Know the 10 causes of your itchy skin,Itching isn’t nice, but it’s usually only a little inconvenience that may be relieved with a gentle scratch. It can, however, be a symptom of an underlying condition or an allergic response. When this occurs, it is critical to seek medical attention for diagnosis and treatment.
This article will go through a range of itching illnesses, often known as pruritus.
Conditions that Cause Itchy rashes on the skin
The following are several conditions that produce itchy rashes, as well as significant characteristics that distinguish them.
Infections caused by fungi
Ringworm is a common fungal skin illness that has nothing to do with worms.
Ringworm is distinguished by a ring-shaped rash. It might seem red, elevated, or scaly and can affect the skin, hair, or nails. Fungal diseases such as athlete’s foot and jock itch can induce itching and burning sensations.
Yeast, a kind of fungus, causes vaginal candidiasis, a frequent fungal illness. It’s also known as a vaginal yeast infection. Atypical discharge, soreness, and discomfort are other possible signs.
Infections caused by bacteria
Impetigo is a bacterial skin illness that is most frequent in children aged 2–5 years, although it can affect anybody.
Impetigo most commonly occurs around the nose and mouth, as well as the arms and legs. For many days, red, itching lesions bleed clear fluid or pus before creating a yellow crust. It heals without leaving any scars.
Folliculitis is another bacterial illness that can cause itching. Folliculitis may appear like a breakout of pimples, but it is actually an infection of the hair follicles.
Red lumps might enlarge and leak pus.
Bites from insects
Bug bites typically result in a visible lump or rash that itches. Mosquito bites are frequent, but the itch normally goes away quickly. When you are bitten, you may get a lingering itch.
Bedbugs, lice, and mites (scabies)
Eczema
Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is quite prevalent, especially in newborns and young children.
An eczema rash might seem blotchy, red, and flaky. It is most commonly found on the face, elbows, knees, hands, and feet. Scratching can aggravate the symptoms of redness, irritation, and swelling.
Dermatitis due to contact
Contact dermatitis occurs when you acquire a rash after touching something that causes an immunological reaction in your skin.
The appearance of contact dermatitis at the site of contact is one of its symptoms. An itchy rash that might be red or pink, flat or raised. A severe allergic response might result in blisters filled with transparent fluid.
Hives
Hives affect 15%–25% of people at some point in their lives.
Hives can occur as a result of a sickness or an allergic response, but the reason may be unknown.
Hives are distinguished by raised, red lumps that appear abruptly and itch fiercely. Swelling beneath the skin is possible. Hives normally go away after 24 hours, although they sometimes remain longer.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is characterized by an excess of skin cells. Psoriasis is classified into several forms, the most prevalent of which is plaque psoriasis.
Plaque psoriasis is characterized by thick, elevated patches of varied sizes. These patches can appear anywhere, although they most commonly appear on the elbows, knees, lower back, or scalp. Some may have itchy silver scales. Scratching may cause the patches to thicken even more.
Itching as a Side Effect of Medications
Itchiness is a common adverse effect of several medications. Medication allergies can cause itching as well as a rash.
ACE Inhibitors
Blood pressure is controlled by ACE inhibitors (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors) such as Vasotec (enalapril) or Lotensin (benazepril). An allergic response can result in an itchy rash on any part of the body. This might happen immediately or after years of therapy.
Allopurinol
Allopurinol, which is sold under the trade names Zyloprin and Caplenal, is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor. It is used to treat gout, kidney stones, and excessive amounts of uric acid caused by several cancer medicines. Itching and skin rash are possible but uncommon.
Amiodarone
Amiodarone, sold under the brand name Pacerone, is used to treat irregular heartbeats. One possible adverse effect is rash.
Diuretics
Diuretics aid in the removal of excess water from the body. Some patients who use diuretics get a rash as a side effect of the medication. The rash commonly manifests itself on the legs as purple skin eruptions.
Estrogen
Estrogen has a wide range of effects on the body, including the skin. A rash might be caused by hormonal birth control tablets.
Cellulose Hydroxyethyl
Many personal care and medicinal items include hydroxyethyl cellulose. Itching, redness, and hives are all symptoms of an allergic response.
Opioids
Itching is a relatively typical adverse effect of opioid pain relievers.
Simvastatin, also known as Zocor or Vytorin, lowers cholesterol and the risk of heart attack and stroke. Itchy, red skin is one possible adverse effect.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is a fever reducer and pain reliever. Itching, redness, hives, and peeling or blistering skin are all possible side effects.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen, often known as Advil or Motrin, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (NSAID) that is used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. Rashes, itching, and hives are some of the side effects.
Itchiness Caused by Psychological Conditions
Psychogenic itch occurs when psychological variables cause or worsen itching. Scratching excessively can cause skin damage and skin disorders. Skin disorders and psychological issues frequently coincide.
Depression
According to research, there is a relationship between sadness and itching. People who score high on a depression measure have a higher itch intensity than those who score low on the depression scale.
Anxiety
Anxiety, like sadness, can be a result of itching and an exacerbating cause of itching and scratching.
Obsessive-Compulsive Syndrome
Itching is typical of those who suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Obsessive scratching and skin plucking can result from intrusive thoughts.
Itchiness Caused by a Serious Illness
Itching can be a sign of a serious illness or advanced disease in some circumstances.
Kidney Illness
Advanced renal disease is characterized by dry skin and itching. A type of rash associated with end-stage renal illness generates tiny, itchy, dome-shaped pimples. Scratching excessively might result in ulcers and bleeding skin.
Liver Illness
Chronic liver disease is characterized by itching. Scratching does not provide relief, which might have an influence on mental health.
Diabetes
Itching can be caused by diabetes for a variety of reasons. Itching on the lower legs is more prevalent if your circulation is weak. Diabetes might also make you susceptible to other causes of itching, such as:
- Skin that is parched
- Bacterial contamination
- A fungus infection
Iron deficiency
Iron deficiency can cause dry, itchy skin.
It might also make your hair and nails brittle.
HIV
Approximately 90% of people infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) experience skin abnormalities or symptoms at some point, including:
Skin sensitivities cause a generalized rash.
Shingles
Viral infections cause lesions.
When Should You See a Doctor?
You don’t need to consult a doctor if you have a slight, transitory itch, but you should see one if:
Other symptoms include an unexplained rash or blisters, fever, or exhaustion.
You’ve recently begun taking a new drug.
You are still itching after treatment.
Itching has a negative impact on your quality of life.
Summary
In most cases, itching is only a brief discomfort. Chronic itching, on the other hand, might have a negative impact on your quality of life. Itching can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from a minor mosquito bite to severe liver disease. If you have a chronic itch, you should consult a doctor to find out why.
