Itch causes: Difference between revisions
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==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
The feeling of itchiness can be caused by a movement of hair or the release of a chemical ([[histamine]]) from cells under the skin. Itchiness is regarded as protective, as it helps creatures remove [[parasites]] that land on their skin. | The feeling of itchiness can be caused by a movement of hair or the release of a chemical ([[histamine]]) from cells under the skin. Itchiness is regarded as protective, as it helps creatures remove [[parasites]] that land on their skin. | ||
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** [[Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy]] (PUPPP) | ** [[Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy]] (PUPPP) | ||
** [[Gestational pemphigoid]] | ** [[Gestational pemphigoid]] | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{ | {{Reflist|2}} | ||
[[Category:Needs overview]] | |||
[[Category:Dermatology]] | |||
[[Category:Signs and symptoms]] | |||
[[Category:Primary care]] | |||
{{WH}} | {{WH}} | ||
{{WS}} | {{WS}} | ||
Revision as of 21:15, 22 May 2013
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Causes
The feeling of itchiness can be caused by a movement of hair or the release of a chemical (histamine) from cells under the skin. Itchiness is regarded as protective, as it helps creatures remove parasites that land on their skin.
Itching can be caused by:
- Xerosis. This is the most common cause, frequently seen in winters. Associated with older age, frequent bathing in hot showers or baths, and high temperature and low humidity environments.
- Skin conditions (such as psoriasis, eczema, sunburn, athlete's foot and many others). Most are of an inflammatory nature.
- Insect bites, such as those from mosquitos or chiggers.
- Allergic reactions to contact with specific chemicals, such as Urushiol from Poison Ivy or Poison Oak.
- Hodgkin's disease
- Jaundice (bilirubin is a skin irritant at high concentrations)
- Polycythemia, which can cause generalized itching due to increased histamine
- Scabies or infection with lice or worms
- Thyroid illness
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Dandruff (an unusually large amount of flaking is associated with this sensation)
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Parasitic infections
- Psychiatric
- Medication:
- Allergy - (due to reaction of an individual's immune system to certain chemical compounds)
- Photodermatitis – (sun)light reacts with chemicals in the skin, leading to the formation of irritant metabolites
- Directly (e.g. morphine)
- Cholestasis
- Related to pregnancy: