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Florida Dermatologist FAQ: Reasons Your Skin Itches Uncontrollably And How to Get ReliefItchy Skin Causes and Treatments

Itchy skin does not occur only due to mosquito bites, poison ivy, and chickenpox. This condition may develop due to numerous factors. If the itchiness does not resolve on its own or becomes unbearable, it is best to see a dermatologist. 

Causes and Solutions

Some of the key factors that may be causing the itch and what can bring relief are as follows:

  1. Extremely dry skin

Skin that is very dry can be extremely itchy.

How to get relief

The dermatologist will provide patients with a topical or oral prescription medication for relief from dry, itchy skin. If the condition is mild, they may simply recommend an over the counter anti-itch cream or lotion.

  1. Bug bites

The skin may become itchy due to a mosquito bite, but the itch tends to resolve quickly. However, when bugs live on the skin or feed off a person every night, the itch can be uncontrollable and long-lasting. Bugs, such as lice, bed bugs, and mites (scabies), can lead to a long-lasting itch. 

How to get relief

The dermatologist may prescribe the following for the treatment of bed bug bites:

Allergic reaction: Some individuals may need an antihistamine, corticosteroid, or epinephrine (adrenaline) for a severe allergic reaction. 

Infection: Antibiotics may be necessary for the treatment of an infection. In case the infection is mild, the dermatologist may recommend an antiseptic medication that the patient can purchase over-the-counter.  

Itch: A prescription antihistamine liquid or pill may be helpful.

  1. Itchy skin condition

There is a long list of skin conditions that can lead to an intense itch, and it includes:

  • Chickenpox
  • Atopic dermatitis
  • Neurodermatitis
  • Psoriasis
  • Dyshidrotic eczema
  • Seborrheic dermatitis
  • Folliculitis
  • Hand-foot-and-mouth disease
  • Hives
  • Ringworm
  • Shingles

How to get relief

In order to get relief, the patient must understand which skin condition they have. The best method to get a correct diagnosis is to set-up a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist.

In case a patient has been diagnosed with atopic dermatitis or psoriasis, it may be challenging to relieve the itch.

  1. Skin cancer

The only indication of skin cancer is a new or changing spot on the skin for many people. That spot may also itch and can be the only reason for an individual noticing the spot. 

How to get relief

In case a person suspects skin cancer, they should consult a board-certified dermatologist. Treating skin cancer will eliminate the itch.

  1. Warning sign of disease inside the body

A persistent itch can indicate various conditions, such as:

  • Diabetes
  • Blood disease
  • HIV
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Overactive thyroid gland

How to get relief

The patient may be able to get relief from the itch with an accurate diagnosis and treatment. A dermatologist usually plays an important role in detecting these conditions as itch can be the only symptom. 

  1. Allergic skin reaction

The skin can develop an allergic response to various substances. A common substance that can lead to an allergic skin response is nickel, which is found in many products that a person may come into contact with every day, such as eyeglass frames, cell phones, jewelry, belt buckles, and zippers.

Substances such as shampoos, nail polish, latex, fragrances, and cement can also cause an allergic skin reaction.

How to get relief

The patient must understand what is causing their allergy so that they can stop using or touching what causes the itchy rash. This can be difficult and usually necessitates medical care from a dermatologist.

SunCoast Skin Solutions Dermatology offices are located in Tampa / Hillsborough, St. Petersburg / Pinellas County , Brandon, Lutz, Winter Haven, Largo, Riverview, Brooksville, Ocala, Sarasota, Palm Harbor and Daytona Beach Florida. Contact us at 1-844-786-3376 or click here.