Pruritus – unpleasant feelingwhich accompanies many skin diseases and internal organs. It is mainly manifested along with other symptoms (redness, swelling, etc.) that accompany it or “lag” in the manifestation and appear a little later - it all depends on the etiology.

The occurrence of itching is associated with irritation of receptors located in the skin and mucous membranes, which through the nerve paths transmit signals to the central parts of the nervous system.

Various biologically active substances act as internal stimuli: amines, peptidase, taurins, histamine, products of enzymatic processing of certain products in the gastrointestinal tract in violation of the functioning of the intestine itself, as well as of the liver and pancreas.

External stimuli of the skin receptors include: electrostatic exposure (for example, as a result of skin and synthetic tissue interaction), insect bites and crawling, slight oscillatory movements of vellus hair, chemicals that make up detergents, and plants.

Conditionally itchy without external manifestations  has the following classification: by reason of occurrence, severity, localization and time of occurrence. The main causes of itching without concomitant manifestations include:

• dry skin;
• skin aging;
• pregnancy;
• oncological diseases;
• side effects of drugs;
• diseases of the nervous system.

Dry skin

Dryness or xerosis - characterized by a dull shade, the presence of age spots, a feeling of tightness and a finely porous structure of the skin. On the surface of the skin of this type from minor mechanical irritation occur microtrauma, peeling. There is a feeling of discomfort in the places of greatest friction and flexor surfaces.

Depending on the tone skin integument  experts distinguish:

1. Dry skin with reduced tone. This type often happens in the area of ​​eyes, lips;
2. Dry skin with normal tone, which is characterized by elasticity, smoothness, matte. May occur on different parts of the body. It is for this type of skin that itching is characteristic.

Causes of dry skin include:

1. Dehydration due to impaired water balance (lack of water at a rate of 6 to 8 cups per day, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), use of products that contribute to the removal of fluid from the body.).
2. Genetic predisposition combined with exposure to external factors.
3. Seasonal factor (as a rule, during the winter period, the skin becomes dry due to the work of heating appliances in the house).
4. Durable sunbathing.
5. Rapid weight loss.
6. Diabetes.
7. Permanent work at the computer, the radiation of which affects the skin.
8. Hormonal changes (during menopause, during pregnancy).
9. Hypovitaminosis (deficiency of certain vitamins in the body).

Skin aging

The causes of itching in old age are closely related to the anatomical and physiological changes that occur in all body systems, including the skin. First of all, these changes relate to blood vessels (atherosclerotic changes occur), the function of the glands of external and internal secretion, atrophic changes occurring in the sweat, sebaceous glands, nerve endings, reduce bowel function.

For the elderly, against the background of the above changes is characterized by dry skin type with reduced tone. Scratching in old age can any part of the body. Itching occurs after 60 years, most often in men. Manifestations of skin itching in women are more often observed in the post-menopausal period, which is accompanied by hormonal changes. Its intensity increases at night. Over time, scratching marks, foci of inflammation in the form of eczema appear at the site of itching.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, pruritus has various causes and localizations. At the end of the second and during the third period of pregnancy, the fetus gains weight and grows rapidly. As a result, the skin in the lower abdomen is subjected to stretching, which is accompanied by itching, and in some pregnant women the appearance of stretch marks (stretch marks). Similar processes occur in the skin of the growing breast.

Another reason for itching during pregnancy is cholestasis, caused by changes in the liver. Cholestasis can occur in the last months of pregnancy and is accompanied by itching of the plantar and palmar surfaces. In some women, it "rises" on the legs, thighs, forearms and shoulders.

In addition, women may experience itching on objects, chemicals to which no reaction had previously occurred. The main reason for the above changes, including cholestasis, is hormonal alteration, which leads to a decrease in immunity.

Oncological diseases

Malignant diseases lead to a change in metabolism under the influence of the growth of tumor cells. The process of tumor growth and metastasis is accompanied by the appearance of a number of symptoms characteristic of cancer. One of them includes itchy skin, changing its color and turgor.

Skin itching is mostly common generalized and occurs in one of three cases of cancer. Another cause of itching in a malignant disease is associated with the release of special substances by modified cells, such as: kallikrein and histamine.

