Itching Causes and Simple Ways You Can Use To Ameliorate the Conditions
Itching, also known as ‘pruritus,’ is a rather unpleasant sensation which we instinctively attempt to relieve by scratching.
A certain amount of mild itching is normal for everyone. Only when it is persistent and troublesome does it become serious.
It can cause a lot of discomforts, worry and may even become a source of serious distraction.
Conditions that may contribute to itching includes:
- Insect bites
- Touching certain types of plants i.e. ragweed
- Your body reacts to certain drugs and medications
- Hives
- Contact dermatitis
- Food allergies
- Heat rash
- Illness
- Healing from a burn or cut.
- Diabetes
- Uremia
- Jaundice
- Pregnancy
- The change of life,
- Various types of nervous conditions.
Persistent scratching may end up aggravating or worsening the condition, by producing more swellings and spreading the germs the more on your skin.
Causing deep scratch marks and small ulcers into which germs have found their way, causing much more trouble.
Itching due to drug reactions is common following the use of certain medicines, such as aspirin, and many others.
Medicines applied to the skin directly may also cause a certain amount of itching.
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Treatment
The first step in resolving this condition is discovering and understanding the underlying course of the problem.
Then you can now begin to avoid the cause and prevent it altogether.
If the itching is very severe, you can apply hydrocortisone ointment once or twice daily.
The following measures can also help in alleviating the condition:
- Applying menthol
Menthol oil is known to bring relief to pain and an itchy skin. Always remember to dilute essential oils in a carrier oil before applying them to the skin.
- Moisturizing
Moisturizing can hydrate the outermost layer of skin and stop or reduce itching especially to dry skin.
- Avoiding irritants
Any irritants that you know can cause irritation and itching to your skin should be avoided by all means these include: certain plants and leaves especially when working in the garden or farm, certain people are allergic to certain drugs and medicines. Before taking any drug consult with your physician for alternative medicines.
People with dry skin should avoid bathing or showering with hot water as this may remove moisture from the skin, making it more prone to dryness, redness, and itching. Bathing with just lukewarm water will make a difference.
- Stress
Studies show that psychological stress can trigger itching. Finding time to relax in a cool environment, taking life less serious may help in relieving stress-induced itching.
A doctor may also be able to recommend topical creams and medicines to relieve a person’s itching.
- Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
Tight fitted clothes, heat, irritating fabrics (scratchy leggings) can trigger itching making one uncomfortable, changing your clothes or wearing light clothes can lessen the effect of clothes on your skin.
