User:Mr. Ibrahem/Itch

For other uses, see User:Mr. Ibrahem/Itch (disambiguation).

Itch
Other names	Pruritus, automatic tickle
A man scratching his back
Specialty	Dermatology
Symptoms	Sensation that results in the desire to scratch
Complications	Thickening of the affected skin from scratching, poor sleep
Types	Localized, generalized
Causes	Dry skin, eczema, cirrhosis, blood disorders, infections, reactions to medications, hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, cancer, psychosis, obsessive-compulsive disorder, substance use
Treatment	Moisturizers, lower temperature environment, not scratching, avoiding irritants
Medication	Corticosteroids, antihistamines, capsaicin
Frequency	Relatively common

Itch, also known as pruritus, is a sensation that results in the desire to scratch. Quality of life may be negatively affected. A long term itch may result thickening of the affected skin from scratching, poor sleep, and tiredness.

The common causes when much of the body is involved is dry skin and eczema. A range of other conditions such as cirrhosis, blood disorders, infections, reactions to medications, hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, and cancer may also result in itchiness. Itchiness may also be present in mental health disorders such as psychosis, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and substance use.

Treatment should be directed at the underlying cause. Basic measures that may help include moisturizers, a lower temperature environment, not scratching, and avoiding irritants. Medications used may include corticosteroids, antihistamines, and capsaicin. Itchiness is the most common skin related symptom.