Side effects of drugs

Some medications  may cause itching of the skin, which later join other symptoms. For example, urticaria is an allergic reaction that occurs in response to the administration of certain antibacterial drugs (penicillins), insulin, vitamins and analgesics.

Urticaria begins with severe itching of various skin areas. Subsequently, blisters appear on the itchy areas of the skin, common symptoms join: fever, headache, etc. In some cases, itching occurs after applying individual ointments, creams and tinctures to the skin.

Aquatic itching

The diagnosis for this pathological condition is established if:

• sensation of itching of the skin occurs directly in time or after contact with water;
• there are no somatic diseases or drugs that may cause itching;
• there are no pathological changes in the skin;
• urticaria of various etiology (cold, cholinergic) is excluded.

A similar pathological reaction is observed with the same frequency in men and women aged 16 to 80 years. Some patients experience itching when the outside temperature changes. Favorite localization of itching is the skin of the legs, less often itches in the torso, head and hands. Sometimes it is so pronounced that it can lead to irritability and depression.

Diseases of the nervous system

For example, in dermatozoan delusions (mental illness with tactile hallucinosis syndrome), patients complain of generalized pruritus. This type of delusion is characteristic of schizophrenia and some psychoses.

Remedies

Treatment of pruritus should deal only with a specialist. After consulting with your doctor, you can follow the recommendations listed below, which will speed up recovery and ease the condition:

1. Comply with the general measures of hygienic measures, exclude from the use of detergents and cosmetics that provoke skin itch.
2. Wear clothing according to the season and from natural fibers (cotton, flax), especially this recommendation applies to bed linen and underwear; sensitive skin  care should be taken when wearing wool.
3. Persons with a predisposition to allergies should limit or completely eliminate foods that stimulate histamine synthesis. Such products include: canned fish, tomatoes, spinach, cheeses, chocolate, spices.
4. It is recommended to use hypoallergenic creams and oils as skin softening agents.
5. You should not take drugs uncontrollably, as many of them cause itchy skin.

Itching is called discomfort, a feeling that causes an unbearable desire to scratch. Causes of pruritus are varied. Most common cause  This condition is considered an increase in histamine levels. This substance is synthesized in the skin, causes irritation of nerve endings and, as a result, causes itching. Often itching occurs from insect bites, mechanical skin irritations, etc.

It is necessary to take a strong desire to scratch oneself very seriously, because this condition can be one of the symptoms of a serious disease. Here are some of the most common diseases that are accompanied by itching:

Neurodermatitis

The cause of neurodermatitis are frequent stresses, irritations, etc. The disease is always accompanied by severe skin itching, which increases in the evening and at night, as well as in stressful situations. Neurodermatitis should always be treated so as not to suffer from the constant unbearable desire to scratch.

With neurodermatitis, which occur on the nerves of the soil, taking sedatives such as Novopassita or motherwort tincture is indicated. To eliminate itching, drugs such as Tavegil, Suprastin are usually recommended. You can take Zyrtec, Loratidine, Erius, etc. It is useful to use ointments and creams with antihistamine and tonic action.

Allergy

When exposed to the human body of some allergens, begins the increased production of protective proteins - antigens. By contacting allergens, they form a substance - histamine. It has the ability to irritate nerve endings, causing severe itching, redness of the skin.

The most common substances that cause allergies are household chemicals, cosmetics, plant pollen, animal hair, dust, lint, food, etc. It is their effects on the body that can cause allergic skin diseases such as contact, atopic dermatitis and urticaria.

The main symptoms of this disease are pronounced itching and redness of the affected area. When late treatment of dermatitis on the skin appear watery blisters.

For treatment allergic diseasesuse antihistaminesblocking enhanced histamine production. In addition to pills, apply topical agents - ointments, creams. A good effect is a bath decoction medicinal plants, for example, celandine, oregano, train, nettle, chamomile.

Xerosis (increased skin dryness)

Quite often, the skin itches because of its dryness. The cause of this condition can be drying the skin. detergents, aggressive exposure to sunlight, aging of the skin. Due to severe dryness, the work of the sweat, sebaceous glands is disturbed. This causes irritation, which causes itching.

