Karsil), which restore liver cells, ursodeoxycholic acid (for biliary cirrhosis);
antibiotics for suppuration, anti-inflammatory drugs;
vitamins and probiotics (Bactistatin, Bififor, Bifiliz, Probiofor), which normalize the beneficial microflora of the digestive system;
sedatives - Phenobarbital;
choleretic agents that help the free flow of bile;
agents that weaken the negative effect of bile on liver cells, improving its passage through the ducts - Rifampicin, . They actively absorb bile acids, reduce their amount in the blood, reducing skin itching.

Pharmacological agents	Titles and action
Antihistamines	Doxepin (Sinequan), Peritol, which help even with neurogenic itching, as it has an antidepressant and sedative effect. Or they provide a calming effect, so they are often used in the evening when the itching intensifies. Unfortunately, drugs that do not cause drowsiness - Claritin, Telfast, Zyrtec, Allertec - are ineffective for getting rid of generalized itching. For cholestasis, Trexil, Fexadine are prescribed in short courses.
Corticosteroids	They do not greatly relieve widespread itching without manifestations of dermatitis, but are useful if they are combined with moisturizing creams for dry skin. Sinaf-ointment, Elokom, Celestoderm, Bufexamak help relieve itching due to neurodermatitis.
Calcineurin inhibitors	Reduce skin inflammation. 1% Elidel cream, Advagraf, Prograf ointments
Naloxone, Naltrexone (Antaxon, Vivitrol)	A good alternative for patients who do not respond to standard antipruritic medications.
UV therapy	It is successfully used for itching due to uremia, HIV, erythremia, systemic mastocytosis, urticaria, Hodgkin's lymphoma, breast tumors, and liver pathologies.
Talimidon	Helps in the treatment of itching of various origins, especially with renal itching (in half of the cases).
Liver enzyme inducers	Rifampicin, Phenobarbital when monitoring the dynamics of liver tests.
Cimetidine	Used in the treatment of itching in lymphogranulomatosis
Antidepressants, tranquilizers	Effective for itching due to psychogenic diseases, internal tumors (, Doxepin)
Antiepileptic drugs (Gabapeptin)	Paroxysmal itching in neurological diseases, multiple sclerosis, postherpetic neuralgia
Local treatment	Locally applied anesthetics - Lidocaine, Novocaine, Anestezin 5 -10%, Phenol 1 - 2%, Diphenhydramine solution 5 - 10% - reduce skin sensitivity and relieve itching of moderate intensity. Their combination with menthol increases the antipruritic effect. Ointments and creams: Capsaicin, which relieves severe itching in concentrations up to 0.075%, 5% Doxepin cream. Akriderm GK, Akriderm Genta, Boromenthol, Radevit, Psilo-balm, menthol ointment, Pimecrolimus (Elidel), Sinaflan, Mezdoderm (neurodermatitis, senile, anal-genital itching, eczema, skin tuberculosis), cream-gel Nizulin, Advantan, Baneocin ( infections, eczema, bacterial dermatitis), Fucidin, Gistan, (allergic itching), A and C Lorinden.

Alternative folk methods

“Ancient” antipruritic agents - menthol and camphor ointment, alcohol, phenol, soothe the skin, cool, have a small number of “side effects” and are often used for widespread itching along with oral medications.
Baths with medicinal herbs and substances, such as oatmeal, oak bark, fenugreek, starch, chamomile, mulberry, lavender. It should be remembered that any herbal infusions can cause contact dermatitis and allergies.
For general rubbing with diffuse itching, use a solution with table vinegar or lemon juice (3 large spoons per glass of water), an infusion of 20 chamomile flowers per 250 ml of water.

This video will tell you about some traditional methods of treating itching:

Itching is one of the most common dermatological complaints, and it can occur not only in patients with dermatoses, but also in a wide range of general diseases. This is an unpleasant sensation, which is accompanied by a continuous need for response mechanical irritation of the skin. Itching can significantly affect the general condition and quality of life of patients, causing insomnia, anxiety, and in severe cases even lead to depression and suicidal thoughts.

Itching is one of the forms of the skin analyzer, close to other types of skin sensation (touch, pain). Unlike pain, which causes a “withdrawal, avoidance” reflex, with itching a “processing” reflex occurs. Scratching, rubbing, kneading, warming, pinching itchy areas leads to instant, but not long-term, satisfaction. This is due to the fact that during the process of scratching, stronger impulses are simulated in the nerve endings, which suppress the conduction of weaker itching signals from the affected areas. Severe itching is relieved only by severe self-harm, leading to the replacement of the sensation of itching with a feeling of pain. If itching exists for a long time, then a focus of pathological excitation is formed in the cerebral cortex and itching from a defensive reaction turns into a standard skin reaction to various external and internal stimuli. At the same time, in response to prolonged scratching, the state of peripheral nerve receptors also changes, which leads to a decrease in the threshold for the perception of itching. Thus, a “vicious circle” is formed, the presence of which explains the difficulties in treating itching.

