itchy skin Archives - Healthhype

Psoriasis Skin Disease Explained, Pictures and Different Types

Dr. Chris — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 22:33:39 +0000

What is psoriasis? Psoriasis is a chronic disorder marked by inflammation that can affect various systems throughout the body. It mainly manifests on the skin but often affects the joints as well. Although psoriasis is non-contagious, it tends to run in families thereby indicating a strong genetic component. The key features of psoriasis are associated with overgrowth of skin in the without rapid shedding leading to a buildup of skin cells. While various treatments have proven effective in the long term management and treatment of acute flare ups, psoriasis is incurable. It can cause significant physical scarring and has a major psychological impact on sufferers affecting normal functioning to varying degrees. How does psoriasis develop? Based on the disease mechanism, psoriasis appears to be an autoimmune disease. It shares similar traits with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and a combination of skin and joint inflammation is therefore referred to as psoriatic arthritis. Immune activity The disease process (pathophysiology) of psoriasis is not well understood. It is believed that several factors play a role in the development of the condition. Psoriasis appears to be largely an immune mediated disorder meaning that it is the body’s own immune system that “attacks” the skin. [...]

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Sensitive Skin – What Does It Mean and What Are The Causes?

Dr. Chris — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 02:01:12 +0000

What is sensitive skin? Sensitive skin is a common term to describe skin that is hyper-reactive to any stimulus, whether from topical applications like creams, sun or artificial UV light sources or climatic changes such as a dry or cold environment. The skin may erupt with pimples, rashes, tiny blisters or become excessively dry and change color. Other symptoms are also common such as itching, burning, pain or a tingling and prickling sensation. Usually there is some redness of the affected skin. Although many of these symptoms are seen with generalized skin irritation and various skin diseases, the term ‘sensitive skin’ denotes a situation where the skin reacts to these stimuli quicker than it does in most people. Meaning of Sensitive Skin In sensitive skin, inflammation sets in with exposure to various stimuli even over a short duration or when the stimulus is very mild. Similarly long term exposure or an intense stimulus elicits a very severe reaction than would normally be expected. Although human skin is a waterproof barrier that is fairly impermeable to many different types of mechanical, chemical and electromagnetic stimuli, it does have a tolerance level. This is the point where the skin can withstand injury [...]

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10 Eczema Bathing Tips To Reduce Itching

Dr. Chris — Fri, 30 Aug 2013 17:00:36 +0000

Eczema is an skin condition marked by dry skin rashes which are often itchy. The itching can fluctuate during the course of the day and vary in intensity in each case. Itching is one of the more unpleasant symptoms that proves frustrating to patients. Attempting to scratch the itchy area may in fact worsen the eczema overall and even lead to complications such as secondary bacterial infections. Constant itching can also disturb sleep, affect the ability to concentrate on daily activities and lead to irritability and even depression. Most palliative treatment options for eczema are aimed at reducing skin itching. But it is not just about using oral and topical medication to ease the itching and reduce skin dryness. There are a number of different conservative measures to relieve eczema and live with the condition. It may not resolve eczema but it can make the condition more tolerable. Sometimes the simplest of measures can prove to be effective not only in easing the symptoms of eczema but even in preventing it. Bathing seems to trigger itching of the skin or worsen it in most cases of eczema. Here are some helpful bath time tips to minimize it. Apart from eczema, [...]

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How To Relieve Nighttime Itching in Bed

Dr. Chris — Mon, 07 Oct 2013 20:39:52 +0000

Itching is a symptom of many skin diseases, often associated with a rash that tends to occur constantly or in episodes throughout the day. These skin conditions need to be managed medically by a dermatologist. Sometimes itching occur despite there being no identifiable skin disease, no pest infestation (like bed bugs and fleas) and no other medical conditions where itching may be a symptom without a rash. In these cases itching is often said to be idiopathic, meaning that it is not due to any clearly identifiable medical cause. Yet it occurs, and can be persistent in some people. The general term for itching of the skin is pruritus. We all experiencing itching many times in a day without realizing it. A quick scratch or gentle rub and the itching is relieved and we often do not give it any further thought. Itching occurs for several reasons in these cases. Sometimes it just irritation of the skin caused by the clothes we wear or environmental changes. Dry skin is the most common cause. At other times it can be tiny insect and parasites that are sometimes too small to see with the naked eye but can be felt. And then [...]

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Itchy Skin Rash During Pregnancy – Pictures, Causes, Treatment

Dr. Chris — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 23:46:01 +0000

Itching skin during pregnancy may occur : on its own with no other signs or symptoms, with a skin rash, or with other signs and symptoms. Itching skin during pregnancy may be due to a number of causes that were present prior to conception. At other times, those conditions that appear after conception may have been developing or were bound to develop, irrespective of the pregnancy. In both these instances, pregnancy was not the cause or precipitating factor and these itchy skin conditions were non-specific. Refer to Causes of Itchy Skin (1). Itching during Pregnancy However, itchy skin in pregnancy may be a result of some underlying condition or cause that has been exacerbated due to the pregnant state. Alternatively, pregnancy was the trigger for the onset of a condition which the woman was predisposed to but had not as yet presented due to the lack of precipitating factors. Hormonal, immunological or unknown factors relating to pregnancy may serve as a trigger or aggravating factor for pre-existing or chronic skin diseases. Refer to Itchy Skin Rashes (2). Of these type of conditions, allergic conditions resulting in itchy skin are the most common. The increasing estrogen levels are known to exacerbate [...]

