Itchy Skin: Causes, Warning Signs and Treatment — Why Your Skin Itches

Itchy skin is one of the most common reasons people see a dermatologist. Itching is not a disease in itself but a symptom: behind it can be anything from ordinary dry skin to skin diseases and problems with internal organs. That is why long-lasting itching should not be left in the hope that it will pass — the cause needs to be found.

Why does skin itch?

The causes fall into three groups.

1. Dry skin (xerosis). In winter, during the heating season, and after hot showers and frequent soap, the skin loses moisture and starts to itch. It is especially common in older people. This itch usually affects the shins, lower back and arms, with little or no rash.

2. Skin diseases. Most often the itch comes with a rash:

• eczema and atopic dermatitis — redness, blisters, dry rough skin;
• hives and skin allergy — welts that appear and fade quickly;
• scabies — between the fingers, on the wrists and waist, worse at night, often in several family members;
• fungal infection — itchy ring-shaped patches, often in the groin and on the feet;
• psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, lichen planus;
• insect bites and contact dermatitis.

3. Internal causes. Sometimes the skin looks clear but the whole body itches. Then the cause may be internal:

• liver and bile duct disease;
• kidney failure;
• thyroid disease, diabetes;
• iron deficiency and blood disorders;
• a reaction to medicines;
• pregnancy;
• severe stress and anxiety.

Warning signs

See a doctor promptly if:

• the itch lasts more than 2 weeks and skin care does not help;
• your whole body itches but there is no rash;
• the itch gets worse at night and keeps you awake;
• several people in the family are itching;
• it comes with weight loss, weakness, fever, sweating, or yellowing of the skin or eyes;
• scratches have turned into sores and are infected.

How does a dermatologist investigate?

The doctor asks when the itch started, where and when it is worse and which medicines you take, and examines all of your skin. When needed:

• dermoscopy — looking at the rash under magnification;
• a skin scraping — to find fungus or the scabies mite;
• blood tests — full blood count, liver and kidney markers, glucose, thyroid hormones;
• a referral to another specialist — if the cause is internal.

How is itching treated?

Treatment depends on the cause: fungus is treated with antifungals, scabies with anti-scabies treatment, eczema with anti-inflammatory treatment. A cream applied without a diagnosis may ease the itch for a while but hide the disease. That is why steroid creams and antihistamines are prescribed by a doctor.

For chronic, widespread itch — in eczema or psoriasis, for example — the clinic may use phototherapy.

What can you do at home?

• Keep showers short and warm (not hot), and pat your skin dry instead of rubbing.
• Apply moisturiser within 3 minutes of showering.
• Avoid scented soap, alcohol-based lotions and harsh scrubs.
• Wear loose cotton clothing; keep wool and synthetics off your skin.
• Humidify the air and keep the bedroom cool at night.
• Do not scratch: a cool compress or moisturiser soothes the itch. Keep children's nails short.

Itchy skin check-up in Fergana and Kokand

At Radeski Skin Clinic a dermatologist finds the cause of the itch: examines the skin, orders dermoscopy, a scraping and blood tests when needed, and then builds a treatment and care plan.

• Itchy skin — in brief;
• Dermatologist in Fergana — visits, prices and doctors;
• Dermatologist in Kokand — visits at the Kokand branch;
• conditions that make skin itch: Eczema, Hives and skin allergy, Atopic dermatitis.

Itching takes a real toll on sleep, work and mood. Once the cause is found, it can usually be dealt with quickly.