The skin is the largest organ of a person with a complex structure. The main purpose is to protect the body from overheating, hypothermia, infections, and harmful effects. It is widely believed that itching through the body without a rash is a skin problem, but it is not.

Body itching suggests that the body has failed and is quite serious. Rirritating human scabies - a symptom of the disease, atreveal which  it is quite difficult even for experienced doctors.

1 Etiology of manifestations

A person's life becomes simply unbearable when the skin is constantly or periodically itchy. You need to have an idea of ​​what diseases cause itching. This will help to quickly solve the problem, eliminate discomfort. The following factors cause itching:

Liver problems are often accompanied by skin scabies. When the liver is healthy, the body is promptly cleared of harmful substances, the sick liver does not cope. Bile acids and other toxins accumulate in the body. They cause itching, often at night. A common occurrence for patients is poor sleep.

1. Diabetes.

In patients with diabetes, irritation zones: anus, genitals, armpits. When the sugar level rises, itching increases. Lighten condition.

Itching is an unpleasant sensation that forces a person to scratch the affected skin. If the skin itches slightly - this is normal and occurs often, but sometimes this feeling is strong and causes a lot of problems. Persistent and intense itching is usually a symptom of a disease of the skin, organs of the body or the nervous system.

Sometimes itching is accompanied by a rash, but can also occur on seemingly unchanged skin. The degree of distribution distinguish general (generalized) itching  - when the whole body itches and local (local) itch, exciting only a specific area of ​​the skin.

With frequent scratching, the skin becomes thinner, injured and inflamed, which can make it painful and itch even more. Regardless of the cause of the itch, several ways help reduce its intensity and alleviate the condition:

• rub the affected skin with fingertips or press on it with a palm;
• moisturize the itchy skin with emollients, then you damage it less when scratching;
• make cold compresses, for example, from a damp cloth, take cool baths;
• use external antipruritic agents in the form of lotions, ointments, etc., for example, calamine lotion, antihistamine and steroid creams;
• buy cosmetics and hygiene products without fragrances;
• avoid skin-irritating clothing: synthetic, rough wool, etc.

Nails should be clean and short, especially when itching in children. The ends of the nails should be filed, not cut. The trimmed ends of the nails are sharp and uneven, they damage the skin more strongly.

Causes of itching

In most cases, the sensation of itching occurs when excitation of sensitive nerve endings in the skin and mucous membranes - receptors. Irritants of receptors can be: mechanical, thermal effects, the influence of chemicals, light, etc. One of the main chemical stimuli is a biologically active substance - histamine, which is produced in the body during allergies or inflammation.

It also happens itchy central origin, that is, it develops without the participation of nerve endings of the skin. The source of central itching is a focus of excitation of nerve cells in the brain, which happens in some neurological diseases.

Finally, it is known that there are factors that can increase the sensitivity of the skin to itching. For example, when exposed to heat in hot weather or when the body temperature rises, the skin itches more and the cold, on the contrary, relieves itching. Most of all, people suffer from itching in the evening and at night, which is associated with daily fluctuations in the diameter of blood vessels and, consequently, skin temperature.

Immediate causes pruritus  There may be various skin diseases internal organs, nervous system, blood and even malignant tumors. Itching in a child is a common symptom of chicken pox (chickenpox) - a childhood infection, the main manifestation of which is a characteristic skin rash.

Itching for skin diseases

Skin diseases, in addition to itching, are accompanied by the appearance of a rash: blisters, spots, nodules, blisters, peeling and other elements on the skin. The following skin conditions may cause itching:

In addition, the skin may itch after insect bites: mosquitoes, bedbugs, lice (for pediculosis), fleas, stinging arthropods (wasps, bees, etc.). As a rule, a small nodule forms against the reddened and hot skin on the site of the bite. Sometimes in the center of the nodule you can see the direct bite in the form of a dark point. Insect bites are especially hard on people with sensitive skin  and a tendency to allergies.

Frequently, various chemicals affecting the skin are caused by itching, for example:

• cosmetics;
• paint or coating fabrics;
• some metals, such as nickel;
• juices of some plants (nettle, hogweed).

Under the influence of ultraviolet sunlight is easy to get sunburn, after which itching appears, the skin turns red, and sometimes becomes covered with watery blisters. Another cause of itching may be excessive dry skin. If you have the above diseases, consult a dermatologist.

