pruritus
Itchy skin conditions called pruritus
When the immune system attacks healthy skin cells and tissues by accident, it can cause autoimmune skin diseases. These diseases cause redness, damage, and different skin symptoms. They can be mild to serious, and they can happen on different parts of the skin or body.
Pruritus (Itchy Skin) Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Causes
- Dry Skin: Often, dry skin is a simple cause of itching. Applying moisturizer can provide relief and help restore skin hydration.
- Skin Conditions: Skin disorders like eczema and psoriasis frequently cause itching, sometimes becoming chronic.
- Allergies and Irritants: Exposure to chemicals, irritants, or cosmetics can cause allergic reactions leading to itching.
- Parasitic Infections: Infestations by pinworms, scabies, or lice can lead to intense itching.
- Systemic Illnesses: Conditions such as liver disease, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, kidney failure, and certain cancers (e.g., leukemia and lymphoma) can cause persistent itching.
- Mental Health Conditions: Anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can sometimes cause itching without any visible physical cause.
Nocturnal Pruritus (Itching at Night)
Nocturnal pruritus refers to itching that occurs primarily at night, often disrupting sleep. Common causes include:
- Dry Skin: Lack of moisture during the night can lead to itching.
- Skin Conditions: Eczema and psoriasis may worsen at night.
- Systemic Diseases:Conditions like kidney failure or liver disease can also contribute to nighttime itching.
When to See a Doctor
If your itching lasts for more than six weeks, you should see a doctor to find out what’s causing it.
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