The weather changes, a mosquito bit you, or maybe your favorite sweater is driving your skin nuts! A chronic itch? Yes, we’ve all been there!
We’ve all had terribly itchy skin from time to time but when this itching persists after six weeks we like to call this a Chronic Itch or Pruritus. Many skin diseases such as psoriasis, hives or eczema can start with an itch.
Chronic itching may also be a sign of a contagious disease such as scabies, ringworm, chickenpox or shingles. If you find yourself itching for a prolonged period of time don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at Bay Dermatology.
Chronic Itch Treatment
If you in fact have a skin condition that causes a chronic itch there are a variety of treatment options that may be offered such as oral medications, ultraviolet light therapy, medicinal injections, or topical treatments.
Some of these treatments take time to work so here are a few tricks you can try at home to ease the itch.
How Can I Sooth My Itchy Skin?
- Take an oatmeal bath
- Moisturize your skin with fragrance free lotions
- Apply cooling agents such as menthol, calamine or you can even try placing your lotion in the refrigerator to help get that cooling effect
- Apply over the counter hydrocortisone cream