Skin itching is a specific discomfort in upper layers epidermis, which occurs in response to irritation of nerve receptors. Itching occurs in response to external or internal stimuli and is considered by some scientists to be a form of pain. Why itching may occur and what to do in such cases, our article will tell.
There are many criteria for assessing itching: by localization, intensity and nature of occurrence. For proper diagnosis and treatment, it is also important to determine concomitant symptoms: rash, peeling, hair loss in this area of the body, as well as the formation of cracks and wounds.
Itching is divided into the following categories:
- Localized when it itches certain place. This may be the scalp, elbow and inguinal folds, the anus area ( anal itching), perineum and other parts of the body.
- generalized in which itching occurs all over the body at once. May indicate the presence of tumors, diseases internal organs, hormonal imbalance, allergies and mental disorders.
The frequency of occurrence of itching of any localization is also important. Usually, with constant itching, other anxiety symptoms: insomnia, irritability, soreness and hypersensitivity skin. If the body itches, there is a high risk of scratching and infection in the wounds.
You should definitely visit a dermatologist, even if itching appears without rashes and redness. The doctor can advise local pain medications, as well as, if necessary, schedule a consultation with more narrow specialists: allergist, immunologist or endocrinologist.
Causes of itching without rashes
Majority dermatological diseases are manifested precisely by a rash of a different nature. At the same time, there is a certain category of diseases in which skin rashes no, or they appear only slightly. Usually, the skin on the body itches under the influence of the accumulation of toxins and histamines in the upper layers of the epidermis, and there may be several reasons for such phenomena.
The main factors affecting the appearance of itching:
- Overdrying of the epidermis due to temperature fluctuations, lack of moisture, or under the influence of external negative factors.
- Fungal infections of various localization.
- Diseases of the liver and kidneys. In this case, the body is prone to intoxication with metabolic products.
- Side effects after taking certain medications.
- A negative reaction of the body to stress or deterioration in mental health.
- Hormonal imbalance, especially often occurs during pregnancy.
- Allergic reaction of the body upon contact with plant pollen, chemicals or toxins.
On the mucous membranes, itching most often occurs with fungal infections (a common example is thrush in women), with some sexually transmitted diseases or bactericidal inflammation of the skin. In these cases, additional symptoms are added to the main symptom: mainly a rash, the nature of the appearance of itching (more often in the evening and at night), as well as fever, weakness and changes in blood counts. If itching appears without a rash, you should look for other causes.
What diseases does itching of the skin of the body indicate?
Skin itching without the appearance of rashes may indicate high content toxic substances in blood. These may be metabolic products that are not excreted from the body with liver or kidney dysfunction. Such itching is often called toxic, and it will pass only after the main problem is eliminated.
During pregnancy, complaints of itchy skin are also often received. It's connected with hormonal changes body, stretching of the skin due to an increase in the abdomen, as well as purely psychological discomfort.
What diseases can cause severe itching:
After taking certain groups of drugs, you may also experience constant itching. Usually specific treatment in this case is not required unpleasant symptom will disappear after the drug is discontinued. Most often, medicines based on the hormone estrogen (including contraceptives), erythromycin, opium drugs, anabolic steroid, acetylsalicylic acid and its derivatives.
In what cases you need to see a doctor
Itching is not the most uncomfortable symptom, but it can indicate more serious problems in the body. For any pathologies, you should consult a doctor, but in some cases it may even become vital.
Urgently to the doctor:
- Against the background of itching, rashes or purulent wounds appeared.
- The temperature has risen.
- Itching is accompanied by swelling and star-shaped spots on the body.
- There is a mental disorder, behavior changes.
- Difficulty breathing, there are signs of anaphylactic shock.
Determine what it could be suitable treatment only a doctor can. Itching is not a separate disease, but only a symptom, so the patient will not get better from temporary measures. If dry skin is the problem, applying moisturizers will fix the problem, but more often than not, persistent itching is a sign of more serious pathologies.
