Itchy Skin, Don't Ignore This Health Condition

 Have you ever felt an itch that made you feel stressed and even frustrated? With a rash or not, itching can be your body's way of telling you there's a problem. If the condition is accompanied by inflammation, scratching can make it worse.

Not sure what's causing the itching? A board-certified dermatologist from the American Academy of Dermatology, Alix J. Charles, MD explains several things that cause a person to feel symptoms of itchy skin. Let's look at the following reasons:

• Dehydration

Dry skin or xerosis is one of the most common causes of chronic itching. This kind of condition can be influenced by genetics, cold weather, or getting older. If you often swim, take hot baths or bathe in public baths, then you are more likely to experience itching often. By using body moisturizers and face creams, this itching subsides and the skin becomes more moisturized. If the itching does not go away, immediately go to the hospital to get the right treatment.

• Untreated Skin Disease

If your itchy skin is accompanied by red, scaly spots, and even the urge to scratch at night, you may be dealing with a chronic skin disease like psoriasis or eczema (atopic dermatitis). Fortunately, there are a number of treatments available for both conditions, including using topical creams, oral or injectable medications, and phototherapy.

• Allergic Reaction

If you've recently purchased a different fabric softener than you normally use, or are taking certain medications, this could be a common response to an allergen. If you feel only a little itching, then immediately identify the trigger by stopping use and taking antihistamines. If you can't stop scratching, see a dermatologist, as itchy skin is chronic and could be a sign of a more serious problem, such as an infection or disease.

• Undergoing a New Medication or Increasing the Drug Dosage

If you have recently had wisdom tooth surgery and are prescribed opioids or are on medication for high blood pressure, the pills you are taking can be the cause of persistent itching. If you notice itchy skin as a potential side effect of a medication, talk to your doctor and ask to change or lower the dose.

• Hormone Fluctuation

Hormonal fluctuations can cause strong effects, including itchy skin. For example, if you are breastfeeding or going through menopause, you have lower than normal levels of estrogen, which causes an itchy effect on the body. To overcome this, you can first avoid using soap and detergents that trigger allergies. If you still feel itchy, immediately make an appointment with a doctor through the Halodoc application to conduct an examination regarding this condition.

• Pregnancy

Dry skin and stomach that continues to expand often cause unbearable itching in pregnant women. However, severe itching without rash on the palms and soles can be an indication of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), which is impaired liver function due to bile accumulation. You should ask your doctor about this itching to get the right treatment.

• Diabetes

Itchy skin can also be experienced by people with diabetes. Diabetes is a disease that occurs due to high levels of sugar in the blood. Itching in people with diabetes occurs as the body's response to soaring blood sugar levels. The other symptoms felt by people with diabetes are unbearable thirst, frequent urination, and changes in skin color.

Well, it's better to always pay attention to itching on the skin and don't underestimate the conditions that may occur. Early treatment facilitates the healing of your skin itself.