Itching is defined as the cutaneous sensation that elicits the desire to scratch. Itching may be localised, generalised or unremitting.it may be caused by a primary skin disorder, but in 10-50% patients, it may signal an underlying systemic disease.
Various skin related causes are:
- Dry skin- genetic or age related
- Lichen planus
- Psoriasis
- Skin infections like fungal infection, scabies, Lice and ticks
- Eczemas-atopic dermatitis, irritant/allergic contact dermatitis
- Insect bites
- Drug reactions
- Skin cancers
Various systemic causes are:
- Hyper/hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, gout
- Hepatitis C infection
- Iron deficiency
- Pregnancy
- Renal failure/ uremia
- Malignancy
- Psychoneurosis- anorexia nervosa, parasitophobia
- Misc- AIDS, SLE
- Allergy- Parasitic/ worm infestation, food items
Why our clinic for a case of itching:
At our clinic, we take a detailed history to rule out predisposing factors, with clinical examination for presence of skin disorder. If needed blood investigation can be done or if required skin biopsy can be undertaken. Biopsy is personally checked and interpreted by Dr. Rameshwar Gutte who is very well trained with vast experience in dermatopathology.
Treatment at our clinic for itching:
If a diagnosable and removable systemic or cutaneous cause is present- treatment is fairly simple.
If the cause of the itching cannot be eliminated, symptomatic treatment is required.
Treatment is based on elimination of all the offending causes, along with topical and oral therapy.
Read more:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/itchy-skin/basics/causes/con-20028460
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003217.htm
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/skin-conditions-pruritus
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Itching/Pages/Introduction.aspx
