12/12/2021
What causes itching?
Itching is a symptom of many health conditions. Some common causes are:
•Allergic reactions to food, insect bites, pollen, and medicines
•Skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin
•Irritating chemicals, cosmetics, and other substances
•Parasites such as pinworms, scabies, head and body lice
•Pregnancy
•Liver, kidney, or thyroid diseases
•cancers
What are the treatments for itching?
Most itching is not serious. To feel better, you could try:
•Keep your hands busy. To avoid continuous itching, it’s important to occupy your hands, so you’re not unconsciously scratching
•Avoid “itch triggers.”
•Cool off. A wet compress or cold shower can ease the itching.
•Take care of your skin. Dry skin will make itching worse. Don’t take long, hot showers or baths. Use a gentle cleanser/soaps, and stay away from perfumed products.
•Apply moisturizer to soothe your itchy skin.
•Try over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or antihistamines, or lotion containing menthol…like calamine lotion
•Avoid wearing irritating fabrics, and exposure to high heat and humidity
Are you getting itchy yet?
If you are, it’s because, like yawning, itching can be contagious.
Reports of contagious itching where watching others scratch can cause a person to feel an itch are widespread. Indeed, a recent study showed that visual and auditory scratch-related stimuli during a lecture caused a significant increase in scratching behavior in the audience.
And they say: The nicest place to scratch is your ankle.
If you’re not getting relief, or your itching is getting worse, it might be time to see your doctor.
Tips for When You Itch
If you can’t take it and you simply must scratch, try not to use your fingernails. Instead, rub, pat, tap, or tightly hold the itchy area. You can also gently pinch your skin.
“Happiness,” said Ogden Nash, “is having a scratch for every itch”.