They're tried and true. Blue lips are most often caused when something is preventing you from getting enough oxygen into your body. Read on to discover some of the causes of…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.
Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M. About Why scratching? Why itchiness? Why is it hard to resist? Prevention Takeaway Share on Pinterest. What is an itch? Why does scratching feel good?
Why do we get itchy? Why is it so hard to resist scratching an itch? How to stop scratching and prevent itching. The takeaway. Read this next. The 8 Best Remedies for Itching. Itching is an unpleasant sensation that compels a person to scratch the affected area. The medical name for itching is pruritus.
Mild, short-lived itching is common, but the problem can occasionally be severe and very frustrating to live with. Read more about the possible causes of itching. If you experience troublesome itching, there are some things you can do that may help relieve it and prevent damage caused by scratching, including:. There are also medicines, such as antihistamines and steroid creams , that are available over the counter from pharmacies that may help relieve itching caused by certain skin conditions.
Read more about treatments to relieve itching. Many cases of itching will get better over a short period of time. However, you should visit your GP if your itch is:. You should also visit your GP if your entire body itches and there is no obvious cause. It could be a symptom of a more serious condition. Your GP will ask you about your symptoms — for example, if you have noticed whether anything makes your itch worse, or if your itch comes and goes. They will also examine your skin to look for any visible symptoms.
In some cases, they may take a skin scraping or a swab so it can be tested to help identify the cause of your itching. A blood test may also be carried out to look for underlying problems, such as thyroid or kidney disease. Depending on what is found to be causing your itch, you may be referred to a hospital specialist for a further assessment and specific treatment.
An itch is often caused by a condition affecting the skin, but it can be a sign of a more serious underlying problem. Itching can be a sign of an underlying condition that may affect the inside of the body without necessarily causing any other obvious symptoms.
Occasionally, itching can be linked to a psychological condition such as depression or anxiety. In women, itching can sometimes be caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy and after the menopause. The key, as you might have noticed, is cold. Avoid exposing the affected area to hot water as much as possible. It will further irritate the itching skin.
Histamines are chemicals in the body that cause allergy symptoms , including itching. An antihistamine is a common treatment for allergic reactions. One study from recommends applying topical antihistamines directly to the affected area to avoid side effects associated with oral antihistamines. An anti-itch cream is another common way to soothe itchy skin. Get an anti-itch cream that contains at least 1 percent hydrocortisone. This drug inhibits inflammatory responses in the body and can help calm inflamed, itchy skin.
This cream should be used for the shortest period possible and then discontinued. Anti-itch creams are available over-the-counter. Shop for hydrocortisone cream.
According to some studies , antidepressants might be able to help with itching, too. Some of these drugs cause a release of serotonin that can relax the receptors in your body that provoke the itchy feeling. This treatment is typically used in more chronic cases of itching.
When you have an itch, scratching is the natural response. In fact, it may tear up the skin and prevent it from healing. It may even cause infection. Try extra hard not to scratch your skin. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe itchiness without any bites, wounds, or rash. Having an itch on or around your testicles or scrotum isn't uncommon. Sweating in your groin after taking a walk can cause your testicles to itch more….
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