Itching of the skin in diseases of the internal organs

A symptom of some diseases of the internal organs is generalized (common) itching. In most cases, the skin remains unchanged: normal color, no rash, peeling. These diseases include:

• Diabetes . Severe itching of the skin and thirst sometimes become the first symptoms of diabetes. Special severe itching  usually occurs in the genital area and anus.
• Hyperfunction of the thyroid gland is sometimes accompanied by complaints that itchy skin. This is due to the acceleration of metabolism and temperature increase. With reduced thyroid function, general itching associated with dry skin is also possible.
• Renal failure can cause itching. This is due to damage to the nerve fibers of the skin and lowering the threshold of sensitivity of the nerve endings. That is, weaker stimuli begin to cause an itchy sensation.
• Polycythemia is a blood disorder associated with excessive production of blood cells, causing blood to thicken, increases the risk of blood clots and vascular blockage. With polycythemia, itching is a common problem, especially itchy skin after taking a shower or any other contact with water. Polycythemia is treated by a hematologist.
• Iron deficiency anemia is a blood disorder associated with impaired hemoglobin production. Medication with iron usually quickly relieves itching.
• Lymphogranulomatosis (Hodgkin's lymphoma) is a malignant blood disease that begins with an enlarged lymph nodes, often on the neck. Sometimes the first symptom of Hodgkin's disease is pruritus, which is worse in the evening and at night. The skin is more often itches in the area of ​​the affected lymph node.
• Some types of cancer, such as breast, lung or prostate cancer, are also accompanied by itchy skin.

Somewhat less itching is accompanied by a change in skin tone, which, for example, happens with subhepatic jaundice associated with impaired outflow of bile from the gallbladder. The skin begins to itch due to the accumulation of bile acids in it. This can be in gallstone disease, certain types of hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, pancreatic cancer, etc.

Sometimes itching results from neurological or mental disorders or diseases. For example, after a stroke, with postherpetic neuralgia, stress and depression.

Itching during pregnancy and during menopause

Itching often occurs in pregnant women and goes away after childbirth. During pregnancy a number of skin diseases can develop, itchyincluding the following:

• pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnant women (polymorphic dermatitis of pregnant women) - a skin disease that occurs during pregnancy, in which an itchy red bulging rash appears on the thighs and abdomen;
• prurigo pregnant - red itchy skin rash, most often appearing on the arms, legs and torso;
• itching of pregnant women - itching, without skin rash, due to liver overload during pregnancy.

All these conditions usually appear in late pregnancy and disappear after childbirth. They are treated jointly by a physician and obstetrician-gynecologist. If during pregnancy you experience itching or you have an unusual skin rash, consult your doctor.

Itching is also a common symptom in menopause. The cause of the itch is considered to be a decrease in estrogen production and an imbalance in other hormones.

Itching in the anus

The causes of itching in the anus or anal itching can be a number of diseases, for example, the following:

Besides common causesLocal foot itching may be associated with:

• varicose veins of the lower extremities - accompanied by swelling, pain and heaviness in the legs in the evening;
• fungal infections of the nails and skin in the interdigital spaces on the legs, in addition to itching, the appearance of skin peeling, changes in the shape and color of the nails are possible.

Treatment of itching

Depending on why the skin itches, treatment recommendations will vary, but there are a few general rules that will help relieve the itch. Particular attention should be paid to the rules of personal hygiene. While taking a bath or shower, do the following:

• Use cool or lukewarm water (not hot).
• Refrain from using soap, shower gel or deodorant with fragrances. Lotions without fragrances or water-based creams can be purchased at the pharmacy.
• Apply a moisturizing lotion or cream without fragrances after a bath or shower to prevent skin from drying out.

In terms of clothing and bedding, follow these rules:

• Do not wear clothing that irritates your skin, for example, made from wool or synthetic fabrics.
• If possible, get clothes made of cotton.
• Avoid tight-fitting clothing.
• Use mild detergents that do not irritate the skin.
• Sleep in light and loose clothes.

Anti-Itch Medicines

In a relationship medicines, adhere to the following rules:

• apply a greasy moisturizer to dry or flaky skin;
• on a doctor's prescription, you can use steroid (hormonal) creams for several days, applying them to inflamed itchy skin;
• take antihistamines (anti-allergic drugs) to stop itching - consult your doctor before use.

Antihistamine pills can also cause severe drowsiness, so after taking them you can not get behind the wheel, use power tools or perform complex work that requires concentration.

Some antidepressants, such as paroxetine or sertraline, can relieve an itch (if your doctor prescribes them, this does not mean that you are depressed).

If you have itching on areas covered with hair, for example, on the scalp, the doctor may prescribe a special lotion instead of using sticky creams.

