Itch
Itching is an uneasy irritation of the skin that can only be satisfied by scratching. Sometimes scratching does not relieve the irritation until the scratching has actually caused bleeding and scarring. There are numerous causes of itching: infections from parasites, hives, atopic dermatitis, insect bites, contact dermatitis, a disease such as jaundice, and blood disorders. Allergies from drugs or food can also cause itching.
Scabies is parasitic condition that causes severe itching. It is an infection caused by a mite that is highly contagious. It can pass from person to person and infect the whole family. This is a severe condition and should be treated under a doctor's care and direction. Scabies is one of the infections of parasites which include Lice, another highly contagious infection which must be carefully controlled to keep from spreading.
Treatment of itching depends upon its cause. There are so many causes that most conditions of itching should be under a doctor's care for diagnosis. Many conditions may be cleared up by creams or lotions without prescription and some will disappear without any treatment, but the more severe conditions such as parasite infestation should be promptly given proper medication to stop the condition and avoid its spreading. If the condition is inflammation with itching, corticosteroid creams will give relief if the condition is in small areas.
Sometimes people of advancing age have a dry skin condition that can cause severe itching. A moisturizing cream will help this. Women in later months of pregnancy may develop itching, but this is a temporary condition caused by liver problems and will usually disappear after the pregnancy.
