Itching is the discomfort of the skin which trigger the sufferer to perform scratching. Itching is also called pruritus.
There are many causes of itching, some of which are:
- Stress, anxiety, and emotional disorders;
- Dry skin;
- Ultraviolet radiation from the sun;
- Metabolic disorders or hormonal disorders (kidney disease, thyroid hormone);
- cancer;
- Reactions to drugs, chemicals, or cosmetics;
- Blockage of the gallbladder;
- Blood diseases;
- Allergies to foods, insect bites, tree sap, and so on;
- Bacterial or fungal infection;
- Parasitic infestations, for example; scabies or lice.
Efforts to avoid pruritus, including preventing the precipitating factors, such as the rough clothes, too hot, and that causes vasodilation when it may cause itching (eg. Caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods). If the need to scratch is unbearable, then rub or scratch the area concerned with the palm of the hand.
For mild itching to cause no harm such as dry skin, can be self-treatment in the form of:
- Applying a skin moisturizer repeatedly throughout the day and immediately after bathing.
- Bath soak with warm water.
- Not bathe too often with water high chlorine levels.
- Bedrooms should be clean, cool and moist.
- Wearing clothing that does not irritate the skin such as cotton and silk, wool and avoid synthetic materials that do not absorb sweat.
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, spices, hot water and excessive sweating.
- Avoid things that have been known to be the cause of the itch.
- Maintain personal and environmental hygiene.
- Prevent complications due to scratching with the nails cut.