Itching is caused by mechanical, thermal, electrical or chemical stimulation of unmyelinated nerve fibers, the free nerve endings of which lie at the border of the epidermis and dermis. They are excited either directly or indirectly, through the release of various mediators (histamine, serotonin, proteases, neuropeptides, etc.).

Physiological itching occurs in response to environmental irritants (crawling insects, friction, temperature changes, etc.) and disappears after the cause is eliminated. Pathological itching is caused by changes in the skin or throughout the body and causes a strong need to get rid of the itching by scratching or other means.

Itching can be a symptom of various dermatoses (scabies, pediculosis, atopic dermatitis, allergic dermatitis, eczema, mycoses, psoriasis, lichen planus, etc.) or occur on intact skin due to diseases of the internal organs. Endogenous causes of skin itching are very diverse:

If the cause of the itching, even with a thorough examination, cannot be identified, then it is defined as itching of unknown origin (pruritus sine materia).

To accurately assess itching, it is necessary to carefully collect anamnesis and question the patient. You should pay attention to the following characteristics of itching: time of occurrence, provoking factors, intensity, course, localization, character.

The intensity of itching can vary - from mild to very severe. For a more objective assessment, you should clarify: does itching interfere with falling asleep; whether the patient wakes up from itching; Does itching interfere with daily work? Itching leading to sleep disturbance is considered severe.

Depending on the time of occurrence, they are distinguished - nocturnal, daytime, permanent, seasonal. For example, with scabies and widespread eczema, the itching intensifies when patients go to bed; anal itching caused by pinworms occurs between two and three o'clock in the morning; in psychoneuroses - permanent.

Limited itching of the skin in one anatomical area, as a rule, is caused by local causes. The presence of widespread and symmetrical itching suggests its internal nature.

The itching sensation can be “deep” or “superficial”, it can have a hint of burning, tingling (for example, dermatitis herpetiformis is characterized by burning itching, especially of the scalp). Itching - parasthesia is a feeling of tingling, mild burning, crawling, etc., develops with increased pain sensitivity of the skin and decreases with stroking or light pressure on the itching area. Biopsy itch leads to deep damage to the skin.

As a result of prolonged itching and scratching, excoriation, pigmentation, scars, lichenification, and pyoderma occur. The free edge of the nail plates wears off, leaving the nails looking polished. Objective signs are not necessary to make a diagnosis of itchy skin.

Features of itching in syndromes of different origins

Cholestatic (liver) itching- one of the most painful and persistent symptoms of chronic cholestasis. It occurs in 100% of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis and in almost 50% is a reason to consult a doctor. Most often precedes all other symptoms of cirrhosis. Usually generalized, more pronounced on the limbs, thighs, abdomen, and with obstructive jaundice - on the palms, soles, interdigital folds of the hands and feet, under tight clothing.

Uremic itching in chronic renal failure, it can be local or diffuse, more pronounced on the skin of the neck, shoulder girdle, limbs, genitals, and nose. Intense, worse at night or immediately after dialysis, as well as in the summer months.

Diabetic itch most often occurs in the anogenital area, auditory canals, and in some patients it is diffuse in nature.

Hyperthyroid itching observed in 4-10% of patients with thyrotoxicosis, diffuse, dim, inconsistent.

Hypothyroid itching is caused by dry skin, generalized, sometimes very intense, even excoriation.

Menopausal itch It is observed mainly in the anogenital area, in the axillary folds, on the chest, tongue, palate, and often has a paroxysmal course.

Itching in hematological and lymphoproliferative diseases. Generalized or local: Hodgkin's disease - above the lymph nodes, anogenital - with iron deficiency anemia, with polycythemia - on the head, neck, limbs. With polycythemia, stabbing, burning, aquagenic itching may precede the disease by several years.

Paraneoplastic itching sometimes manifests itself several years before the manifestation of the disease. Can be local or generalized, of varying intensity. For some forms of cancer, a specific localization of itching is observed: for prostate cancer - itching of the scrotum and perineum; for cervical cancer - vaginal itching; for rectal cancer - perianal area; with a brain tumor infiltrating the bottom of the fourth ventricle - itching in the nostril area.

