Besides chickenpox, mosquito bites, and poison ivy, the skin can itch for various reasons. This condition could occur due to various reasons. If the itch does not subside quickly by itself, or the condition worsens, it is best to consult with a dermatologist.
Causes and Treatments
Following are some reasons for itching skin and measures to bring relief.
- Skin that is very dry
Skin that is extremely dry can lead to an intense itch.
Itch relief
The dermatologist may offer a topical or oral prescription drug to the patient, which can provide relief from the itchy skin as well as dryness. Over the counter lotions or creams may also help if the symptoms are mild.
- Bug bites
The cause of the itchy skin is quite obvious in cases of mosquito bites, and the itch tends to resolve quickly. However, when bugs live on the skin or feed on a person’s skin every night, the itch can be persistent and uncontrollable. Bed bugs, lice, and mites (scabies) can lead to a long-lasting itch.
Itch relief
The dermatologist may prescribe the following for the treatment of bed bug bites:
Allergic reaction: Certain people may need an injection of a corticosteroid, antihistamine, or epinephrine (adrenaline) for a severe allergic response.
Infection: Antibiotics may be necessary to treat an infection. In case the infection is mild, the dermatologist may recommend an antiseptic medication that can be bought over the counter.
Itch: It may be helpful to use a prescription pill or liquid.
- Itchy skin condition
The long list of skin conditions that can cause an intense itch includes the following:
- Chickenpox
- Atopic dermatitis
- Hand-foot-and-mouth disease
- Neurodermatitis
- Ringworm
- Dyshidrotic eczema
- Folliculitis
- Hives
- Psoriasis
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Shingles
Itch relief
The patient must know the skin condition that they have to get relief, and a board certified dermatologists can offer the most accurate diagnosis.
Relieving the itch can be problematic if the patient has been diagnosed with atopic dermatitis or psoriasis.
- Skin cancer
The only sign of skin cancer for many patients is a new or changing spot on their skin. At times, the spot may itch, and this may be the only reason that the patient notices the site.
Itch relief
The patient should consult a board certified dermatologist to understand if they have skin cancer. Treating skin cancer will eliminate the itch.
- Warning sign of a disease inside the body
A persistent itch can indicate several conditions, including:
- Diabetes
- Blood disease
- HIV
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Overactive thyroid gland
Itch relief
Getting a correct diagnosis and treatment may offer relief from the itch. In general, a dermatologist plays a vital role in detecting these conditions as itching can be the only symptom.
- Allergic skin reaction
The skin can be allergic to various substances, one of the most common ones being nickel. Nickel is found in many everyday products. Products containing nickel include eyeglass frames, cell phones, jewelry, belt buckles, and zippers. Substances such as fragrances, shampoos, nail polish, cement, and latex could also have allergens.
Itch relief
The patient must understand what is causing their allergy to stop touching or using the offending product or item. This can be difficult to determine and usually requires medical intervention from a dermatologist.
If you would like to learn more about procedures and treatments at Metro East Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center by Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Jamie L. McGinness please contact us here or call (618) 622-SKIN (7546)
Taking new patients in and around the greater St. Louis, Missouri and Illinois area: East St. Louis Missouri, Shiloh Illinois, Belleville, Millstadt, Saint Clair County, Madison County and more.