AllRefer Health - Itching (Pruritus)

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You are here : AllRefer.com > Health > Medical Symptoms Guide > Itching

Itching


•	Definition
•	Overview & Considerations
•	Common Causes
•	Home Care & Treatment
•	Call your Health Care Provider if
•	What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office
•	Pictures & Images
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Alternate Names : Pruritus

Definition

Itching is a peculiar tingling or uneasy irritation of the skin that causes a desire to scratch the affected area.

Pictures & Images

Head Lice	Allergic Reactions
Skin Layers

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Overview & Considerations

Itching can be all over (generalized) or only in a particular location (localized). There are many causes of itching, ranging from the simple to the complex.

Insect bites and stings can cause localized itching and skin irritation.

Both localized or generalized itching can be caused by:

Chemical irritation, such as from poison ivy or stinging nettle
Environmental causes (drying, sunburn)
Hives
Parasites (body lice, head lice, pubic lice)

Generalized itching can be caused by:

Infectious diseases (chicken pox)
Allergic reactions
Kidney disease
Liver disease with jaundice
Medication reactions

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• Definition
• Itching: Overview & Considerations
• Itching: Common Causes
• Itching: Home Care & Treatment
• Call your Health Care Provider if
• What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office
• Pictures & Images

Review Date : 10/31/2002
Reviewed By : Steven Angelo, M.D., Assistant Professor of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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