To prevent skin from becoming dry after washing, apply moisturizing, restoring its structure. cosmetics, use soft water. The measures taken will contribute to the disappearance of dryness and itching.

Scabies

The disease is caused by a scabies mite. It is very easy to infect them by visiting public baths, swimming pools and even public transport. Scabies is so called because it causes a strong, intolerable and persistent itching.

Diabetes

Skin may itch due to high sugar  in the blood what happens when diabetes. The disease causes dehydration, which leads to dryness of the skin, and, as a result, itching. In addition, this disease is often accompanied by fungal infections, which are also accompanied by an unbearable desire to scratch.

  Treatment of pruritus

Treatment, first of all, is based on identifying the underlying disease and getting rid of it. Therefore, it requires a very thorough, full medical examination, which allows you to make an accurate diagnosis.

General therapy usually involves the use of sedatives and anxiolytics. Physiotherapeutic methods are widely and successfully applied, for example, an electrosleep, adrenal inductothermy. Useful contrast shower, sulfur and. Excellent therapeutic effect has sea water.

Outwardly use antipruritic agents. Among them can be noted 2% tincture of salicylic or carbolic acid, menthol solution or dimedrol. You can use diluted with water 1: 1 natural apple cider vinegar (6%).
In addition, use antipruritic ointments, creams, pastes, which are rubbed into the skin.

Use dimedrol, anesthesin, glucocorticosteroid drugs. In severe cases, the doctor may conduct a Novocain blockade of the corresponding nerves.

Svetlana, www.sayt
Google

  - Dear our readers! Please select the typo found and press Ctrl + Enter. Write to us what is wrong there.
  - Please leave your comment below! We ask you! We need to know your opinion! Thank! Thank you!

  - This is an unpleasant sensation that occurs on the surface of the skin, which causes an overwhelming desire to scratch. But the more we scratch the affected area, the stronger the discomfort becomes.

Itching of the skin occurs when irritation of the nerve endings, which, in turn, transmit information to the brain. The reasons for this reaction can be both external and internal. In some diseases, after the itching of the skin, a noticeable external irritation appears: blisters, sores, peeling.

Pruritus: How to cope?

There are many different causes of pruritus.

Causes of pruritus

• Mechanical - when a substance or object is applied to the skin. For example, aggressive acids, alkalis. The problem may be caused by insect bites or contact with some plants. Sometimes the skin itches after burns and frostbite. Also, an itchy sensation may occur already at the stage of healing various wounds.
• Psychological. Often, itchy skin can be caused by stress and nervous disorders.
• Non-compliance with hygiene standards.
• Skin diseases: various types of dermatitis, eczema, versicolor and others.
• Allergic reaction.
• Diseases of the blood and internal organs (eg, leukemia and cirrhosis).
• Viral diseases  (chicken pox, measles).

It is obvious that sometimes itching is a symptom of a skin disease or a disease of internal organs, and sometimes it is an independent disease with its external manifestations.

Pruritus: symptom or disease?

Unfortunately, doctors often do not pay attention to itchy skin - by itself it is not dangerous for the life of the patient. In this case, itching appears before other signs of many diseases and is the most painful of all the symptoms. Constant itching sensations do not allow to sleep, lead to nervous disorders.

Pruritus is accompanied by various symptoms  depending on the nature of the disease: consider skin and non-skin diseases.

Skin diseases

• Allergic contact dermatitis is accompanied by the appearance of a rash with a clear boundary, and vesicles with liquid form in the area of ​​inflammation. Local itching is in the areas of defeat.
• Atopic dermatitis is accompanied by a localized itchy rash on the face, on the elbow folds and knee joints. After scratching the problem only intensifies.
• Pediculosis can be diagnosed by pruritus in the neck - its hairy part.
• In scabies, the patient experiences a very strong itchy sensation on the hands, in the armpits and genitals. There is a rash with bright plaques and scales on the surface of the skin.
• Psoriasis is characterized by scaly plaques located on the limbs, on the head. The disease is accompanied by persistent pruritus.

Systemic diseases and itching

• Cholestasis (delayed bile in the biliary tract) is accompanied by severe itching on the hands and on areas of the body that are prone to friction, pressure (armpits, under the knee cavities).
• Renal failure is expressed as scabies throughout the body, especially in the summer.
• HIV infection is manifested by itching of the skin with the appearance of secondary diseases - eczema, seborrhea.
• Hodgkin lymphoma in the absence of other obvious symptoms is always accompanied by itching throughout the body.

Itchy skin: what are the forms

Universal (Generalized)  - throughout the body. It is both a symptom of some diseases and a manifestation of allergies, as well as an independent disease - 3 subspecies are known:

• Senile - mainly occurs in men over 60 years old. Manifested in the form of attacks, more often during sleep.
• Seasonal - exacerbations occur for certain periods (spring is the time of allergies, summer is when the body may itch due to excessive sweating).
• High altitude - seizures begin at altitudes above 10,000 meters due to changes in pressure (for example, during air travel).

Local (limited)pruritus - appears in certain areas, for example, in the genital area, on the head, in the zones of the elbow and knee folds.

Symptoms of pruritus

Be sure to consult your doctor if you notice the following symptoms:

• Excursions (combed linear or point abrasions).
• Crusts from sores of unknown origin.
• Attacks of scabies in the evenings and especially at night.
• Nervous condition, accompanied by scratching.
• Sculpted nails with a polished surface.

For the diagnosis may require a comprehensive examination: to determine the cause of itching, you must pass a series of tests and visit an allergist, dermatologist, neurologist, endocrinologist, gynecologist.

After that, treatment will be prescribed.

Treatment of pruritus

  Pruritus: What will help?

Treatment of pruritus begins with the elimination of its pathogen. After determining the cause, the doctor will prescribe the necessary therapy.

However, the skin irritation itself is not as harmless as it seems. Severe itching  skin causes serious nervous disorders if you constantly think about how to scratch yourself or cannot sleep because of it.

Also, constant itching provokes the appearance of scratching, which can get an infection. To relieve an itchy sensation, along with the treatment of the underlying disease, attention should be paid to the affected areas of the epidermis.

Is required a complex approach:

• Correction of the menu - it is necessary to exclude from the diet foods that may cause allergies: citrus, pickles, spicy food, chocolate, alcoholic beverages.
• Taking sedatives - pruritus is often accompanied by neurotic conditions, so the doctor should prescribe a sedative medication.
• Physiotherapy - with itching of the skin, mud wraps and sulfur baths have proven themselves well. Such procedures allow, first of all, to relieve irritation, redness of the skin, i.e. external manifestations of the disease, as well as have a fortifying and detoxifying effect.
• Hygiene - it is important to monitor the condition of the skin in areas of pruritus. If the case is neglected, there are traces of scratching on the skin, it is necessary to protect yourself from infection in the wounds: it is sometimes advisable to wear a sterile bandage.

Topical skin itching treatments

In parallel with the reception medicines  means are used for the local treatment of itching, which are particularly effective for local skin lesions.

Modern ointments are antihistamines with antipruritic action. With a strong exacerbation, compresses can be performed with diluted pruritic compounds (for example, salicylic 2% tincture, carbolic acid).

Well in the fight against the disease have proven themselves funds from the series "La Cree". Medical cosmetics "La Cree" provides an integrated approach to soothe skin itching and relieve irritation from scratching. Licorice extracts, turns, violets, and bisabolol, combat skin itching and inflammation. And panthenol and avocado oil soften the epidermis and stimulate its recovery.

Treatment of itchy skin at home

As a supplement to the main treatment and increase its effectiveness, therapeutic methods can be combined with home methods. The following actions will ease the itchy sensation:

• Take a cool shower and make a compress: you can apply gauze moistened with ordinary cool water to damaged skin.
• Wipe the itchy skin with camphor and metol lotion - they have a soothing and cooling effect.
• Try to avoid physical exertion, do not expose the skin once again to injury, rubbing with clothing.

Exist folk remedieswhich will help to reduce itchy skin.

• Infusion series. Brew 2 tbsp. spoon herbs to 1 liter of water. The resulting solution to wipe the itchy skin.
• Alcohol tinctures  with herbs, for example, with melissa or nettle. Herbs should be poured with alcohol in the ratio of 1 to 10, insist 2 weeks and wipe the skin with a cotton swab moistened with a solution.
• Cereals. Dilute to a thick slurry and apply locally or take a bath with soaked oatmeal  - effectively with generalized itching.
• Oils. Almond or simple vegetable oil well softens dry itchy skin, reduces its sensitivity, nourishes and restores damaged skin.

Remember that in any case it is important to start treatment as soon as possible. Do not wait for deterioration - contact your doctor immediately, as you noticed the first signs of a possible disease.

On the basis of the Clinic of Dermatovenerology and Allergology of the European Medical Center, the Center for Itching was created. Specialists in various areas provide outpatient and inpatient care to patients with acute and chronic itching. During treatment, the patient is offered a detailed examination according to the AWMF-Leitlinie protocol (Association of Scientific Medical Societies in Germany) and European protocols for the management of patients with chronic itching.

The experience of highly qualified doctors combined with wide spectrum  In most cases, the possibilities and methods of examination in the EMC help to identify the causes of itching, which, together with a comprehensive, individually tailored treatment, helps to achieve maximum results from therapy.

In the literature, the term “itch” is understood as a sensation that causes a targeted carding reflex. In the scientific literature, itching is also denoted by the term “pruritus” (from lat. Prūrio - scratching). Often this phenomenon is one of the first symptoms of not only skin, but also internal diseases, diseases of the nervous system, hormonal disorders and even tumors. That is why it is currently regarded as an “interdisciplinary symptom” and in some cases even isolated as a separate disease.

General (generalized) and local (localized) pruritus are distinguished. Acute generalized - often the result of food, drug allergies, reactions to cold, heat, etc. Often, generalized pruritus is a symptom of serious diseases: diabetes, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, malignant neoplasm  and etc.

Localized itching occurs most often in the scalp and anogenital area and is paroxysmal. The causes of the development of this phenomenon in the anal area are usually considered to be chronic. inflammatory processes  in the pelvic organs, infections, including helminthic invasions  and others. Long-existing sensations are often complicated by the development of a bacterial infection, candidiasis. Localized itching is also observed in the area of ​​rashes in various skin diseases: psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, etc.

The frequency of itching in skin and systemic diseases

Itching persisting for more than 6 weeks is defined as chronic. Its frequency among the adult population is, according to research, 8-9%. Chronic phenomena are observed in various skin diseases (atopic dermatitis / neurodermatitis, eczema, prurigo, psoriasis, etc.) and systemic diseases.

Itching in various skin diseases

Mechanism of development of itch

The mechanisms of itching in chronic kidney diseases are not fully known. It is assumed the role of metabolic disorders, as well as the involvement of opioid receptors in the process and increased skin dryness. Itching develops, usually in 2-3 months. after the start of hemodialysis, in 25-50% of cases it is generalized, in other cases it is localized. As a rule, itching is most pronounced in the back and face.

In liver diseases, pruritus is a very common symptom (observed in 80% of cases of cirrhosis of the liver, in 15% of all cases of viral hepatitis C). As a rule, it begins in the area of ​​palms and soles, as well as in the area of ​​friction of clothing. Characterized by its gain at night. Over time, itching takes a generalized nature, while combing the skin almost does not bring relief.

With endocrine pathology, for example, diabetes mellitus and hyperthyroidism of the parathyroid glands, itching may be accompanied by a burning sensation, tingling, “crawling goosebumps”. A lack of vitamin D, minerals, iron also in some cases leads to the development of this phenomenon. When iron deficiency is often observed “aqua itching” (when in contact with water). As a rule, the restoration of normal levels of iron and minerals leads to the disappearance of any sensations within 2 weeks from the start of therapy.

Itching can be one of the symptoms of tumors and blood diseases. As a possible mechanism of its occurrence, toxic effects are assumed, allergic reactions  on the components of tumors, as well as a direct irritant effect on the nerves and brain (with brain tumors).

Systemic diseases that may be accompanied by itching

Metabolic and endocrinological disorders:chronic renal failure, liver diseases, diseases of the thyroid and parathyroid glands, iron deficiency.

Blood disorders:true polycythemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, lymphoma.

Neurological diseases:multiple sclerosis, neuropathy, head tumors and spinal cord, postherpetic neuralgia.

Psychosomatic and psychiatric disorders: edepression, eating disorders, bipolar disorders.