Itching or irritation is called pruritus.
Pruritus is a term that derives from pruritus , a Latin word. It may be the excessive desire to perform an action correctly. Doing something without haste, in this sense, means leaving aside formalities.
The most common use of the notion, however, appears in medicine . Pruritus is itching or irritation that causes discomfort in the skin. When experiencing itching, the person needs to scratch to relieve the sensation.
For example: "The disease is not serious, but it is annoying since it causes itching" , "Itching on the head can be a symptom of the presence of lice" , "When I get nervous, I have itching in different parts of the body" .
Appearance of itching
Pruritus can arise from various causes. Sometimes, it is the consequence of a bite , which also causes a welt or other mark on the body. Itching can also appear due to environmental factors (such as sunlight) or as a chemical reaction to certain substances.
Although the instinctive response to itching is to scratch , this action is not healthy: it can cause damage to the skin or even spread the itch to other parts of the body. The use of cold compresses and lotions capable of hydrating the skin, on the other hand, is recommended by specialists to relieve itching.
If the itching is persistent or is experienced all over the body, it is necessary to consult a doctor . Pruritus may imply the development of an infectious disease that requires some type of treatment.
Pruritus can have different causes.
Its causes
Itching can have various causes, both harmless (coming from rubbing against a piece of clothing or a label) and worrying (these range from dermatitis to cancer , including fungi). In the first case, the itch usually lasts a short time and even disappears after scratching ; When it comes to more serious problems, however, the discomfort can have a negative impact on the person's emotional state, in the form of anxiety and stress.
Let's look at some of the specific factors that can cause itchy skin:
- Lack of hydration in the skin.
- Residue on the skin due to not washing it correctly or exfoliating it with a certain frequency.
- Too much stress, especially when the person is not aware of it.
- Lack of minerals or vitamins due to not eating properly or suffering from anemia.
- Excessive sweating, as happens to those who suffer from hyperhidrosis.
- Poor skin breathing when wearing clothing made with certain synthetic materials that are not recommended. Some irritating soaps can also be the cause of itching in this case.
- Kidney or liver disorders .
- Dermatoses, dermatitis, rosacea, skin cancer or psoriasis.
- Allergies , streptococcus, dandruff or fungi.
- Diabetes.
Home remedies to soothe itching
Among the home remedies to soothe itching and avoid scratching are the following:
- Chamomile : it is an herb with many beneficial properties, since in addition to moisturizing the skin it has an anti-inflammatory and repairing action , which results in the reduction of itching. Simply soak a cloth in a chamomile infusion and apply it to the affected area to begin to feel the results.
- Lemon : in addition to being healing, lemon is ideal for reducing itching. To apply it, moisten a gauze pad in a glass of juice dissolved in warm water and place it on the skin for a few seconds.
- Aloe vera : this plant is widely recognized for its medicinal properties and those affected by annoying itchy skin can also benefit from it, in any of its formats, whether in gel, cream or directly from a freshly cut leaf. It is recommended to wash the affected area with chamomile before applying it for better results.