How to help yourself if the whole body itches, but there is no rash
Home methods to eliminate such uncomfortable manifestations can be used in extreme cases when, for some reason, access to a doctor is temporarily unavailable.
Relieve the condition severe itching will help:
- A contrast shower will help relieve itching for a while.
- Warm bath with addition medicinal herbs It will also help relieve discomfort.
- If the area of itching is small, you can apply an ice pack or a wet wipe.
- Cooling creams with menthol are also used, but only on areas without wounds and rashes.
- Mild sedatives (valerian, motherwort tincture) will help get rid of nighttime itching.
- To humidify the air in the room, use steam or a proven method - drying wet clothes on a battery.
- If it hurts night itching, you can wear soft gloves on your hands to avoid scratching the skin.
All these measures will help relieve itching if there is no rash. When skin reactions, you should definitely go to a dermatologist without self-medication. For some diseases, for example, atopic dermatitis, it is necessary to limit contact with water for a while, so a relaxing bath can only do harm.
Prevention measures
You can save yourself from itching in advance. It is enough to follow the rules of hygiene, regularly change underwear and bedding, choosing the most natural and hypoallergenic fabrics. IN winter time It is very important to properly care for the skin, preventing it from drying out and chapping. Well "work" daily washing with a warm decoction of herbs that soften and soothe inflamed skin. Detergents should be chosen with the most non-allergenic composition.
It is also very important to follow the principles healthy eating, give up smoking and alcohol, as well as "harmful" foods: canned and smoked food, sweets with chemical composition and carbonated drinks. Timely examination of specialists and control over existing diseases will help prevent the development of serious pathologies. In addition, it is essential to avoid stressful situations and conflicts.
Itching in different places on the body - an unpleasant symptom. It may occur under the influence various factors and be a sign serious illnesses. Most often, itching occurs due to irritation of the nerve receptors of the skin. If itching bothers you constantly or has a pronounced localization, you must definitely visit a doctor to determine the causes of this discomfort.
Itching occurs as a result of moderate irritation of sensory receptors located on the skin; pain. Before identifying sources, the prevalence of pruritus needs to be established. When a person's whole body itches, what can it be?
First of all, it is assumed that allergic reactions on food, smells, clothes, cold and other irritants. Possible occurrence of scabies, lichen, pediculosis or infectious diseases accompanied by a rash.
The most harmless answer to the question of why the body itches can be considered prolonged exposure to the sun and drying of the skin. In this case, the itching will go away on its own or after home moisturizing procedures. Pregnancy can also cause an obsessive urge to scratch.
If itching occurs in one place and gradually spreads throughout the body, the reasons that the body itches may be:
blood diseases;
Kidney or endocrine system;
Diabetes or oncology.
In this case, it is necessary professional diagnostics diseases and treatment of diseases that caused, and not the itching itself. The most common reason that the body itches in different places is psychological stress. Responsible work, stress, difficult family situation, worries - all this leads to the emergence of various obsessive movements, including itching all over the body or in certain areas.
In this case, no treatment for itching with home remedies or strong drugs will not help until the causes disappear anxiety state and does not stabilize psychological condition human
Itching can be caused by medical conditions.
To prevent bites, when hiking in nature, you need to use protective creams or sprays, and in the apartment to carry out a treatment to kill insects. If the body itches in different places, then the reason usually lies in the same place. Itching in the extremities is most often associated with skin damage and intensifies as it heals.
Hemorrhoids, the presence of worms and inflammatory processes in the rectum lead to itching in the anus. Changes in the body during menopause or disease and inflammation of the external organs cause itching in this area. Depending on where the itching bothers you, you need to consult a doctor of the appropriate specialty.
The body itches: causes and consequences
How to get rid of itching in the body?
