The mechanism of occurrence of skin itching is still not precisely defined. Itching is known to excite nerve endings, causing a person to comb the skin. Generalized itching is an irritating, tickling sensation on the entire surface of the epidermis. That is, unlike localized, the whole body will itch. Generalized skin itching is characterized by seizures that occur during the day and often intensify closer to the night.
Etiology
Usually, with generalized itching, there are no ulcers, seals, or rashes. But if the attacks are intense enough, then a person can independently damage the upper layer of the epidermis. Then combs appear on the skin - crusts of red color from nails or other objects.
Modern medicine shares generalized pruritus by type of genesis. But in many cases a mixed type is revealed, which makes it difficult to make a correct diagnosis. Generalized itching of the skin can be systemic, that is, arising from a disease of the internal organs or the endocrine system. It has nothing to do with the nervous system of the body.
Itching of the skin of a psychogenic type appears in connection with mental disorders, severe stress and anxiety. In this case, the epidermis is completely healthy. Psychogenic itching is difficult for a person.
Dermatological itching of the skin is caused by damage to the epidermis or is observed after insect bites. The neuropathic type appears in case of disorders in the human nervous system and in most cases is associated with sensitivity problems. Such itching is observed after injuries, with sclerosis and thrombosis.
Together with unpleasant attacks, a person’s itching can be disturbed by sleep disturbance, as well as small, non-healing wounds from scratching.
Causes of generalized skin itching
The disease can have many causes, among which the most dangerous are blood diseases. Burning skin itching appears with mastocytosis and blood cancer, it can worsen after contact with water. Diseases of the kidneys and liver also lead to generalized skin itching, especially for giardiasis, hepatitis and disorders of the outflow of bile. With renal ailments, nitrogenous wastes in the body are delayed. They find a way out through the skin, causing severe discomfort. Patients suffering from uremia often experience pronounced generalized itching of the skin. Depending on how severely impaired renal function, the intensity of discomfort will increase or decrease.
The only sure way out is dialysis, but in some cases this procedure is not enough. One of the common causes of skin itching is considered endocrine disorders in the body, this applies to diseases such as diabetes mellitus, vitamin deficiency, gout, asthma. A single case of the disease may appear after taking certain medications or food that the body does not tolerate.
During the bearing of a child, a woman may develop generalized skin itching, indicating stagnation of bile in the body. Usually this symptom is observed in the last trimester, and quickly passes after childbirth. Some types of parasites provoke severe discomfort, such as helminths, as waste products of their vital functions. There are also cases of age-related itching, which affects mostly men after 65 years. This type of ailment torments the elderly mainly at night. Stagnation of blood in the vessels often provokes itching of the skin in the affected areas, most often it is the lower leg.
Generalized itching of the skin (photo attached) in many cases occurs as a reaction of the body to anxiety, stress or depressive conditions. Depression is thought to affect incessant skin discomfort more than others. In a person with depression, the level of internal opioids, dopamine and serotonin increases, which leads to the appearance of generalized itching of the skin. In the anamnesis of people with mental illness, such a symptom is observed. Patients themselves explain this as the presence of parasites under the skin. This widespread illusion is so intrusive that the patient is able to prove to the doctor by any means the presence of parasites.
External conditions
Considering the main causes of skin itching, one can not help but pay attention to various external irritating factors. This also applies to changes in temperature and air composition, minor mechanical damage to the skin or contact with aggressive environment, chemicals. There are more rare causes of generalized pruritus of the body, these include: dehydration, anxiety, menopause in women, altitude and seasonal itching.
If such a problem occurs, consult a doctor. He will appoint the necessary examinations.
Diagnostics
In order to diagnose, doctors conduct an examination and gently palpate the skin of the patient. Initially, a person with symptoms of generalized itching of the skin should be checked for skin diseases and parasites. If none are identified, then the reason is to look deeper. Further examination consists of different types of tests:
- clinical blood test;
- urinalysis;
- fecal analysis;
- TANK;
- ultrasound examination of the heart and peritoneum;
- chest x-ray;
- blood test for TSH;
- hemostasiograms;
- biopsies.
Based on the anamnesis and results of analyzes by a dermatologist or attending physician, conclusions are drawn about the origin of the disease. If after standard measures the diagnosis could not be made, then additional examinations are carried out.
Treatment
In order to cure generalized skin itching, it is necessary to know its cause and fight directly with it. Initially, therapy will be aimed directly at relieving unpleasant symptoms. Simple actions, such as:
- rejection of foods and medicines that cause allergies;
- exclusion of skin contact with synthetics and wool;
- temporary suspension of drugs that dilate blood vessels;
- maintaining optimal body temperature;
- protecting the skin from irritating chemicals;
- the use of low pH hygiene products and moisturizers;
- the exclusion of sweet foods and alcohol from food.
General therapy will include sedatives, antiallergenic, hormonal drugs , sequestrants of bile acids, various ointments and creams.
Effective drugs
The hemodialysis procedure relieves patients from renal itching. The following medications are available: activated carbon, Enterosgel, Talidomide, Naltrexone, Ondansetron, Tavegil. Itching caused by cholestasis relieves Rifampicin, Nalmefen, and Fexadine. If the discomfort is caused by blood diseases, then therapy is carried out in order to replenish the iron stores in its composition. Taking special drugs improves the patient's condition after the first days of admission.
Bathtubs
With generalized skin itching, room temperature baths with decoctions of herbs give a good effect, if the patient does not have allergies to them. This rule applies to herbal infusions. To relieve discomfort, the doctor may prescribe special ointments or tablets for oral administration. If generalized itching occurs due to thinning of the skin in old age, a specialist can additionally prescribe preparations containing iodine.
Folk remedies
Among folk remedies, broths of sage, string, calendula, chamomile, oak bark have proven themselves well. Itching can be relieved by tincture of dill, nettle, or dill oil taken orally. To relieve unpleasant symptoms, it is outwardly recommended to use Menovazin, lycopodium powder, peppermint, castor or almond oil. If the patient does not have individual intolerance, then herbs such as burdock, violet, elecampane, horsetail, lemon balm, and plun should significantly alleviate the symptoms.
Many people with generalized itching help warm soda baths. To do this, you will need about a glass of a substance thoroughly dissolved in water and then added to the bath. After the procedure, you do not need to wipe yourself, so the effect will last longer. If for some reason it is impossible to prepare the bath, then the body is wiped with a cotton swab dipped in soda solution.
Conclusion
Persistent generalized skin itching should be an occasion to visit a doctor. Moreover, this must be done as early as possible, because a seemingly innocuous symptom can pose a threat to health. Be sure to pay attention to the accompanying symptoms and changes in the body.
A widespread hypothesis is that itching is a slightly altered pain sensation that occurs through stimulation of the nerve endings of pain receptors. Long attacks can lead to skin infiltration, thickening of the epidermis, which can develop into neurodermatitis. The treatment of generalized itching of the skin should be done exclusively by a specialist and only after an examination.