Search results
Results From The WOW.Com Content Network
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.
Itchy skin treatment focuses on removing the cause of the itch. If home remedies don't ease your symptoms, your health care provider may recommend prescription medicine or other treatments. Controlling itchy skin symptoms can be challenging and may require long-term therapy.
Each type of dermatitis tends to occur on a different part of the body. Symptoms may include: Itchiness that can be painful. Dry, cracked, scaly skin, more typical on white skin. Rash on swollen skin that varies in color depending on skin color. Blisters, perhaps with oozing and crusting.
Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a condition that causes dry, itchy and inflamed skin. It's common in young children but can occur at any age. Atopic dermatitis is long lasting (chronic) and tends to flare sometimes.
Hives — also known as urticaria (ur-tih-KAR-e-uh) — is a skin reaction that causes itchy welts that range in size from small spots to large blotches. Hives can be triggered by many situations and substances, including certain foods and medications. Angioedema can arise with hives or alone.
Symptoms of chronic hives include: Batches of welts (wheals) that can arise anywhere on the body. Welts that might be red, purple or skin-colored, depending on your skin color. Welts that vary in size, change shape, and appear and fade repeatedly. Itchiness (pruritus), which can be intense.
Dry skin makes the skin look and feel rough, itchy, flaky or scaly. The location where these dry patches form vary from person to person. It's a common condition that affects people of all ages. Dry skin, also known as xerosis or xeroderma, has many causes, including cold or dry weather, sun damage, harsh soaps, and overbathing.
You'll notice raised, rough, itchy areas of skin — typically on the neck, wrists, forearms, legs or groin area. Neurodermatitis is a skin condition that starts with an itchy patch of skin. Scratching makes it itch more.
Scabies is an itchy skin rash caused by a tiny burrowing mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. Intense itching occurs in the area where the mite burrows. The need to scratch may be stronger at night. Scabies is contagious and can spread quickly through close person-to-person contact in a family, child care group, school class, nursing home or prison.
Taking care of sensitive skin is the first step in treating atopic dermatitis and preventing flares. To help reduce itching and soothe inflamed skin, try these self-care measures: Moisturize your skin at least twice a day. Find a product or combination of products that works for you.