If the body itches and the reasons are established, then you can get rid of it at home or with the help of a doctor. First of all, you need to ease the discomfort. To do this, take a cool shower, apply cold lotions or treat itchy places with ice. You can use cooling creams with menthol or camphor if they do not cause allergies and the skin is not damaged.
Hot water is contraindicated, because after heating, the sensitivity of the skin increases.
Having determined why the body itches, you need to try to eliminate annoying factors. To do this, change:
Diet, excluding new and dangerous foods that cause allergies;
Perfumes or cosmetics; clothing containing synthetic or prickly inclusions.
Overdried skin is generously and regularly lubricated with nourishing creams. Places of bites are treated with alcohol tinctures.
If the reasons why the body itches are psychological, then they help chamomile tea and relaxing or soothing compositions and baths. If the itching not only does not disappear after the measures taken at home, but intensifies and spreads throughout the body, you should not postpone a visit to the doctor.
On our website. Here we will talk about the fastest home methods for relieving itching. And before we start, let's give you the most important advice: don't scratch!
Itching on the skin: what to do?
#1 Itchy Skin Remedy - Cold
Ice cubes narrow the pores of the skin, reduce irritation and "dull" the sensations of the receptors. Cold slows down blood circulation in the itchy area of the body and stops the production of histamine, a substance that is released by the epidermis under the influence of stimuli and causes itchy sensations.
If there is no ice nearby, get creative: cold water from the tap (and ideally from the filter), metal, frozen meat.
Ice relieves itchy skin Remedy number 2 - heat
For some reason, everyone believes that heat only increases the itching of the skin and prevents its treatment, but this is not so. Steamed and open pores relax the skin, relieve tension and reduce itching. Heat begins to “drive” histamine through the blood. Thus, the substance does not concentrate and accumulate, and the itching gradually subsides.
Soaked water can be used as heat therapy. warm water a cloth, a mug of coffee (if it can be leaned against an itchy place). A hot shower or bath will also relieve discomfort.
What helps relieve itching? Remedy #3 - Baking Soda
If you go crazy with itching and burning all over your body, take a bath warm water and pour a cup into it baking soda by stirring it well into the liquid. Feel free to dive into the water and let your body relax. Take a bath for at least 30 minutes, then air dry, sitting on the side of the bath or walking naked around the apartment. You don't want baking soda to stay on your towel or clothes, do you?
Can't take a bath? Apply a little soda to a cotton swab dipped in warm boiled water and wipe the itchy area of the skin.
If you are concerned about itching in the area anus or genitals, we recommend washing with soda - this will not only relieve irritation, but also contribute to a complete recovery. For washing, dilute a teaspoon of soda in a liter boiled water. Repeat the procedure twice a day.
Simple Ways eliminate itching Remedy #4 - Oatmeal
Perhaps you have experienced the power cosmetic procedure with face cleansing with oatmeal - today it is widespread in beauty salons. Oatmeal is also increasingly found in expensive creams and lotions because it has a bunch of amazing qualities: lipids in the flakes moisturize and nourish the skin, while proteins restore structure and form additional protection. Cereals have a very mild effect and will not damage even the thin skin of the face, removing redness and itching.
home remedies for itching
Oatmeal soaked in water not only moisturizes, but also gives a couple of days of rest from itching, delaying inflammatory toxins from the epidermis. To relieve discomfort, simply prepare a paste: mix a glass of oatmeal with a glass of water and apply to the itchy area of the face, arm or leg. Wash off after 10 minutes. If discomfort occurs in the scalp, then apply oatmeal paste to the hair roots.
If you're suffering from itchy skin in multiple areas of your body, grind oatmeal in a coffee grinder and add a tea cup to a bath of warm water. Soak in the water for at least 30 minutes to soothe your skin. The inflammation will go away regardless of what causes it had.
Remedy number 5 - honey
Honey is known natural antibiotic, which has been used since antiquity to treat burns, inflammation and even dry skin. You can also apply honey to an itchy area of skin to soothe it.
