There are few things more annoying than that itch that you just can’t scratch. Even worse, trying to find the words to describe the itch can be challenging in itself. Itching isn’t pain, although it involves similar nerve bundles, so what exactly is it? Why has our body decided that this is an appropriate reaction to certain infections, irritants and allergies?
The potential causes of itchy skin (pruritus, to be fancy) are numerous: skin conditions, infections, allergic reactions, attacks by insects and other creatures or foreign bodies, pregnancy, hormonal changes and various other medical disorders. Sometimes, it’s even psychological. The thing they all have in common is that they create a deep urge to scratch. Sometimes, that’s all you need to relieve it. Other times, this can end up damaging the skin and causing even more irritation.
Your immune system has a role to play in some of the most common forms of itching. After all, inflammation is an immune response, and it often accompanies itchiness, particularly when it’s related to an infection. If your skin makes contact with an allergen, it’s your skin that is going to bear the brunt of the allergic response, with itching, redness and swelling as your body tries to repel the supposed enemy. Then there are skin conditions, like psoriasis, that are a form of autoimmune disorder.
Most itching will stop by itself given time. If it seems persistent, there are some simple steps you can take yourself, like removing potential irritants (think about toiletries, makeup and clothing fabrics). If it just won’t go or it’s starting to interfere with your life, a doctor may be able to help.
Medical intervention may take the form of medications, creams or lotions. In the case of allergies, antihistamines may be used. Corticosteroids play a role in treating inflammation. Antifungals or antibiotics may help with infections. Immunosuppressants to reduce immune system activity can also tackle inflammation and autoimmune conditions. Of course, to find the right medication, first you need an accurate diagnosis, which can take time.
Itching isn’t normally a sign that your life is in danger, unless it’s related to really serious conditions in your liver or kidneys, for example. It’s still unwelcome, though, and may need to be treated like other problems with infections and/or the immune system if you want to calm it down.