Which doctor should I contact if my skin itches?

With the help of the service Amendment, you can quickly find doctors who usually deal with the diagnosis and treatment of pruritus. It:

• dermatologist - if itching is associated with skin disease;
• allergist - if you are prone to allergies;
• therapist / pediatrician - if the cause of the itch is not clear and a primary diagnosis is required.

If you are not sure which doctor to turn to, use the section “Who treats this”. There, based on your symptoms, you can more accurately determine the choice of a doctor.

Itching is an unpleasant sensation that occurs in the surface layer of the skin and mucous membranes in the form of a slight burning sensation or an unpleasant tingling sensation. Chronic persistent itching can disrupt the quality of life: lead to sleep disturbance, disability, depression, even suicidal attempt. Itching is local and generalized, acute and chronic. It is the dominant symptom of skin diseases and is often observed in systemic diseases. Pruritus itch prevails, but itching of the mucous membrane of the mouth, nose, pharynx, trachea, conjunctiva, anogenital zone is possible.

Some mechanical stimuli cause itching: light touch (for example, when contacting insects), pressure, vibration, skin contact with wool, synthetic fibers. Thermal and electrical stimuli can also induce itching. Common cause  itching - the effects of endogenous chemicals that are formed or accumulate in the skin or acting on the central nervous system. As possible chemical mediators of pruritus are considered: amines (histamine, serotonin, acetylcholine), proteases and kinins, cytokines, neuropeptides and opioids.

Types of itching

By origin, itching can be peripheral and central. Researchers identify 4 types of itching.

Itching often has a mixed origin. For example, in uremia, it is pruritoseous, neuropathic, and possibly neurogenic.

Causes of itching

In most cases, the sensation of itching occurs when excitation of sensitive nerve endings in the skin and mucous membranes - receptors. Irritants of receptors can be: mechanical, thermal effects, the influence of chemicals, light, etc. One of the main chemical stimuli is a biologically active substance - histamine, which is produced in the body during allergies or inflammation.

It also happens itchy central origin, that is, it develops without the participation of nerve endings of the skin. The source of central itching is a focus of excitation of nerve cells in the brain, which happens in some neurological diseases.

Finally, it is known that there are factors that can increase the sensitivity of the skin to itching. For example, when exposed to heat in hot weather or when the body temperature rises, the skin itches more and the cold, on the contrary, relieves itching. Most of all, people suffer from itching in the evening and at night, which is associated with daily fluctuations in the diameter of blood vessels and, consequently, skin temperature.

The direct causes of pruritus can be various diseases of the skin, internal organs, nervous system, blood and even malignant tumors. Itching in a child is a common symptom of chicken pox (chickenpox) - a childhood infection, the main manifestation of which is a characteristic skin rash.

Itching for skin diseases

Skin diseases, in addition to itching, are accompanied by the appearance of a rash: blisters, spots, nodules, blisters, peeling and other elements on the skin. The following skin conditions may cause itching:

In addition, the skin may itch after insect bites: mosquitoes, bedbugs, lice (for pediculosis), fleas, stinging arthropods (wasps, bees, etc.). As a rule, a small nodule forms against the reddened and hot skin on the site of the bite. Sometimes in the center of the nodule you can see the direct bite in the form of a dark point. Insect bites are especially difficult for people with sensitive skin and a tendency to allergies.

Frequently, various chemicals affecting the skin are caused by itching, for example:

• cosmetics;
• paint or coating fabrics;
• some metals, such as nickel;
• juices of some plants (nettle, hogweed).

Under the action of ultraviolet sunlight it is easy to get a sunburn, after which itching appears, the skin reddens and sometimes becomes covered with watery blisters. Another cause of itching may be excessive dry skin. If you have the above diseases, consult a dermatologist.

Clinical syndromes

Itching is observed in skin diseases, systemic causes of itching are frequent. Among all patients with itching, seeking medical attention, the share of systemic causes accounts for 10 to 50% of cases. Some systemic diseases and conditions, often accompanied by itching, are presented below.

Many of the above diseases are severe enough and can be life threatening. Sometimes itching is one of the first, or initially one of the main symptoms, and recognizing its cause can present significant diagnostic difficulties.

Itchy skin - symptoms

For the appearance of sensations itchy skin can matter, both its intensity and the properties of the irritant. When the irritant initially causes itching of the skin, then with an increase in intensity, the itch is replaced by pain syndrome. Certain stimuli (for example, quinine, morphine, arsenic, etc.) have an action to cause itchy skin, while some medications  may not call it.

