Itchy Skin Conditions

Itchy skin conditions are among the skin problems that you may never wish to encounter. Apart from the fact that it gives you an annoying feeling, itchiness may even embarrass you in public. Imagine having to scratch in front of a crowd? What if you are having a date with the man that you have longed to go out with? Won’t it ruin the moment if you go out with him on a dinner and you have to scratch your arms or legs because of your itchy skin condition? For sure it will! Itchy skin conditions are known as pruritus in the field of medicine. This is characterized by an unpleasant sensation which this demands for a need of scratching. Itchy skin conditions maybe on localized to certain areas of the body or it may be generalized or all over. If a rash goes along with itching the cause may be easily determined as compared to itching which is not accompanied by rash.

Localized itching – the area which itches gives the clue to the cause of itch.

• Scalp –Itching of the scalp may be associated with head lice, contact dermatitis, psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis also known as dandruff.
• Eyelids – When the eyelids itch, it may be associated with atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and allergic conjunctivitis.
• Nose – The most common reason for nasal itching can be traced back to allergic rhinitis.
• Ears –Based from medical history, the most common cause of itching ear is associated with otitis externa (swimmer’s ears), allergic rhinitis and contact dermatitis.
• Back, chest or abdomen – When these main parts of the body itch, the cause may include psoriasis, scabies infection, folliculitis, atopic dermatitis or contact dermatitis

Generalized Itching – When you are itching all over it is best to consult your dermatologist or your health practitioner as this may indicate a systemic disease. Symptoms can also be due to medications used, different infections like parasitic infections of the intestines. It may also be an indication of iron deficiency, liver disease, kidney disease or high or low thyroid function.

Itchy skin conditions may just be a symptom of a certain sickness so it is best to consult your health practitioner to determine the real cause of your problem.