Itching
From Wiki4CAM
Itching is a tingling or uneasy irritation of the skin that makes the affected person want to scratch the affected area. Itching may occur all over the whole body (generalized) or only in a specific location (localized). [1]
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Causes
There are many causes of itching. The following may cause localized or generalized itching:
- Insect bites and stings
- Sunburn
- Hives
- Parasites such as pinworm (Also see:body lice, head lice, pubic lice)
- Dry skin
- Aging skin
- Contact dermatitis (poison ivy or poison oak)
- Contact irritants (such as soaps, chemicals, or wool)
- Atopic dermatitis
- Rashes (may or may not itch)
- Superficial skin infections such as folliculitis and impetigo
- Pityriasis rosea
- Psoriasis
- Seborrheic dermatitis
Generalized itching may be caused by:
- Childhood infections (such as chicken pox or measles)
- Allergic reactions
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease with jaundice
- Reactions to medications and substances such as antibiotics (penicillin, sulfonamides), gold, griseofulvin, isoniazid, opiates, phenothiazines, or vitamin A
- Pregnancy
- Hepatitis
- Iron deficiency anemia
Home Care
For persistent or severe itching, a qualified CAM therapies should be consulted for a precise diagnosis and specific treatment instructions.
In the meantime, following may be helpful to deal with the itch:
- Avoid scratching or rubbing the itchy areas. Keep fingernails short to avoid skin damage from scratching. Family members or friends may be able to help by calling attention to your scratching.
- Wear cool, light, loose bedclothes. Avoid wearing rough clothing, particularly wool, over an itchy area.
- Take lukewarm baths using little soap and rinsing thoroughly. Try a skin-soothing oatmeal or cornstarch bath.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to excessive heat and humidity.
- Take part in activities that distract from the itching during the day and make you tired enough to sleep at night.
CAM therapies for itching
Ayurveda
Sandalwood oil or sandalwood paste would be helpful in itching. Apart from this licorice, turmeric, cardamom, marichadi tea, kali mirchi are other useful herbs used in ayurveda.
