Itchy
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 | |
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD