Itching (pruritus)

Itching is a sensation on the skin that prompts scratching. It can be very annoying and impede daily activities. It is very important to study an itch to rule out that it is not caused by a skin disease or a disease of other organs.

Causes

Itching can be caused by a skin disease, or by internal diseases. In many cases, a disease cannot be found to explain it. Some patients may have itching of psychosomatic origin, which is known as psychogenic itching.

In the face of a recent-onset itch, the doctor must first rule out skin conditions. In general, these diseases cause signs in the skin that guide towards the diagnosis. However, there are situations in which visible signs on the skin they are very subtle or even non-existent. For example:

• The Dry Skin it can be a common cause of itching, especially in older people. The abuse of soaps and detergents on the skin can be a cause.
• Patients with severe kidney disease or liver may be itchy with no apparent signs on their skin, although color or texture changes may be seen.
• The patients diabetics they may have generalized itching without noticeable skin changes.
• Some serious diseases, such as (cancer of the lymph nodes) can also initially manifest with itching.

Diagnosis

Before a itching with no apparent cause, the doctor will probably order a complete blood and / or urine test, and a chest X-ray. In other cases, other tests may be necessary, such as stool analysis, biopsies and / or tests to rule out diseases of other organs.

Treatment

Treatment should be that of the disease causing the itching. In addition, the use of medications in creams, baths or pills that relieve it, such as corticosteroids or antihistamines. In some cases, ultraviolet rays can also be used ().