Senile itching occurs in almost 50% of people over 70 years of age, more often in men and occurs in the form of nocturnal attacks. The causes of senile itching are mainly endocrine disorders, atherosclerosis, and dry skin. Senile itching is a diagnosis of exclusion; to make it, you must reject another cause of itching.

Localized itching

Anal itching- extremely painful suffering, observed almost exclusively in men, especially after 40 years. It is often complicated by the appearance of painful cracks, streptococcal or candida intertrigo, the formation of boils, and hidradenitis. Causes: untidiness, hemorrhoids, helminthic infestation (enterobiasis), diabetes mellitus, constipation, proctitis, prostatitis, vesiculitis, intestinal dysbiosis.

Genital itching. It occurs in women over 45 years of age in the area of the external genitalia, less commonly in the vagina. The itching is painful, accompanied by the appearance of excoriations and skin dyschromia. Causes: leucorrhoea, urogenital infections, endocrine disorders (menopause), inflammatory diseases of the genital organs, sexual neuroses. In girls, genital itching is observed with enterobiasis.

Itching of the scalp often a manifestation of seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis, and can also be a sign of diabetes mellitus. Excoriation and bloody crusts, as well as impetiginous elements as a result of a secondary infection, are usually observed on the scalp.

Itching of the ears and external auditory canals can be observed in eczema, seborrheic and atopic dermatitis, psoriasis.

Itchy nose may be a manifestation of hay fever, as well as intestinal helminthiasis in children.

Itchy fingers observed with eczema, scabies, bird mite infestation.

Itching of the skin of the lower extremities may be caused by varicose veins, varicose eczema, dry skin.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of skin itching requires special attention, since it can precede the manifestation of serious diseases. At the first stage, a physical examination is carried out with an in-depth study of the skin condition and, in the presence of skin manifestations, an in-depth dermatological examination. Every patient suffering from itching should be tested for dermatozoonoses. In cases where itching cannot be associated with any dermatosis, other causes should be sought. Screening for a patient with pruritus should include:

clinical blood test, ESR;
general urine analysis with determination of protein, sugar, sediment;
biochemical blood test (functional liver tests: ALT, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase; fasting glucose level; cholesterol level; urea, uric acid, creatinine, acid phosphatase; determination of total protein and protein fractions; iron level and iron-binding capacity of serum, saturation of erythrocytes with iron) ;
stool analysis for occult blood, helminths and their eggs;
chest x-ray;
functional examination of the thyroid gland, thyroxine level.

At the second stage, additional laboratory, ultrasound, X-ray, endoscopic, and histological studies are carried out, based on feasibility.

Patients with unexplained itching should be re-evaluated periodically, as the disease causing the itching may appear later.

Treatment

The most effective treatment for itching is to treat the underlying condition. Unfortunately, this is not always possible, so in such cases symptomatic therapy is prescribed. General therapy includes the use of sedatives, antihistamines, mast cell membrane stabilizers (ketotifen), hyposensitizing agents (calcium preparations and sodium thiosulfate), sequestrants and enterosorbents, salicylates. A wide range of physiotherapeutic methods are used: electrosleep, adrenal inductothermy, contrast showers, sulfur and radon baths, sea bathing. External therapy plays a major role in the treatment of itching, but most local drugs act for a short time. They are prescribed in the form of powders, alcohol and aqueous solutions, shaken mixtures, pastes, and ointments. For dry skin, antipruritic agents based on ointments and oils are more suitable. Antipruritic effects have: corticosteroid ointments, 5-10% anesthesin, 1-2% phenol, 5-10% Diphenhydramine solution, water with table vinegar (3 tablespoons of vinegar per 1 glass of water), lemon juice, chamomile infusion (10 -20 flowers per 1 glass of water), etc.

Also, for itching of any origin, it is necessary to eliminate provocative factors, such as dry skin, contact with irritating substances, degreasing the skin (rough, alkaline soap), consumption of certain products (alcohol, spices), as well as environmental temperature changes.

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that, despite the wide range of therapeutic methods and agents, treating itching remains a difficult task.

Literature

Adaskevich V. P., Kozin V. M. Skin and venereal diseases. M.: Med. lit., 2006, p. 237-245.
Romanenko I. M., Kulaga V. V., Afonin S. L. Treatment of skin and venereal diseases. T. 2. M.: Medical Information Agency LLC, 2006, p. 342-34.
Skin itching. Acne. Urogenital chlamydial infection. Under. ed. E.V.Sokolovsky. SPb: Sotis. 1998, p. 3-67.

I. B. Mertsalova, Candidate of Medical Sciences

RMAPO, Moscow