Itching is a rather unpleasant sensation characterized by a sensation of tingling more or less insistent that provokes the desire to scratch. The manifestation of itching can be a sign of several conditions: allergy by contact, intolerance food, dermatitis , lesions of various skin, kidney disease , diseases liver diseases, endocrine , edema, cancer (Hodgkin's disease), diseases infectious (measles, chicken pox ), diseases neurological . In some cases, the itching may be an expression of mental disorders (psychogenic pruritus). Itching may occur in a more or less persistent and more or less intense, and being located in specific parts of the body or be generalized. Depending on the pathology that underlies the itching there are the signs and symptoms that may accompany the onset: redness of the area of the body, flaking of the skin, the presence of papules, presence of edema and presence of pus.
What kind of diseases can be associated with itching?
The following diseases may be associated with itching:
- Contact allergy
- Anaphylaxis
- Blepharitis
- Calculations gallbladder
- Actinic keratosis
- Primary biliary cirrhosis
- Liver cirrhosis
- Dengue
- Dermatitis
- Atopic dermatitis
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Dermatophytosis
- Psychological disturbances (psychogenic pruritus)
- Hepatitis
- Sunburn
- Folliculitis
- Chilblains
- Impetigo
- Kidney failure
- Food intolerance
- Ichthyosis
- Lichen planus
- Molluscum
- Measles
- Snows
- Pityriasis rosea
- Polycythemia vera
- Psoriasis
- Rosacea
- Scabies
- Dry eye syndrome
- Tinea versicolor
- African trypanosomiasis
- Liver cancer
- Corneal ulcer
- Burns
- Chickenpox
- Varicose veins
Remember that the list is not exhaustive and it is always good to ask consulting your doctor.
What is the therapy for itching?
Because the itching is not a disease in itself but a symptom of the presence of other medical conditions, usually is not treated "directly", i.e. by appropriate therapy, but "indirectly" by solving the base medical condition. You should avoid "do-it-yourself" measures to try to soothe the discomfort due to itching, because you are likely to worsen the condition. It is good practice, however, to contact your doctor.
When is most likely to contact your doctor in case of itching?
In cases of itching, it is always good to consult your doctor, especially if you have been diagnosed or at risk of a disease associated (see list of associated diseases).
