
However, willpower often is not enough since the urge to scratch can be compelling.
Best anti itch medicine skin#
The best way to allow irritated skin to heal is to stop scratching it. And if scratching continues for many months or years, the area that is scratched may develop thickened skin (lichenification) or pigmentation that darkens the area. If scratching breaks open the skin, bacterial infection can set in. Since scratching provides only temporary relief and doesn't promote healing of the underlying problem, it is best to avoid scratching if at all possible. Scratching can initially feel satisfying, but prolonged scratching just leaves you with irritated skin that can still itch and often worsens the itching itself. Itching usually prompts scratching, which can sometimes lead to a vicious itch-scratch cycle. Most people who have itching do not have a serious underlying condition. Itching of the scalp can be caused by a number of conditions, including dandruff, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis.

Scabies is a highly contagious skin condition caused by an infestation by the itch mite Sarcoptes scabiei which is known to cause an intense itch that is particularly severe at night.īrachioradial pruritus is a neurologic condition that results in intense itching of the arms. The itch may also result from skin infestation by body lice, including head lice and pubic lice. Swimmer's itch, also called cercarial dermatitis, is a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to infection with certain parasites of birds and mammals that are released from infected snails in fresh and saltwater. Other common infectious causes of itch include a yeast (fungal) infection of the crotch ( tinea cruris) commonly known as jock itch, psoriasis, and ringworm of the body ( tinea corporis).Īnother type of parasitic infection resulting in an itchy sensation is the so-called swimmer's itch. Vaginal yeast infections are another cause of vaginal itching. Vaginal itching is sometimes referred to as feminine itching, and sexually transmitted diseases can also cause anal itching and pain. Genital itching or anal itching, which may accompany burning and pain, in men and women can occur as a result of genital infections such as sexually transmitted diseases ( STDs). Infections and infestations of the skin are another cause of the itch. This is considered to be a type of allergy (an immune system reaction against a foreign substance) that is associated with inhaled allergies ( hay fever) and is chronic. Itching, rash, and thickening of the skin over time are characteristic symptoms of atopic dermatitis. Patients with psoriasis typically develop red, elevated, scaling plaques of dry, itchy skin.Ītopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin that usually starts in childhood. Psoriasis is a chronic cause of skin inflammation that can also be associated with itching. Itching can also result from insect stings and bites such as mosquito or flea bites. Itching is common with allergic reactions, such as food allergies or other types of allergies.


Stress also can aggravate itch from other causes.Stress, anxiety, or other emotional problems can cause itching. Itching can be caused by many conditions.
