Itchy skin is an irritating sensation that makes you want to scratch. It’s also called pruritus (proo-RIE-tus). Itchy skin is often caused by dry skin and is common in older adults, as skin tends to become drier with age…CONTINUE READING...CONTINUE READING
Depending on the cause of your itchiness, your skin may look no different than usual or it may be inflamed, rough or have bumps. Repeated scratching can cause raised thick areas of skin that might bleed or become infected.
Symptoms
According to Mayoclinic, Itchy skin can affect small areas, such as the scalp, an arm or a leg. Or it can cover the whole body. Itchy skin can occur without any other noticeable changes on the skin. Or it may come with:
1. Inflamed skin
2. Scratch marks
3. Bumps, spots or blisters
4. Dry, cracked skin
5. Leathery or scaly patches.
Sometimes itchiness lasts a long time and can be intense. As you rub or scratch the area, it gets itchier. And the more it itches, the more you scratch. Breaking this itch-scratch cycle can be difficult.
When to see a doctor
See your health care provider or a skin disease specialist (dermatologist) if the itching:
1. Lasts more than two weeks and doesn’t improve with self-care measures
2. Is severe and distracts you from your daily routines or prevents you from sleeping
3. Comes on suddenly and can’t be easily explained
4. Affects your whole body
5. Comes with other symptoms, such as weight loss, fever or night sweats.
If the condition persists for three months despite treatment, see a dermatologist to be evaluated for skin disease. You may also need to see a doctor who specializes in internal medicine (internist) to check for other diseases…CONTINUE READING
