Skin itching occurs due to a type of inflammatory reaction, either by cosmetics, such as makeup, or by ingesting some type of food, such as pepper. Dry skin is also one of the reasons a person feels itchy on the skin, as well as being able to identify areas of flaking, and it is necessary to apply a moisturizer after bathing to improve.
When itching lasts longer than a month and does not improve with any home measurements, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist, as this may be a sign of certain diseases, such as dermatitis, infections and problems of the liver or gallbladder and treatment depends on the confirmation of the diagnosis. done by the doctor.
Thus, the main causes of skin itching are
Some allergies can cause itchy skin and are usually caused by irritants, which can be synthetic clothing and cosmetics such as makeup, creams and soaps.
In addition to itchy skin, allergies caused by these products can also cause redness, swelling and peeling of the skin, and if the person doesn’t know exactly what leads to allergy symptoms, it’s important to consult a dermatologist for an allergy test, such as a puncture test that’s done by placing samples of certain substances on the skin to see how they react in the body. Understand what the puncture test is and how it’s done.
What to do: To relieve the itching of the skin caused by allergies, it is important to avoid any contact with the product that causes the skin reaction, as well as avoid ingesting spicy foods, as this can also increase the skin itching. Some measures may also help reduce this symptom, such as taking allergy products, using hypoallergenic soap, low pH, bathing in warm water, and preferring cotton clothing.
Itching of the skin may indicate a certain type of dermatitis, such as atopic dermatitis, which is an inflammatory skin disease that results in the appearance of eczema, which is characterized by red plaques that peel and, in some cases, may appear as blisters.
Contact dermatitis is another type of skin inflammation that causes itching and redness of the skin, which can be caused by overreactions by defense cells when they come into contact with certain substances, such as jewelry, plants, food and cosmetic dyes or cleansing.
What to do: To confirm the diagnosis of dermatitis and differentiate the type of person, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist to assess the symptoms and indicate the most appropriate treatment, which can be done with antiallergic agents, corticosteroid ointments, such as 1% Hydrocortisone or with corticosteroids to take.
In addition, applying a cold chamomile compress is a home option that can be used to relieve itching caused by dermatitis. See other home remedies options for dermatitis.
Dry skin, scientifically known as xerodemania, is more common in the elderly, but can occur in anyone, especially during periods of dry and cold weather and as a result of the use of water-based cosmetics and very potent chemicals. When the skin is dry, it can cause severe itching, as well as flaking, chafing and redness.
What to do: to relieve the itching of dry skin, it is necessary to apply moisturizers after bathing, because in this situation, the absorption of the product is greater and it is also important that the person increases their water consumption and, in very dry days, uses a humidifier in the environment.
Excessive stress and anxiety cause the release of substances called cytokines, which are responsible for the body’s inflammatory response and, for this reason, can cause skin reactions that cause itching and redness of the skin.
In addition, these sensations cause people who already have skin diseases, such as dermatitis, to worsen their symptoms, as they cause the activation of immune system cells in an exaggerated way, causing for example an increase in skin itching.
What to do: To relieve the itching of the skin due to stress and anxiety, it is ideal to take steps to decrease these symptoms, which can be done through physical activities, meditation, psychotherapy and if this is still the case, symptoms are necessary to consult. a psychiatrist, who may recommend the use of antidepressants.
Watch a video with other tips on how to manage anxiety and stress
Some liver and gallbladder problems cause a reduction in the production and flow of bile, a fluid produced in these organs responsible for fat absorption, and this can occur due to obstruction of the bile and liver ducts.
Thus, with the accumulation of bile in the body, levels of bilirubin, which is a component of bile, increase a lot, causing symptoms such as yellow skin and eyes and skin itching, which are more intense at night and may be more localized on the soles of the feet and in the palm of the hand.
Cholesease gravivitica is a liver disease that can occur during pregnancy, which has these characteristics, and an MRI or ultrasound may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
What to do: After confirming the diagnosis of the disease that causes the problem in the liver or gallbladder, your doctor may prescribe medications to stimulate the production of bile acids that help balance fat levels in bile. In these cases, it is also important to avoid drinking alcohol and caffeinated beverages, as well as a balanced, low-fat diet.
Lupus is a type of autoimmune disease characterized by the production of excess antibodies, which can cause symptoms such as irritation, redness and itching of the skin. Lack.
Like lupus, psoriasis is a disease caused by the action of cells against the body itself, as they understand the body as an invasive agent. As a result, they begin to attack certain organs, including the skin, causing flaking, red spots and itchy skin. Know the types of psoriasis and the main symptoms of each.
What to do: Lupus and psoriasis are diseases that cannot be cured, but symptoms can be controlled with ointments and medications containing corticosteroids or immunosuppressants indicated by the rheumatologist.
Itching on the skin can be the result of infections caused mainly by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and Candida albicans. Folliculitis is a type of skin infection that causes red balls, with itching of pus due to inflammation and the presence of bacteria in the hairline.
Herpes is also a type of infection, but it is caused by viruses and can cause symptoms such as itchy skin, redness and blisters. In addition, a skin infection can also be caused by fungi, such as fungi that occur mainly in areas of the folds, such as under the arm and between the toes, causing an intense itching of the skin. Learn more about ringworm and how to treat it.
What to do: In case of itchy skin for more than a month, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist to examine the skin and look for infections, because if this is the case, antibiotics for bacterial and antifungal infections may be recommended to eliminate fungi. . Herpes is not cured, but the person does not always develop skin lesions, which usually appear when immunity is low, and a doctor may indicate the ointment for aciclovir.