Can we really understand this annoying itch (pruritus)?

Sometimes you scratch one area of ​​your body, or all over your body, right? There are times when you can't stop scratching until your skin turns red, and sometimes until it hurts. For some, this itching comes at night. So you can't sleep well. Is this just a minor itch, or is it something we should be more concerned about? Today, let's talk about this itch that is common to all of us, but sometimes very annoying.

Simply put, what is pruritus?

Don't worry, this is a big word, but its simplest meaning is "itching." In medicine, the condition we call "itching" is called pruritus. It's that uncomfortable feeling you get on your skin that makes you want to scratch.

Think of your skin as your body's biggest defense system. So when that skin senses something foreign, something wrong, it sends a signal to the brain saying, "There's something wrong here, look." That signal is what we feel as an itch . This itch can sometimes be a little painful, sometimes it can feel like a tickle. It can be in just one area of ​​the body, or it can spread all over the body.

Are there main types of itching?

Yes, we divide itching into several main types, depending on the cause and where it occurs on the body. Here are a few of them.

Who is most likely to develop this itch?

Itching is something that everyone experiences at some point in their lives, but some people are at risk of experiencing it more frequently and more severely.

• People over 65: Itching may increase as the skin becomes thinner and drier as you age.
• People with allergies: People who are allergic to things like dust, pollen, and certain foods may constantly itch.
• People with skin diseases: For people with skin diseases like eczema and psoriasis, itching is a part of the disease itself.
• People with other diseases: Itching can also be a symptom in people with diseases such as diabetes, kidney or liver disease.
• Pregnant mothers: Itching can occur due to hormonal changes and stretching of the skin in the abdominal area during pregnancy.
• People on dialysis: This condition is commonly seen in patients with kidney failure.

What other symptoms accompany itching?

Although the main symptom is itching, persistent scratching can lead to other problems. Sometimes it may be just itching, and sometimes it may be accompanied by the symptoms below.

Why do our bodies itch like this? What are the main reasons?

There can be many causes of itching. Simply put, we can divide it into several main categories.

How can the doctor find the cause of this?

When you go to see a doctor, he will first examine your skin carefully. Then he will ask you a few questions to try to get an idea of ​​the cause.

Questions you can ask the doctor

• "When did the itching start?"
• "What time of day does this happen most often?"
• "Have you recently changed the soaps, creams, shampoos, etc. you use?"
• "Did you start any new medication?"
• "Are there any other symptoms, such as weight loss, fatigue, or night sweats?"
• "Did you hang out with any new plants or animals?"

What tests can be done?

Depending on the answers you give, your doctor may recommend several tests to confirm the cause.

• Allergy tests: Check if you have any allergies.
• Blood tests: Find out about internal problems (liver, kidney, thyroid) or vitamin deficiencies.
• Tests such as a chest X-ray: Sometimes if there is suspicion of a serious internal medical condition.
• Skin biopsy: If a skin disease is suspected, a very small piece of skin is taken and examined under a microscope.

What are the treatments for this annoying itch?

The best thing is that once you find the cause of the itching, you can treat it properly. Treatment methods will vary depending on your condition.

Things you can do at home

First, let's look at some simple things we can do at home. These are often very useful.

• Keep your skin moisturized: Apply a good moisturizing cream or lotion several times a day. It's best to apply it after a bath while your skin is still slightly damp.
• Protect yourself from the sun: Use a good sunscreen when going out in the sun.
• Avoid harsh soaps and detergents: Choose unscented products that are suitable for sensitive skin.
• Don't bathe in hot water: Hot water dries out the skin even more. Bathe in lukewarm water.
• Take care of your clothes: Instead of wool and synthetic fabrics, wear breathable, comfortable clothes like cotton.
• Apply something cold: Apply a clean cloth soaked in cold water to the itchy area. Or wrap some ice cubes in a towel. This will greatly reduce the itching.

Medical treatment

If home remedies don't relieve the itching, your doctor will prescribe medication.

• Creams, lotions or ointments: Creams containing steroids to reduce itching and swelling, or other creams to stop itching.
• Types of pills: Antihistamines for allergies, sometimes steroid pills or other drugs that control the immune system.
• Treat the cause: If the cause of the itching is diabetes, control it. If it is kidney disease, treat it.
• Other treatments: There are specialized treatments, such as light therapy/phototherapy, for some severe rashes.

When should you definitely see a doctor?

A normal itch may subside in two or three days, but in a case like this, you should definitely see a doctor.

• If the itching persists for more than two weeks .
• If itching disturbs your sleep at night .
• If the treatments you are using are making the itching worse instead of reducing it .
• If the itching is accompanied by weight loss, extreme fatigue, fever, or changes in body functions (such as bowel movements) .
• If you are experiencing signs of a skin infection . This means the skin is swollen, oozing pus, blisters, and accompanied by symptoms such as fever and nausea. In such cases, go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) without delay.

Itching, skin diseases, pruritus in Sinhala, skin itching, itchy skin treatment Sri Lanka, skin diseases, eczema, scabies, itching skin