Bee Honey soothes itchy skin Remedy #6 - Attack Strike
The brain is a very tricky organ, but you can outsmart it. He, for example, cannot simultaneously process information about itching and shock. Therefore, if you slap the itchy place with your hand, the itching will stop for a while ( necessary head to understand which of the evils is the worst).
While the body comes to its senses, you can have time to take a bath of warm water and pour soda into it, or just take a cold shower.
One of the most common causes why people go to see a dermatologist is itching. At the same time, the person who applied notes that the skin itches all over the body without manifestations. In addition, often the patient himself cannot explain the origin of the unpleasant sensation. In this case, the doctor begins to find out the details: whether some specific places are combed or the itching covers the whole body, what is its severity, whether it occurs from time to time or disturbs constantly, at what intervals of the day it starts to disturb. Critical importance also have symptoms that accompany discomfort.
Why does the body itch in different places
Allergy is the first thing doctors associate with itching. The reaction may occur after taking the medicine, applying cosmetic product, contact with household chemicals, and even due to increased nervous tension. Itching of the body that occurs in different places, while not a single symptom. Also worried:
- rash of various types;
- fever;
- discharge from the eyes and nose.
Itching is detected with a number of other systemic diseases. The most frequent of them are:
- Pathology of the liver. One of the ailments, cirrhosis of the liver, on early stages does not manifest itself in a person except for the desire to scratch the skin in one place or another. A sick person feels itching all over the body without visible reasons which increases as the disease progresses.
- . Most patients suffering from the disease note that the first signal of the onset of the disease was itching. Diseased tiny blood vessels, stop nourishing skin cells in fully, the epidermis is put dehydrated, flaky. As a result, a person complains that the body is constantly itching in different places.
- Renal failure. Developing given state as a result of the progression of certain kidney diseases and is accompanied by a number of characteristic symptoms, which appear much earlier than described. Often, itching occurs without external manifestations during the passage of such a type of treatment as hemodialysis.
- Multiple sclerosis. Along with a whole list of unremarkable first precursors of the disease, itching appears. Sick people do not attach much importance to these signs, because they go away on their own. Often their appearance is associated not with a disease, but with some situation: he lay for a long time, served time, etc.
- Oncological diseases. Some types of cancer are accompanied by itching. People from malignant formations, localized in genitourinary system, complain that the whole body itches for no apparent reason. Rash and other symptoms are not observed. Especially intense irritation occurs if a diagnosis of bowel or pancreatic cancer is made.
In what cases is it necessary to see a doctor
It is impossible to ignore the signals sent by the body. If the body itches in different places, you need to look for the causes together with the doctor and do not wait for the sensation to disappear on its own. A visit to a specialist should be planned for the near future if any symptom or several signs from the list are found along with itching:
- there is oppression general condition(fever, nausea, weakness);
- yellowed skin, sclera of the eyes;
- urination became rare or completely stopped;
- limbs, body swell;
- arms and legs sometimes seem to "go numb", "become" wadded ", there is a tingling sensation;
- vision deteriorated;
- at night there is a feeling of heat, an unusual amount of sweat is released.
Even if it seems that the skin itches for no apparent reason, and after a while the itching disappears completely, this is not a reason to postpone a visit to the doctor. Sometimes the disease manifests itself in this way: some symptoms fade away, but others arise, the disease moves to a new stage. It is also important to listen to own fortune and ask yourself questions: what hurts, are there any changes, are there relatives in a direct line who suffered cancer? Even a very attentive doctor, who carefully collects an anamnesis, may miss some important sign signaling the onset of the disease, so it is important to independently analyze the situation.
The body itches in different places: how to eliminate itching
To determine the diagnosis, when itching appeared not due to allergies or any dermatological disease, help laboratory methods examinations. Depending on the collected history and the suspicions that arose in connection with this, the doctor may suggest donating blood for the following tests:
- general (ESR, leukocytes);
- bilirubin;
- biochemistry.
