Understanding the Causes and Treatment Methods of Chronic Itching.

Itching can arise from various causes. Aging, allergic tendencies, systemic conditions such as kidney or liver diseases, diabetes, or skin conditions are often cited as primary contributors. Additionally, everyday stimuli like light contact, temperature changes, or psychological stress can trigger itching. While itching may seem trivial in daily life, it can be a significant source of distress for those who experience it. Particularly, chronic itching lasting more than 6 weeks is often associated with not only skin disorders but also premature aging, systemic diseases, neurological conditions, and psychiatric disorders.

 

Finally, if itching is severe, seeking professional help for personalized treatment is advisable.

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Various Causes of Chronic Itching

Major skin conditions that can lead to chronic itching include xerosis, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, urticaria, contact dermatitis, lichen planus, nodular prurigo, scabies, insect bites, and lichen simplex chronicus. Additionally, systemic conditions such as chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, biliary obstruction, diabetes, hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, solid tumors, leukemia, lymphoma, polycythemia vera, anemia, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, among others, can cause chronic itching. Moreover, neurological causes such as multiple sclerosis, brachioradial pruritus, brachioradial pruritus, postherpetic neuralgia, among others, can also contribute. Apart from these conditions, as our bodies age, changes in skin dryness, alterations in the skin barrier, changes in skin acidity, increased inflammatory responses due to immune aging, and alterations in skin sensory nerves can lead to itching.

 

Considerations for Treatment

Treatment for itching varies depending on its cause, making identifying the underlying cause crucial. To identify the cause of skin diseases, tests such as KOH smear, fungal cultures, and skin biopsies may be performed. Patients with chronic itching typically undergo blood tests, allergy tests, renal, hepatic, and thyroid function tests, urinalysis, chest X-rays, tests for hepatitis and syphilis, and HIV antibody tests. Treatment involves identifying the cause of itching and combining causal treatment with symptom management. Depending on the cause of itching, antihistamines, immunomodulators, sensory nerve modulators, among others, may be used. Recently, new drugs such as dupilumab, omalizumab, Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, which are effective against itching, have also been developed. Additionally, local treatments such as steroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and lotions with cooling effects may be used. However, since appropriate treatment may vary depending on each patient's situation, consulting with a specialist is essential.

 

Regulating Daily Habits

In addition to medical treatment, daily habits are crucial for alleviating itching. Since itching can worsen in hot environments or stressful situations, wearing thin, light clothing and keeping the skin cool is advisable. Moreover, managing stress and anxiety through sufficient sleep and avoiding stimulating foods can be helpful. Scratching can exacerbate itching, so relieving tension with cold compresses or gently rubbing with palms is recommended. Keeping nails short and consistently applying moisturizers are also important. Finally, if itching is severe, seeking professional help for personalized treatment is advisable.