Types of Itch

Psychogenic Itch Explained

Itch 101, Types of Itch

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We’ve all had an itch that we’ve needed to scratch, but many people don’t realize that itchy skin can be a symptom of a number of health conditions, some of which are very serious, like psychogenic itch.

Described as an excessive impulse to scratch, gouge, or pick at normal skin, psychogenic itch is related to psychological abnormalities. It is typically diagnosed only after other possible causes are eliminated and the patient has tested negative in screenings for skin disorders or diseases. Itchy spots are often found in easy-to-scratch parts of the body such as face, arms, and legs.

Some studies say depression may be the root cause of psychogenic itch, but this condition is also associated with obsessive-compulsive disorders, mania, and even substance abuse. Additionally, stressful life events such as loss of a job or a loved one and relocation can play a role. Although the prevalence of psychogenic itch is unknown, a study published in Dermatology Therapy notes that approximately 2 percent of patients (predominately women between the ages of 30 and 45) seen at dermatology clinics are diagnosed with psychogenic itch.

Data also shows a significant correlation between mental stress and itch and pain. Although limited data are available on the treatment of psychogenic itch, medications used to treat chronic pain caused by damage to the nervous system, depression, and anxiety have proven to be effective in helping to control the sensation.

Source: G, Yosipovitch. Neuropathic and Psychogenic Itch. Dermatology Therapy. 2008. 2.1:32-41. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1529-8019.2008.00167.x/epdf

Source: S., Jain. Current Psychiatry. Problematic pruritus: Seeking a cure for psychogenic itch. 2015. http://www.currentpsychiatry.com/articles/pearls/article/problematic-pruritus-seeking-a-cure-for-psychogenic-itch/aa9549f0c20448041cb5a75723273625.html

Photo by Helga Weber

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“Every day my patients ask me how they can prevent wrinkles and brown spots. My advice is to first and foremost protect yourself from the sun and UV rays.” –Dr. Gigler

New Season, New Itch

New Season, New Itch

Itch 101, Types of Itch ,

Brilliantly colored leaves. Diminishing daylight. That first, tiny crocus. There are many markers of a new season…including changes in your itch.

Winter is generally the WORST time for itch-prone folks. Colder, drier weather combined with low humidity and the use of central heat often leave us with snake-like skin (think flakey and scaly). This so-called “winter itch” is most common in those with a history of eczema, allergies, or asthma, as well as in seniors. If you’ve been plagued by the winter itch, take solace in the fact that you’re not alone: a 2007 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) suggests at least 81 million Americans share your pain.

While spring and summer provide warmer temps and higher humidity (which generally aids dry skin), these sunnier months also bring new itch ailments. Mosquito bites are one of the most common sources of summertime itch. When this pesky critter latches onto your skin, it injects its saliva while simultaneously extracting your blood. The saliva contains a cocktail of proteins that most people are allergic to, triggering an immune system response which then causes the telltale red bump and itch.

Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac are warm weather plants containing an itch-inducing oil called urushiol. When urushiol grazes your skin, it frequently prompts a scratchy, blistering rash known as allergic contact dermatitis. These plants grow in most areas of the United States, but are less common in Alaska, Hawaii, and the desert areas of the Southwest.

So, when the seasons turn, take a moment to consider potential changes in your itch. Understanding the fluctuating environmental factors at play can help you avoid seasonal irritants and keep the scratching at bay!

 

References: MedicineNet/ Dry Skin, John Hopkins Medicine/ Winterzing Skin, The American Mosquito Control Association/Frequently Asked Questions, Healthline/Mosquito Bites, American Academy of Dermatology/Poison Ivy Tips, WebMD/Skin Problems and Treatments, Cleveland Clinic/The Poison Plants

 

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“Every day my patients ask me how they can prevent wrinkles and brown spots. My advice is to first and foremost protect yourself from the sun and UV rays.” –Dr. Gigler

Defining Itchiness: Acute vs. Chronic

Defining Itchiness: Acute vs. Chronic

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Now that we’ve established that itching is quite common, let’s talk about acute and chronic itch.

Acute itch is any type of itch that lasts less than six weeks. It frequently can be the result of environmental factors, such as a bug bite or an allergic reaction. Again, most people at some time have experienced a form of acute itch.

Itch lasting longer than six weeks is defined as chronic itch. Dermatologists consider chronic itch notoriously difficult to treat – the mechanism that occurs in your skin to actually cause the itch is not widely understood, so there is no general treatment “path” that doctors can follow. What works for one person might not work for the next, so dermatologists typically will devise an individualized approach.

While doctors find it difficult to treat chronic itch, if you’re the itch-ee, you may find it difficult to live with. A recent study shows that chronic itch can affect your life the way that chronic pain does. Imagine being so itchy you can’t go about your daily life?

There are many ways to treat itch – with over-the-counter creams, a prescription from your doc, and home remedies like cold compresses.

 

References: BMJ Best Practices, JAMA Dermatology/ The Impact of Pruritus on Quality of Life; Annals of Dermatology/Chronic Pruritus: Clinics and Treatments

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Skin Tip

Skin Tip #1

“Every day my patients ask me how they can prevent wrinkles and brown spots. My advice is to first and foremost protect yourself from the sun and UV rays.” –Dr. Gigler