What causes constant itching?
Constant itching, also known as chronic pruritus, can have various underlying causes. Here are some common reasons for persistent itching:
1. Dry skin: Dry skin, medically termed xerosis, can lead to intense itching. This condition often occurs during cold weather or due to certain medical conditions like eczema or diabetes.
2. Eczema (Atopic dermatitis): A chronic skin condition characterized by inflamed, itchy, and dry patches. It often affects the face, elbows, knees, and hands.
3. Psoriasis: A chronic autoimmune skin disease that causes red, scaly patches of skin, accompanied by itching and pain.
4. Contact dermatitis: An allergic reaction that occurs when the skin comes into contact with an allergen or irritant, resulting in itching, redness, and inflammation.
5. Hives (Urticaria): Raised, itchy welts on the skin that appear and disappear quickly, often due to allergies, medications, or certain medical conditions.
6. Insect bites or stings: Itching is a common reaction to insect bites or stings as the body responds to the foreign substance injected by the insect.
7. Fungal infections: Fungal infections, such as athlete's foot or ringworm, can cause intense itching, particularly between the toes or in warm, moist areas of the body.
8. Scabies: A contagious skin condition caused by tiny mites that burrow under the skin, causing intense itching, especially at night.
9. Lice: Head lice, body lice, or pubic lice can all cause itching due to the presence of the parasites on the scalp or body.
10. Underlying medical conditions: Some systemic illnesses, such as liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid disorders, or certain types of cancer, can cause generalized itching as a symptom.
11. Medication side effects: Certain medications, including opioids, antibiotics, antifungal drugs, and chemotherapy drugs, can have itching listed as a side effect.
12. Psychogenic itching: In some cases, persistent itching may be related to stress or psychological factors, known as psychogenic itching or psychosomatic pruritus.
It's important to consult a healthcare professional if you experience chronic itching to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment or management.