It is also worth noting that in the perception of itching, like pain syndrome, the subjective element may be of great importance. All patients perceive skin itch differently, depending on the functional characteristics of their nervous system. A good diagnostic criterion for determining the nature of the itch is excoriation, as the final component of scratching. Often there are patients who complain of severe itching of the skin, which deprives them of sleep, but during an internal examination they, as a rule, do not find any scratching, or small excoriations can occur. In other cases, in the presence of a large number of scratches in a patient, there are practically no complaints of itchy skin.

Neurotics and psychasthenics may complain of severe itching of the skin, while not having significant clinical signs. For them, such exaggeration of sensations is quite typical. The removal of neurosis through hypnosis leads to the weakening or disappearance of itchy skin in general, which is proof of this. According to the location of itchy skin, there is a limited and generalized nature of its location. An example of limited skin itching can be presented as itching of the skin of the hands, skin of the legs and the anal area. An example of generalized itching of the skin is senile itching (with dry skin or diabetes).

Skin itching and scratching on the skin that is characteristic of it usually leads to visible changes in the skin. The skin can react to scratching, either by spasm of blood vessels or their expansion. As a result, vascular ischemia occurs with simultaneous tissue swelling. Often, itching of the skin goes along with an urticarial reaction, which is characterized by a spasm of the vessels and their expansion along the periphery of the vesicle, which can form when itching on the skin.

When to go to the doctor?

Consultation with a dermatologist is necessary if skin itchiness:

• lasts more than two weeks;
• causes severe discomfort and prevents sleep;
• extends to the whole body;
• accompanied by other symptoms: fatigue, weight loss, changes in stool or urination, and reddening of the skin.

Prolonged itching of the skin can lead to papules, excoriation, lichenification, and often eczematization. skin cover. When specified clinical manifestations  the disease should already be regarded as atopic dermatitis.

Diagnostic measures include:

• History taking;
• Laboratory tests (blood, urine, feces, allergy tests, etc.);
• Instrumental examinations (ultrasound of the liver, kidney to detect changes, etc.).

The initial survey (anamnesis collection) is needed to establish how the process is going, how long it began, whether there are hereditary diseases and other important factors. Laboratory studies are complex and numerous. Thus, a blood test will allow to establish the concentration of eosinophils (which, conventionally speaking, are markers of an allergic process), sugar levels. Urinalysis is necessary to establish the presence of sugar (a frequent occurrence in diabetes).

The main principles of the treatment of itchy skin are: getting rid of the cause of itching; for itching localized in a specific area of ​​the body, local treatment and systemic (ie, general) treatment are used. Before consulting a dermatologist, you cannot self-medicate (do not lubricate and do not treat the site of itching by any means), as this may make diagnosis difficult.

Specific treatment is aimed at eliminating the symptom. For these purposes, prescribed drugs in three groups:

• antihistamines;
• desensitizing drugs;
• antipruritic medication.

Dosage and specific drugs in the complex should be chosen exclusively by a doctor. Self-medication is unacceptable and can cause serious health consequences.

Diet for itchy skin

Often the appearance of pruritus is associated with allergic reaction  on some foods (urticaria, atopic dermatitis). At the time of itching, you should eliminate from the diet fried, spicy and fatty foods, as well as those products that most often cause allergies (cheeses, coffee, citrus, eggs, chocolate, meat broths, alcohol, etc.). If itching is observed in the genital area or anus, you need to reduce the amount of sweets consumed (sugar, candy, etc.). Porridges (oatmeal, buckwheat, rice), kefir, pasta, vegetable puree, lean boiled meat will be useful in this case.

Local treatment of itching

In the treatment of pruritus is extremely important. proper hygiene  skin. When itching spread throughout the body, it is advised from time to time to treat the skin surface with a 3-5% solution of vinegar (soak a sponge in a solution and rub it with the body), anesthesin and use talcum powder. For localized forms of itching (genital, anal itching), morning and evening washing will be useful, as well as washing after defecation (with warm water and soap).

For the treatment of anal pruritus, various anti-inflammatory ointments - Triderm, Ultraprokt, Lokoid are effective means. However, it is important to remember that ointments only reduce the intensity of pruritus, but do not eliminate its cause, therefore their effect is temporary. To establish the real cause of anal itching and prescribe a full treatment, you need to contact a proctologist.

