Side Effect: Itching

What is Itching?

Itching, also known as pruritus, is an irritating sensation that can affect any part of the skin or the entire body and causes the desire to scratch the affected areas. Chronic itching can lead to damaged skin and secondary infections due to skin breakdown from constant scratching.

What does Itching look like?

Itching may not be noticeable as it is a sensation, but it may be accompanied by visible changes to the skin due to local irritation or when it is scratched. Common skin changes include:

• Redness or inflammation
• Dry or flaky skin
• Scratch marks
• Swelling or raised bumps
• Blisters
• Rash

Who gets Itching?

Itching can affect anyone but is more common in certain groups:

• Dry skin
• Allergic conditions:
  
  • Eczema
  • Hives
  • Contact dermatitis
• Certain medical conditions:
  
  • Liver disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Diabetes
  • Thyroid disorders
  • Psoriasis
  • Cancer
• Infections or infestations:
  
  • Chickenpox
  • Scabies
  • Bed bugs
  • Fungal infections
  • Lice
• Medications
  
  • Opioids
  • Antibiotics
  • Chemotherapy
• Pregnancy

How to prevent Itching

Preventing itching depends on its cause, but general tips include:

• Moisturizing lotions or creams
• Avoiding known irritants or allergens
• Wearing loose-fitting, breathable clothing
• Washing regularly
• Limiting bathing to 20 minutes with lukewarm water
• Using gentle, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic skincare products

For individuals prone to conditions like eczema, managing triggers and keeping the skin barrier healthy with appropriate skincare is important.

How to treat Itching

It’s important to avoid excessive scratching to prevent skin damage and infection. Successfully treating the underlying condition ultimately reduces or eliminates itching. Some treatments that can help provide symptom relief for itching include:

• Emollients and moisturizing creams
• Keeping the area of the skin cool
• Over-the-counter medicated creams
  
  • Calamine
  • Menthol
  • Hydrocortisone (Cortisone-10®)
  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®)
• Antihistamines
  
  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®)
  • Loratadine (Claritin®)
  • Cetirizine (Zyrtec®)
  • Fexofenadine (Allegra®)
• High-potency topical corticosteroids:
  
  • Clobetasol (Temovate®)
  • Triamcinolone (Kenalog®)
  • Betamethasone (Betaderm®)
• Systemic corticosteroids
  
  • Prednisone (Deltasone®)
  • Methylprednisolone (Medrol®)
  • Dexamethasone (Decadron®)
• Antifungal, antibacterial, or antiparasitic medications if an underlying infection is causing the itch.