Photo Essay. Overview Information for Researchers. Eczema Wet Wrap Treatment. What's New. Latest News Releases. Read more about atopic dermatitis causes and strategies for prevention. Treatment Though there is no cure for atopic dermatitis, a treatment plan and some medications may reduce symptoms and help control the condition. Read more about treatment for living with atopic dermatitis. Complications The skin of people with atopic dermatitis, or eczema, lacks infection-fighting proteins, making them susceptible to skin infections caused by bacteria and viruses.
Epidermolysis Bullosa What is epidermolysis bullosa? It is a group of diseases causing painful blisters to form on the skin. These blisters can cause problems if they become infected. Hidradenitis Suppurativa HS Hidradenitis suppurativa also known as acne inversa is a chronic, noncontagious, inflammatory condition characterized by pimple-like bumps or boils and tunnels or tracts on and under the skin.
Ichthyosis What is ichthyosis? It is a disorder that causes dry, thickened skin that may look similar to fish scales. Pachyonychia Congenita What is pachyonychia congenita? It is a rare disorder causing thick nails and painful calluses on the bottoms of the feet and other symptoms.
Pemphigus What is pemphigus? It is a disease where the immune system attacks healthy cells in the top layer of skin, resulting in blisters. Psoriasis Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes red, scaly skin that may feel painful, swollen, or hot. Learn more about the types and what causes psoriasis. It is a disease that affects blood vessels. Itch that results from nervous system disorders is called neuropathic itch.
Some people who have psychologic disorders may have itching for which no physical cause can be found. This type of itching is called psychogenic itching. Drugs and chemicals can cause itching when taken internally or when applied to the skin. Usually the itching is caused by an allergic reaction. A few drugs, such as morphine and some radiopaque contrast agents Procedure for CT In computed tomography CT , which used to be called computed axial tomography CAT , an x-ray source and x-ray detector rotate around a person.
In modern scanners, the x-ray detector usually Not every episode of itching requires immediate evaluation by a doctor. The following information can help people decide whether a doctor's evaluation is needed and help them know what to expect during the evaluation. Most conditions that cause itching are not serious. Abdominal pain or a yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes jaundice Jaundice in Adults In jaundice, the skin and whites of the eyes look yellow.
Excessive thirst, abnormally frequent urination, and weight loss may indicate diabetes Diabetes Mellitus DM Diabetes mellitus is a disorder in which the body does not produce enough or respond normally to insulin, causing blood sugar glucose levels to be abnormally high.
People who have weight loss, fatigue, or night sweats should see a doctor as soon as possible. People with any of the other warning signs or with severe itching should probably see a doctor immediately. Doctors ask many questions and look at the skin. Often, a person needs to undress so that the entire skin surface can be checked. If no clear cause is found after checking the skin, doctors may do a complete physical examination to check for systemic causes.
Testing may be necessary to diagnose certain systemic causes and sometimes skin disorders. If itching is widespread and begins shortly after use of a drug, that drug may be the cause. If itching usually with a rash is confined to an area that was in contact with a substance, particularly if the substance is known to cause contact dermatitis Contact Dermatitis Contact dermatitis is skin inflammation caused by direct contact with a particular substance.
However, allergic causes of widespread itching can be difficult to identify because affected people have usually eaten several different foods and have been exposed to many substances that could cause an allergic reaction before itching develops.
Similarly, identifying a drug that is causing the reaction in a person taking several drugs may be difficult. Sometimes the person has been taking the drug causing the reaction for months or even years before a reaction occurs.
Most causes of itching can be diagnosed without testing. If the diagnosis of a skin abnormality is not clear from its appearance and the person's history, removal biopsy Biopsy Doctors can identify many skin disorders simply by looking at the skin. A full skin examination includes examination of the scalp, nails, and mucous membranes.
Sometimes the doctor uses a hand-held If the cause of itching seems to be an allergic reaction but the substance causing the allergic reaction is not evident, skin testing may be necessary.
In skin testing, substances that can cause allergic reactions on contact are applied to the skin in a patch called patch testing Skin tests Doctors can identify many skin disorders simply by looking at the skin. If the cause seems not to be an allergic reaction or skin disorder, testing is done based on the person's other symptoms. For example, tests may be done for gallbladder or liver disorders, chronic kidney disease, thyroid disorders, diabetes, or cancer.
The most important aspect of treating itch is to address the cause. In addition, other measures can help relieve itching. If itching is caused by dry skin, modifications to basic skin care are often very effective. Dryness is often caused by excessive bathing and washing. Show references Fazio SB, et al. Pruritis: Overview of management. Accessed Sept.
Pruritus without rash. Mayo Clinic; James WD, et al. Pruritus and neurocutaneous dermatoses. Elsevier; Accessed Nov. Yosipovitch G, et al. Chronic pruritis. The New England Journal of Medicine. Gibson LE expert opinion.
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