General treatment of itching

The most common mechanism of development of itching can be called an increase in the amount of histamine in the skin. To reduce the intensity of itching, doctors prescribe antihistamines, such as Zyrtek, Loratidin, Tavegil, Erius, Suprastin, etc. Please note that most of the antihistamines act on the nervous system inhibiting, as a result of which it is prohibited to drive vehicles during the treatment with this group of drugs.

Severe itching of the skin is usually a irritant to the nervous system, and as a result, a patient with such a diagnosis suffers from a hot temper. To eliminate this manifestation, medications that act on the nervous system soothingly (so-called sedatives) are used, these include: Novo-Passit, valerian, mint tea, tincture of motherwort and others. If itching does not go away for a long time, you need to contact a specialist.

Prevention of skin itching

Preventive measures are specific. In each case, the complex of such events is individual. However, as mentioned, the main cause of itchiness remains allergic diseases  (including dermatitis, eczema, etc.). In any case, you can give some general recommendations to those who want to make their lives easier and prevent the development of such an unpleasant symptom.

• In no case can not be neglected. hygiene procedures. However, too frequent washing of the head and skin disrupts the normal state of the skin and the secretion of sebum. The skin becomes dry, and this is a direct path to discomfort. It is recommended to wash no more than 1 time in 2 days without the use of aggressive chemicals.
• Contact with aggressive chemicals should be excluded. Detergents  should be applied strictly in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer.
• You must adhere to a hypoallergenic diet. The severity of the diet depends on the severity of individual body reactions.

Do not immediately panic if you or the baby "itch much." Itching is a standard reaction of skin receptors to external and internal stimuli. It happens that the reflex reaction takes a painful course, then it is necessary to take immediate action.

If we are talking about the violation of the rules of hygiene - a person can easily cope on their own. But when itching is caused by pathological processes, competent medical care is indispensable. In the arsenal modern medicine  a lot of diagnostic and treatment methods. However, it is impossible to use pills by yourself, to smear the affected areas with ointment or something else. A patient with such actions risks aggravating his already difficult situation.

Let's define the very concept of "itch." Someone decided to call this word the desire to itch. Somewhat amusing definition, but differently - no way. Itching (especially if it is strong) gives a person a lot of trouble. You can not quietly go out, you can not sleep, you are constantly nervous and eventually bring yourself to a nervous exhaustion. Sometimes the itching of the body can be so severe that the skin is combed to the blood, the scratching heals for a long time, leaving lifelong scars afterwards.

Itching of the skin of the body is not investigated until the end. Although there is already knowledge about the role of nerve endings for the skin, why histamine is thrown out, sometimes causing itching all over the body, and what are the causes of such unpleasant sensations.

First of all, it should be noted that itching is not a disease, but a symptom. Therefore, the doctor always tries to find the cause of what caused itching all over the body, or in separate areas. Of course, to do this only by visual inspection alone is impossible. Now we are talking about generalized itching (itching all over the body). There is also another form of manifestation - localized (separate parts).

So what can cause itching all over the body?

Before you begin treatment for itching, you need to find out exactly the cause of its occurrence. Visit a dermatologist, he will conduct the necessary examination, prescribe tests and only then establish the diagnosis. Be prepared for the fact that you need to visit a number of other professionals. Depending on the results, either local treatment or systemic treatment will be prescribed. Do not begin self-treatment at all. Used before going to the doctor drugs can make it difficult to diagnose.

Topical treatment usually comes down to treating the skin with a three percent solution of vinegar and using powders with high content  talcum powder Other drugs may be prescribed (ointments, suspensions).

With general treatment, when itching throughout the body is caused high level  histamine in the skin, appointed "Suprastin", "Erius", "Tavegil", "Zirtek", "Loratidine" (these drugs are antihistamines). If itching appears on the nerve soil, sedatives are usually prescribed (to soothe the nervous system): valerian tincture or tablets, bromocamphara, valocordin, valo sedan, Bechterew's medicine, motherwort herb, passionflower herb.

What to do if there is itching all over the body, but there is no way to see a doctor right away? Do not itch, no matter how desirable (irritation only intensifies, there will be a risk of infection). Do not take a hot bath (the skin from this dries, itching will become stronger).

If the skin is dry, use products that do not include soap.
. Use when taking a shower tincture of calendula, chamomile, woodlouse, mint. They act on the skin soothingly and reduce inflammation. You can use cold compresses after a shower.
. In the bathroom with warm (not hot, namely warm) water, add half a glass of apple cider vinegar and lie in this bath for 15 minutes.
. Rub the body of the potato juice, it will relieve inflammation.

And do not delay the consultation with the doctor. Be healthy!