Page 16 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

14 COMMON CONDITIONS: GENERAL SYMPTOMS

Itching

Itching is often a minor problem, but continual scratching may damage your skin and make the problem worse.
A small area of itching may be caused by an insect bite or occur with a rash as a reaction to plants, metals,
chemicals, or cosmetics. Larger areas may be due to dry skin, heat rash, hives, infections such as ringworm
or scabies, or skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. Itching all over the body can be due to disorders
such as diabetes, liver problems, or drug reactions. Stress and anxiety may cause or aggravate itching.

See also Scabies, p.35; Urticaria, p.36; Eczema, p.38; Psoriasis, p.39; Dry skin, p.41; Heat rash, p.46;
Ringworm, p.48; Insect bites and stings, p.158.

See your doctor first
DRUG REMEDIES
Consult your doctor if you think itching may
be caused by a prescribed medicine. Calamine lotion (see p.179) has a cooling
and soothing effect on irritated skin. You can apply
calamine lotion to itchy areas as often as you need
What you can do yourself to. Dab it on with cotton balls and let it dry.
Hydrocortisone cream (see p.184)
There are several measures that you can take reduces itching and redness and is useful for treating
to help relieve itching. allergic skin reactions and insect stings. Don’t use
it on children under 2 without medical advice.
● Try to resist scratching, and keep your fingernails
short to limit any damage. Antihistamines (see p.178) such as
diphenhydramine can be taken orally to relieve
● Apply a cold compress. Soak a clean washcloth itching. They make you feel drowsy, so they will
in cold water, wring it out, then place it on the also help you sleep.
itchy area. Repeat as necessary.
● Apply a soothing preparation such as calamine
lotion (see DRUG REMEDIES, right).
PREVENTION
● Try a mild hydrocortisone cream (see DRUG
REMEDIES, right) for a localized area of red, itchy
Avoiding triggers for itching Once
skin caused by an irritant, such as a cleaning itching is under control, try to identify what causes
product or metal jewelry. The cream is also helpful it or makes it worse, if this isn’t already obvious.
for insect bites and stings.
● Keep a diary, noting when you feel itchy and which
● Take antihistamine pills to relieve itching that products you use on your skin or clothing. If you
keeps you awake at night (see DRUG REMEDIES, suspect itching is due to a skin product, switch to
right). Antihistamine cream can be used to relieve a mild, unperfumed brand. If the cause is a laundry
insect bites and stings. soap, use a nonallergenic one and an extra rinse.
● Moisturize and protect dry skin (see p.41).
● If stress aggravates itching, try some deep
breathing exercises and muscle relaxation Seek further medical advice
techniques (see PRACTICAL TECHNIQUES, pp.20–21).
Arrange to see your doctor if:
● If possible, avoid hot or humid environments.
● Itching does not subside after about a week
● Wear loose-fitting clothes made from natural ● You develop other symptoms, such as
fibers, but avoid wearing wool next to your skin. jaundice or weight loss