You may also need to pass urine. Analyzes help to identify problems with the kidneys: general and according to the Reberg-Tareev method. Instrumental Methods diagnostics will show the picture even more clearly latent disease. As a rule, ultrasound of the organs and, possibly, a biopsy are prescribed. As a result, it will be clear: everything itches for no reason, or there is a threat to health.
Pharmacy funds
Even if the cause of itching is an allergy, as the simplest of the above, a person without medical knowledge will not be able to cope with the problem on their own. In this situation, the doctor will determine the allergen using tests and prescribe the treatment.
Regular use hormonal drugs, especially if they are not prescribed by a doctor, but are chosen independently, is unacceptable.
In the intervals between courses of treatment for the disease that caused itching, you can use the means that have always been used by the people. Every herbalist knows the most best plant from dermatological diseases and in particular from scratching - a series. Dried leaves, flowers and stems are crushed and brewed like a tea. Allow to infuse, covered with a lid, drink warm.
Take off nervous tension, which often in itself provokes itching, and baths with the addition of various medicinal plants will help soothe irritated skin:
- Purchase a ready-made lavender extract at the pharmacy and add it to the water before bathing - 1-2 tbsp.
- Prepare a decoction of chamomile and celandine in a 1:1 ratio in a water bath. To healing properties plants have not disappeared, apply immediately after preparation.
- Nettle, mint, pine needles - all of the above is useful to brew and use for washing the body.
Whole body itches! Unpleasant sensations all over the body, itching, drying of the skin - everyone has experienced such symptoms at least once in their life. And if you do not have a habit of neglecting your own hygiene, then these symptoms should prompt you to act. There is only one way out of the situation - contacting a doctor.
Itching and desire to itch - only external manifestation diseases, symptoms of failure in one of the body systems. However, the disease itself does not have to be caused by a dermatologically related disease. Often itching appears without the usual accompaniments - skin rash, acne, redness and peeling of the skin.
Why does the whole body itch and itch
The reasons for such troubles can be very diverse - from external irritants that are invisible to you to problems inside the body, including chronic diseases and neuroses.
To correctly determine the cause, the following possible causative agents of itching should be excluded.
But in addition to the disorder of internal organs and systems, itching can be caused by less obvious factors. So, psychologists and neuropathologists note that a long stay in a state of stress, nervosa and psychosis almost always lead to itching all over the body at a certain stage. In this case, it will be necessary to treat the root cause of the itching - in the office of a neurologist or psychologist.
Common Cause of Itching - Allergies
One of the common causes of itching is an allergy to any external irritants. Even if you have not previously suffered from allergic reactions to food, pollen, dust, animal hair, it can start suddenly. Allergy is the cause of 90% of cases of itching on the body and it is easy to treat with the help of drug Allegard, which they drink both during itching and for prevention.
In addition to all of the above, you should also check for the presence of small inconspicuous pests in clothes and home furniture - lice and bedbugs. They can appear even in the cleanest house literally from nowhere, and no one is safe from their action. Their bites also cause the whole body to itch and itch.
What to do with itching of the whole body
The first and most logical step is to see a doctor. Only a specialist can exclude the entire “bouquet” of diseases that itching signals. And only when the cause is discovered, take on its elimination.
For the same, in order to relieve pain and the desire to scratch the skin, you should use moisturizing gels and soaps, try to choose creams, ointments and other skin products with menthol - this can soothe the itching for a while.
Because in most cases itching is associated with malnutrition , for a while, fatty, salty, spicy, fried foods and sweets. The same should be done with the main food allergy triggers - citrus fruits, chocolate, coffee. In addition, it will be a good chance to improve digestion and lose a couple of extra pounds.
Itching all over body is only a consequence of deep violations, malfunctions in the body, and you need to deal with them with the help of professionals and proven medical means.