Itchy Skin Solutions
Scratching Without Relief? We Can Help
Pruritus, or itchy skin, is one of the most common conditions that affect people. Everyone has experienced this unpleasant sensation that makes scratching the affected area nearly irresistible. Unfortunately, when itchy skin cannot be readily relieved by scratching the affected area then intense discomfort, frustration, sleep difficulties, depression, anxiety, and other physical and mental side effects can become unbearable. If you are experiencing itchy skin and cannot get relief, contact Allegheny Advanced Dermatology Center for medical solutions and help you can depend on.
Itchy Skin as a Sign of an Underlying Condition
When patients suffer from itchy skin conditions and scratch or rub the area to obtain temporary reprieve, the skin eventually becomes damaged and prone to infections and conditions such as lichenification (thickened skin), prurigo papules and nodules, bruises, and excoriations. Unrelenting pruritus is a sign that an underlying condition exists, such as a nerve malfunction, irritation, or systemic disease. The doctor will examine your skin and may perform tests to determine the precise cause of the itching so that it can be properly treated.
Why Does My Skin Itch?
There are many causes of itchy skin. As the skin ages, naturally occurring changes such as dryness can contribute to increased pruritus. The urge to itch has complex origins and the impulse can be generated anywhere along the nervous system, from the brain to the nerves of the skin. In some cases, patients’ nervous systems over-react to stimuli, which would not normally be interpreted as an itch sensation (light touches, pain, etc.). Some of the many generalized, localized, and systemic causes of itchy skin (with and without an accompanying rash) include:
- Aquagenic Pruritus
- Brachioradial Pruritus
- Chemical or Allergen Exposure
- Cholestasis
- Chronic Renal Failure
- Cirrhosis
- Clothing and Environmental Irritants
- Dermatitis
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Dialysis
- Drug/Medication Reaction
- Dry Skin
- Folliculitis
- Graves’ Disease
- Grover Disease
- HIV
- Head Lice
- Hepatitis C
- Herpes Zoster (Shingles) Recovery
- Hormonal Changes & Menopause
- Inflammation
- Insect Exposure
- Iron Deficiency Anemia
- Leukemia
- Lichen Sclerosis
- Liver Disease
- Lymphoma
- Miliaria/Heat Rash
- Neuropathic Pruritus (Hypersensitive Nerves)
- Notalgia Paresthetica
- Pancreatic Tumors
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Plant Exposure
- Polycythemia Vera
- Pruritus Vulvae and Ani
- Psoriasis
- Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
- Thyroid Disease
- Tinea Pedis
- Trigeminal Trophic Syndrome
- Tumors of Solid Organs
- Urticaria
- Venous Eczema
- Viral Hepatitis
- Yeast Infection
Effective Treatment for Itchy Skin Relief
Allegheny Advanced Dermatology Center offers a wide variety of effective treatments for itchy skin conditions. It is important to follow up with all your medical care providers to address underlying diseases and conditions, as well. In addition to any prescription medications, you may be able to achieve additional relief by applying cool wet dressings to the skin, taking short, lukewarm showers, applying calamine lotion, camphor, local anesthetics, topical corticosteroids, menthol, regular application of emollients, and oral antihistamines. Be sure to consult with your doctor to ensure that home treatments are appropriate for your condition and will not interfere with your treatment. In any case, fingernails should be maintained short, smooth, and clean. If the urge to itch cannot be quelled, gently rub the area with the palm of your hand. Avoid rough fabrics, overheating, and exposure to vasodilators such as spices, caffeine, and alcohol.
Contact AADC to schedule an appointment. Call: (814) 944-7109.