Itching – Causes, Treatments, and Remedies
Itching is a common complaint and can lead to sleep deprivation and depression. Often caused by water exposure, itching can be treated by using petroleum jelly or cool compresses. Keeping a cool room can also help. Itching caused by hot water can also be treated with lukewarm bath water or petroleum jelly.
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a common skin condition that many things can cause. For example, certain fabrics, dyes, and metals can cause a reaction. You should see a dermatologist if you suspect you may have contact dermatitis. In most cases, you can manage the symptoms by avoiding irritants that you know cause the problem, and you can also use OTC drugs or topical creams to relieve the itching.
You should always wear protective clothing when handling chemicals and other allergens. Using barrier cream can help protect your skin and keep it moisturized. You should also be aware of any new products you may encounter and test them before using them. Contact dermatitis and itching can be uncomfortable and even cause life-threatening symptoms, so you should take the proper precautions to prevent it.
Patch testing can be a helpful tool in identifying the source of your contact dermatitis. This test involves applying a substance or allergen to a small skin patch. Afterward, the healthcare provider checks for any allergic reaction. Then, the healthcare provider will perform another check four days later for any changes.
Medication
Medication for itching can relieve the discomfort caused by allergies and eczema. Corticosteroid creams help to reduce itching and inflammation. However, they are ineffective for itching caused by jaundice, lymphoma, or blocked bile ducts. For these conditions, topical antihistamines or cholestyramine may be prescribed. These medications bind with bile salts in the body to reduce itching. Also, anti-depressants can help relieve itching caused by nerve irritation. Some of these drugs include amitriptyline and imipramine.
Medication for itching should be taken only after consulting with a doctor. It should be used to treat the current condition and not to prevent or treat a recurring condition. However, it should be used in conjunction with regular medical visits. Itching that lasts a long time can be relieved with topical steroids.
Medication for itching can be topical or oral. The latter is recommended for itchy areas. However, these medications can lead to serious side effects. You should seek medical attention immediately if you experience a severe reaction to any medication. These side effects may include a severe rash, itching, and swelling. You should also report any bleeding to a physician immediately.
Cancer treatment
Itching can be a side effect of cancer treatment. Patients may experience itching due to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy. Some patients may also experience itchiness due to other health conditions. For example, liver or kidney disease can cause itching. The best way to treat itching is to find out the cause. Your healthcare provider can help you find out what is causing your itchiness.
You can find several over-the-counter medications that can help alleviate the itching. These include antihistamines, petroleum jelly, and glycerine. For those with more severe itching, you can also try creams with menthol, oatmeal, or 10% urea. Ask your care team for advice about the best products to use. If over-the-counter creams are insufficient, your doctor may prescribe a more potent antihistamine or change your treatment protocol.
In severe cases, itching can be a sign of cancer. It may be a side effect of chemotherapy. Moreover, it may cause liver inflammation or allergic reactions. In addition, radiation therapy may also cause itching. This is because the high-powered waves of radiation used to destroy cancer cells cause inflammation in the body. In addition to treatment, your doctor may order blood tests to check your liver function and blood cell levels. Your doctor may also run bone marrow tests to check for any myeloproliferative disorders.
Dry skin
A person with dry skin will have a lot of itching, and this itching can be debilitating. It can also affect daily activities and lead to depression and anxiety. In addition, prolonged skin dryness is terrible for the body because it weakens the skin’s barrier and can cause the body to overheat. People with this condition are likely to have cracked, scaly skin, and they may suffer from dermatitis, a skin disease. Sunflower seed oil is a good moisturizer, and a healthy dose can help you get rid of dry skin.
While dry skin can appear anywhere on the body, it is most commonly found on the hands, arms, lower legs, and lower abdomen. This condition is caused by a lack of natural skin oils or a disturbed skin barrier. Moreover, certain environmental conditions, such as high humidity levels, can contribute to the condition.
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