Itching
Treatment Itching – ETHOS HEALTH CARE
Itching
Itching is a tingling or irritation of the skin that makes you want to scratch the affected area. You may have itchy skin over certain small areas, such as on an arm or leg, or your whole body may itch.
Symptoms
- Redness
- Bumps, spots or blisters
- Dry, cracked skin
- Leathery or scaly texture to the skin
Causes of itching
- Allergic reactions
- Eczema
- Nerve disorders
- Dry skin
- Pregnancy
- Rashes
- Insect bites and stings
- Irritating chemicals
- Parasites such as pinworms, scabies, headand body lice
- Reactions to medicines
Complications
- Skin injury
- Infection
- Scarring
Tests and diagnosis
It includes physical exam and a careful history. The following tests may be done for itching:
- Blood test.
- Chemistry profile
- Thyroid function test
- Chest X-rays
Treatment of itching
Treatment of itching may includes the following medications:
- Corticosteroid creams
- Oral antihistamines
- Calcineurin inhibitors such as tacrolimus (Protopic) and pimecrolimus (Elidel)
- Antidepressants such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft)