Itching, medically termed as Pruritis has innumerable causes..
Infections (Fungal infections,Psoriasis), infestations (Scabies, head lice, pubic lice, cercarial dermatitis commonly known as swimmer's itch), insect bites (mosquito, flea bites), chronic disease conditions (uremic pruritus, cholestatic pruritus, hyperthyriodism, diabetes, pruritus associated with polycythemia vera etc.), sun exposure, corticosteroid meditation ,stress and dry skin are a few to name.
Itch is a separate modality from pain, rather than a submodality of pain as a few believe. A specialized subpopulation of unmyelinated chemonociceptors and dedicated spinal neurons which are responsible for the itch sensation have been identified recently.The specific pathway of "pure," histaminergic itch is traced from the mechano-insensitive nerve fibers in the skin to their central cortical projection.Itch may be accompanied with burning or pain.
In easier terms itch can be described as an irritation in skin which creates a urge to scratch.It can occur with or without any skin lesions.Just like itch has countless causes, it has multitudinous presentations, locations.. What helps us in homeopathy to treat it favorably is the presentation of this itch in the patient ie its location, condition which precipitate it say stress, exercise etc. plus other features associated with it, modalities (situations which tend worsen or better the condition.)
Vicious itch-scratch cycle
Itch leads to this insatiable urge to scratch which can initially feel satisfying, but prolonged scratching leaves you with irritated skin that often worsens itching. It provides only temporary relief, it is best to avoid scratching if at all possible.And since skin is the first line of defense, if scratching breaks open the skin, bacterial infection can set in leading to secondary infection. Chronic itching may develop thickened skin (lichenification) or pigmentation of the area.The best way to allow irritated skin to heal is to stop scratching it.
Cold application to the part helps in providing temporary relief to the urge for itching since both itch and cold sensation travel along the same nerve fibers. Ice packs,cool bath cool showers thus tend to help. Hot water may feel good to some initially but it often tend to leave you more itchier later.
A few homeopathic drugs which are commonly prescribed are Ars alb, calendula, cicuta, echinecea, hepar sulph, rhustox, sulphur, urtica urens .
Remember a constitutional treatment is best for you which can only be provided after a detailed case taking by your doctor.
Infections (Fungal infections,Psoriasis), infestations (Scabies, head lice, pubic lice, cercarial dermatitis commonly known as swimmer's itch), insect bites (mosquito, flea bites), chronic disease conditions (uremic pruritus, cholestatic pruritus, hyperthyriodism, diabetes, pruritus associated with polycythemia vera etc.), sun exposure, corticosteroid meditation ,stress and dry skin are a few to name.
Itch is a separate modality from pain, rather than a submodality of pain as a few believe. A specialized subpopulation of unmyelinated chemonociceptors and dedicated spinal neurons which are responsible for the itch sensation have been identified recently.The specific pathway of "pure," histaminergic itch is traced from the mechano-insensitive nerve fibers in the skin to their central cortical projection.Itch may be accompanied with burning or pain.
Vicious itch-scratch cycle
Itch leads to this insatiable urge to scratch which can initially feel satisfying, but prolonged scratching leaves you with irritated skin that often worsens itching. It provides only temporary relief, it is best to avoid scratching if at all possible.And since skin is the first line of defense, if scratching breaks open the skin, bacterial infection can set in leading to secondary infection. Chronic itching may develop thickened skin (lichenification) or pigmentation of the area.The best way to allow irritated skin to heal is to stop scratching it.
Cold application to the part helps in providing temporary relief to the urge for itching since both itch and cold sensation travel along the same nerve fibers. Ice packs,cool bath cool showers thus tend to help. Hot water may feel good to some initially but it often tend to leave you more itchier later.
A few homeopathic drugs which are commonly prescribed are Ars alb, calendula, cicuta, echinecea, hepar sulph, rhustox, sulphur, urtica urens .
Remember a constitutional treatment is best for you which can only be provided after a detailed case taking by your doctor.
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