Do not Scratch That Itchy Skin Disorder
Pruritus is the medical term for itching. Itching is defined as an intense tingling sensation or distracting irritation felt in a certain skin area, or even the entire skin surface.
Most people would instinctively scratch the itchy part of the skin. In most cases, itching is felt at nighttime when it is warm and there are only very few distractions.
It does not mean that all people who have itchy skin have a disease, because the reason why people experience skin itching is not very well understood.
People experiencing a generalized itch - itching all over the body - are most likely to have a medical condition such as liver disease, diabetes mellitus, jaundice, kidney failure and thyroid diseases.
Lymphatic conditions and leukemia can also cause skin itching.
These are typical examples of skin disorders that may result to an itchy rash
- chicken pox
- dermatitis (atopic)
- contact dermatitis
- fungus infections
- eczema
- lice
- insect bites
- hives or urticaria
- lichen planus
- neurodermatitis
- scabies
- psoriasis, occasionally
Localized Itching
There are specific areas in our skin that becomes itchy. One example is ‘pruritus ani’ or itching around a person’s anus. This may be due to detergents, soaps, rough/scratchy material, and worms (children).
Some people may experience an itchy skin due to frequent bathing making the skin scaly and dry. While others would notice a skin itch during cold weather, pregnant women may also complain about itching skin.
Many people are complaining about their itchy skin, they might not to know that itching are symptoms of skin disorders. It is much better if you get medical advices, just in case the itching persists for a long time.