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Causes of Skin Rashes in Newborn Babies, Infants

Dr. Alison — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 22:03:03 +0000

Newborn babies can develop various types of skin rashes, caused by many different factors. Most are harmless and resolve spontaneously but others can be dangerous and may even be life-threatening for the baby. Causes of Skin Rash in Newborn Babies A rash is a reaction of the skin due to any cause, such as : Infection – bacterial, fungal or viral. Most rashes caused by viruses are not serious and do not harm the baby. They usually do not require any treatment and disappear on their own. Viral infections such as chicken pox, rubella, or measles may become serious in newborns because of their weak immune system. Allergic reaction. Skin irritation. Drug reaction. Normal physiologic skin changes. Skin rashes in newborns may be due to a number of causes, the most common ones being : Diaper Rash (Diaper Dermatitis) Bright red rash caused by irritation of the baby’s skin beneath the diaper (buttock, thigh, groin and sometimes lower back) by prolonged contact with urine or stool. Neglecting to change or remove wet and soiled diapers over a long period of time can cause this type of rash. Diaper rash can also be caused by a fungal infection (candidiasis), which is [...]

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Jock Itch – Pictures, Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Jan Modric — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 20:51:35 +0000

What is Jock Itch? Jock itch is a fungal infection of the groin area that is medically known as tinea cruris. The term ‘jock itch’ is derived from this condition occurring frequently in athletes (also referred to colloquially as jocks) and that it presents with significant itching. It is also known as groin ringworm, groin fungus and scrot rot. Despite the term, tinea cruris (jock itch) does not only affect athletes or males for that matter. Any person can develop jock itch, including children and women. Other regional names for tinea cruris includes ‘dhobi’s itch‘ in India because it is commonly seen among clothese washers (dhobis). The term ringworm is a misnomer. Jock itch like many fungal infections of the skin is due to a fungus that causes a red ring-like lesion on the skin which is said to resemble a curled worm. However, there is no actual parasitic worm involved in the infection. What are the Symptoms of Jock Itch? The signs and symptoms of jock itch include a rash, itching, hyperpigmentation and sometimes oozing of the skin. Rash The rash, as described, is typically a red ring-like lesion. The skin at the center of the rash may be [...]

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Itchy Armpits – Causes and Symptoms

Jan Modric — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:58:48 +0000

We all experience itching in the armpit (axilla) now and then. Most of the time it is not a problem but just a temporary irritation and not due to any serious medical condition. However, persistent or frequent itching of the armpits, especially where there is a rash or other lesion, needs to be investigated from a medical perspective. There are several conditions where itching of the armpits may occur. This itching may be isolated to the armpits only or be part of itching elsewhere on the body. Causes of Itchy Armpits The causes of itchy armpits may vary from everyday lifestyle factors to serious medical conditions and skin diseases. Itching is only a symptom of some underlying problem. When itchy armpits are a temporary issue and does not recur again then it is usually not a cause for any concern. In fact, there may be no clearly identifiable cause in these instances. Various conditions like contact dermatitis and psoriasis which can cause an itchy skin rash anywhere on the body also needs to be considered as possible causes but are not discussed in detail below. 1. Infrequent Washing The armpits is laden with sweat and oil glands as well as [...]

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Sunburn Itch – Causes, Risks, Prevention and Treatment

Jan Modric — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 15:51:52 +0000

What Is a Sunburn? A sunburn is inflammation of the skin caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, either from the sun or UV-emitting lamps (tanning saloons). It appears as a reddish, swollen, itchy and/or burning skin. A sunburn occurs when sun exposure exceeds the ability of the skin pigment (melanin) to protect the skin. On the cellular level, there is release of chemicals that cause skin inflammation, and decrease of Langerhans’ and mast cells (important immune cells). Symptoms of a Sunburn (First-Degree Burn) Symptoms of a sunburn are not apparent immediately after the sun exposure. They may appear within 30 minutes, but usually only after 2 to 6 hours following exposure, and may continue to develop for 6 to 48 hours before starting to subside. Sunburn usually affects only epidermis (first-degree burn). Symptoms may include: Redness (erythema) Swelling (edema) Skin feels warm to the touch Tenderness Itching Burning Pain Skin peeling – usually starts 3rd-8th day In severe cases, blisters, chills and fever may appear It may take few days to several weeks for sunburn to heal completely. Symptoms like sunburn itch subsides much sooner but there may still be long term effects that can persist well after the sunburn [...]

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Itchy Stomach (Abdomen) Causes, Treatment, Prevention

Dr. Chris — Fri, 25 Nov 2016 23:47:46 +0000

The abdomen is often referred to as the stomach although the stomach is technically a digestive organ in the upper part of the abdominal cavity. Like any part of the body, the skin over the abdomen may be itchy at times, either with or without a rash. This itching can occur for various reasons and is usually not a problem unless it is severe, intensifying and persistent, especially if there is a rash that is present. Why does the stomach itch? Itch receptors are present on the skin surface and internal organs do not experience any itching sensations. Itching is believed to be a mechanism to alert the body of an impending danger. When we scratch an area, we may then remove the physically remove the threat or at least become aware of the potential for tissue damage. This is a normal protective mechanism. However, sometimes itching occurs when the skin is irritated or inflamed. Depending on the underlying cause, the itching can persist and not ease with scratching. In some cases, a person may experience such intense itching that vigorous scratching damages the skin and even causes bleeding. Itching is a symptom of a disease and the underlying disease [...]

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