Itching

itching, itch or. Pruritus is a discomfort in the skin, which is uncomfortable for the person concerned and often leads to scratching or chafing. Most of the time, however, itching is harmless, if very annoying.

What is pruritus?

Itching is primarily intended to make people aware of parasites or foreign bodies on and in the skin so that they can then be removed.

Itching can occur locally on the skin or extend indefinitely over larger areas of the skin. If the itching can be precisely determined locally, it is called epicritical pruritus.

However, if the pruritus feels difficult to localize, its technical term is protopathic pruritus. A prurigo is when the itching occurs in conjunction with changes in the skin.

causes

The itching serves the function of protection, similar to pain, cold, touch or heat. It is primarily intended to make people aware of parasites or foreign bodies on and in the skin so that they can then be removed. Prolonged, mostly chronic itching should always be viewed as a symptom of a possible disease, in contrast to more short-lasting, acute itching.

The itching itself is triggered by the body's own active ingredients such as cytokines, histamine or opioids and then passed on via the nerve fibers. Itching is one of the most common skin symptoms. Almost eight percent of adults struggle with itching.

If the itching occurs more often or for a long time, the cause can be assumed to be pathological. The most common triggers are skin diseases. The rather easily localizable itching is often related to basic diseases such as metabolic disorders, liver diseases or infections caused by certain pathogens.

You can find your medication here

➔ Medicines against itching

Diseases with this symptom

• allergy
• Hives
• Candidosis
• Bullous pemphigoid
• Diabetes mellitus
• Food intolerance

• hemorrhoids
• psoriasis
• scabies
• Thyroid diseases
• Shingles
• chickenpox

• chickenpox
• Neurodermatitis
• Nodular lichen
• Liver disease
• Hodgkin's disease
• HIV infection

Diagnosis & course

Home remedies ↵ for itching Itching can be due to a variety of causes and accordingly take a different course. As a basis for a diagnosis, the doctor asks about the severity of the itch, the time, the body parts and any situation-dependency of its occurrence, the use of medication and the presence of allergies or other underlying diseases.

During the physical examination, the doctor checks for scratch marks, changes in the color of the skin and dry areas of the skin. He also looks for evidence of pathogens that can be detected by a smear.

The doctor uses palpation to identify abnormalities in the spleen, liver or lymph nodes. Depending on the suspected cause, stool, blood, x-ray or ultrasound examinations, computed tomography or colonoscopy are carried out.

Complications

Itching (pruritus) is widespread and usually a harmless passing phenomenon. Sometimes it can also be a symptom of a serious illness. It becomes problematic if the pruritus lasts longer than six weeks. Then it indicates that something is wrong with the body.

Often there are severe liver diseases, jaundice, infectious diseases, thyroid dysfunction, diabetes or, in rarer cases, even cancer. Especially when the itching occurs along with other symptoms such as fatigue, tiredness, night sweats or weight loss, it can be seen as a warning sign of serious underlying illnesses. In these cases, even direct treatments for itching are of no help.

It will continue to exist as long as the disease causing it is not healed. Persistent and excruciating itching can also be the cause of severe sleep disorders, depression or general irritability. Furthermore, the skin is severely damaged in the long term by constant scratching. Therefore, if itching has not already arisen from eczematous skin conditions, its persistent persistence will still cause skin changes that resemble eczema.

A vicious circle develops. The scratching wounds the skin at the itchy area. Inflammation and crust formation occur on these wounds, which intensify the itching even more. In addition, the skin can discolour and form itchy nodules, which if you scratch the skin can spread the underlying disease even further.

When should you go to the doctor?

Before treating itching with home remedies or medicinal preparations, the cause should be clarified by a doctor. There may be an acute contact allergy, which can lead to unbearable skin irritation and pain after a short time. A visit to the doctor is also recommended if the symptoms do not subside after two to three days at the latest or even increase over time. Accompanying symptoms such as pain, redness or inflammation indicate a serious underlying condition that requires immediate diagnosis and treatment.

Itching as a result of eczema must always be treated. Especially when it occurs on the eye or covers large areas of skin. If there is also inflammation and greasy yellowish deposits, there may be a serious infection that must be examined quickly. Itching in infants and young children always requires a doctor's visit. Allergy sufferers should precisely record the symptoms using a complaint diary. If skin diseases such as neurodermatitis or acne are already present, a specialist should be consulted at the first abnormality. In the event of allergic reactions, depending on the severity, an emergency doctor must be called in or a hospital visited immediately.

Doctors & therapists in your area

Treatment & Therapy

If you go to the doctor with the symptom of itching, you will first be asked in-depth questions. The intensity and the localized location of the itching as well as the intake of medication are the most important questions for the doctor in order to be able to make a diagnosis. Furthermore, existing diseases or allergies can also play a role.

In addition, a cause of the itching due to certain situations could also be inquired about. Once the survey has been completed, an examination is carried out on the body. The doctor will pay particular attention to changes in color, conspicuous skin areas and possible pathogens. The liver, spleen, kidneys and lymph nodes are also examined.

A stool and blood test as well as an ultrasound and X-ray examination are also part of the standard diagnosis. If pathogens are suspected to be the cause, a smear is taken in order to be able to create a pathogen culture.

If other causes become apparent, computed tomography, a small intestine specimen and further medical examinations can even be used.

Itching is usually treated with the use of non-active fatty ointments. Likewise, only alkali-free soap should be used for personal hygiene. Lotions with urea, tannins or menthol have a soothing effect. Medications prescribed by the doctor could include antihistamines. If the cause of the itching is psychological, tranquilizers and neuroleptics are often prescribed. Ointments with cayenne pepper have also proven effective. UV-B rays are also helpful for severe itching.

If diseases are the cause of the itching, they should be treated first.

Outlook & forecast

In most cases, itching is a relatively unpleasant symptom for the patient. The skin is usually reddened by itching. The victim should definitely refrain from scratching the affected area. Scratching usually only increases the itchiness and can lead to bleeding, wounds and scars.

If the itching occurs due to an intolerance or an allergy, no special treatment is necessary. The symptom disappears after a short time when the body has broken down the causative substance. If the itching occurs after an insect bite, it will usually subside after a short time without the need for treatment.

Treatment by the doctor is necessary if the itching does not go away and leads to severe pain or rashes on the skin. In this case, treatment can often take place with the help of antibiotics and is quickly successful for most people. In the case of intolerance, drugs can also be used that enable the digestion of a certain ingredient and thus avoid itching.

You can find your medication here

➔ Medicines against itching

You can do that yourself

In most cases, itching can also be treated at home and does not necessarily have to be examined by a doctor. In most cases, the itching occurs in the case of intolerance and allergic reactions. In this case, the patient has to forego the triggering food or the specific ingredient. It usually takes a few days for the body to completely break down the ingredient. Then the itching will go away on its own.

For supportive treatment, itching can always be covered with creams and gentle care products. Under no circumstances should the person affected scratch the affected areas when itching. This only increases the itching and can lead to sores and blisters. Especially with children, parents should be careful not to scratch the areas. Cooling with cold compresses or ice packs can also relieve the itching. In the case of insect bites, the affected regions must also not be scratched. In most cases, the itching will go away after a few hours.

If the itching occurs due to poor hygiene, the patient should wash more often and use care products. This means that itching can be avoided immediately. If the itching persists longer and is associated with more severe pain, it is advisable to consult a doctor. Medical treatment may be necessary here.