Itchy

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Itchy is a sensation that causes the desire or reflex to scratch. Itch has many similarities to pain, and while both are unpleasant sensory experiences, their behavioral response patterns are different. Pain creates a withdrawal reflex, whereas itch leads to a scratch reflex.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Itch can originate in the peripheral nervous system (dermal or neuropathic) or in the central nervous system (neuropathic, neurogenic, or psychogenic).

Dermal/pruritoceptive[edit | edit source]

Dermal or pruritoceptive itch is caused by an irritation of the skin, such as insect bites, allergies, or infections. This form of itch can be blocked by local anesthetics.

Neuropathic[edit | edit source]

Neuropathic itch can originate at any point along the afferent pathway as a result of damage of the nervous system. They could be symptoms of conditions like stroke, multiple sclerosis, shingles, neuroma, or neuritis.

Neurogenic[edit | edit source]

Neurogenic itch, which is itch induced centrally but with no neural damage, is mostly associated with increased accumulation of exogenous opioids and possibly synthetic opioids.

Psychogenic[edit | edit source]

Psychogenic itch can be associated with psychiatric illnesses such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for itch can be divided into systemic therapies, which are useful for conditions where the itch is body-wide, and topical therapies.

Systemic therapies[edit | edit source]

Systemic therapies include taking oral medications to reduce the itch. Antihistamines are commonly used for this purpose.

Topical therapies[edit | edit source]

Topical therapies, such as creams and lotions, can be applied to the skin to reduce itch. Topical steroids are often used for this purpose.

See also[edit | edit source]

Itchy Resources

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD