Itching itch

Skin itching is a feeling that causes the need to comb the skin. In most cases it is of a neuro-allergic nature. It can be a symptom of various skin diseases (eczema, urticaria, scabies, etc.) or an independent skin disease (so-called idiopathic itching). In the first case, when the patient is examined, the symptoms of the corresponding dermatoses are revealed, and for idiopathic itching these symptoms are absent. The clinical picture of even severe cases of itching is usually poor: on the itchy skin areas there are only point or linear excoriations (combs). With persistent itching, there is often a change in the nails of the hands: the mirror shine of their surface (polished nails), the outflow of the free edge. In some patients, itching is complicated by pyoderma. Itching can be permanent or paroxysmal. Usually itching intensifies in the evening hours, when it can become intolerable.

There are generalized and localized pruritus. Generalized pruritus can be the result of food intolerance (food itch from sharp dishes, smoked products, mushrooms, pork, etc.), drug sensitization (drug itch from antibiotics, sulfanilamidovidr.), Reaction to changes in external temperature (cold itching and thermal itching) . In advanced age, itching can be the result of dry skin due to a decreased function of the sebaceous glands (senile itching). Often generalized pruritus is a consequence of severe common diseases - hepatitis, diabetes, leukemia, lymphogranulomatosis, malignant neoplasms, etc., hiding it can long before the typical clinical manifestations of the underlying disease. Generalized itching can occur with various neuropsychic diseases (neuroses, manic-depressive psychosis, diencephalus, etc.).

Localized itching often affects the anogenital region (anal itching, scrotal itching, vulvar itching) and the scalp. Along with the aforementioned etiological factors, localized itching often provokes local causes (hemorrhoids, helminthic invasion, proctitis, prostatitis, whites, candidiasis, seborrhea, etc.). Localized itching usually has a paroxysmal nature.

Patients with pruritus are subject to a thorough examination in search of the cause of the disease.

Treatment. Elimination of the etiological factor, treatment of the underlying disease, non-irritating diet, sedatives, antihistamines, warm baths, shaken suspensions or alcohol rubbish with menthol and anesthetics, dimedral cream, corticosteroid ointments.

Forecast. Complete cure depends on the possibility of eliminating the causative factor, in particular from the prognosis of the disease that caused the itching.