The unbearable pain of itching... What could be the cause?

It seems that it has already been over three years since my mom said her whole body itched.

At first, she said she itched when wearing clothes that weren't made of fabric, but since then, she has started to feel itchy even when wearing slightly tight clothes, and she has trouble wearing clothes with elastic bands.

Now, even wearing men's underwear feels a bit tight and itchy to him.

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The problem is not just with underwear or clothes, but these days, even when wearing loose clothing, an unbearably itchy sensation frequently occurs. During the day, applying body lotion and tapping the itchy areas can help alleviate the symptoms somewhat, but if the itching becomes severe while sleeping, people tend to scratch unconsciously, to the point of causing scratches on their back, stomach, or arms.

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As I get older, my skin becomes dry and I experience a lot of itching due to hormonal imbalances, so I try to shower more often and apply body lotion. However, the lotion only helps when I apply it, and if I shower too frequently, my skin actually feels even drier, so it's not easy to manage.

Since her blood pressure was originally high and she also underwent thyroid cancer surgery, she has been having blood tests every three months and regularly undergoes liver function tests, but that is not the cause...

Even after going to the dermatologist and getting tests, no clear reason for the bumps has been identified. Taking medication has had little to no effect.

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Every time she says she's so itchy and in so much pain, I feel helpless because all I can do is apply cream to areas I can't reach, and it makes me so sad... Pain from real injuries is tough, but you don't understand the torment of itching until you've experienced it... It's really incredibly difficult...

Summer is coming, and when it's hot and sweaty, the itching gets worse. I'm worried that the wounds might sting from the sweat or that bacteria could enter through the cuts...

Honestly... why can't my mom's itching ever get better?

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As people age, they tend to feel itchiness more easily. This is because the thickness of the skin becomes thinner and the excretory glands that secrete sweat decrease. These changes cause the skin to become dry, leading to itching. Especially in winter, the low humidity in the air causes moisture in the skin to evaporate easily, making skin dryness and itching more frequent. Skin itching can lead to dermatitis, eczema, and other conditions. People with vascular diseases such as diabetes may experience secondary infections, which can worsen inflammation. Professor Jang Seong-eun of the Department of Dermatology at Seoul Asan Medical Center said, "In winter, about half of the elderly suffer from itching caused by dry skin."

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The skin consists of multiple layers. Dry skin refers to a condition where the moisture and lipids in the outermost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, decrease. Professor Jang Seong-eun said, "In winter, the function of sebaceous glands and sweat glands declines, and the lipid barrier that protects the skin from external stimuli is not well formed," and "When the moisture and lipids in the stratum corneum decrease, the skin cracks, much like a field cracking during a summer drought." Dry skin commonly occurs on the legs, arms, and hands. It is especially common in people who use strongly cleansing soaps, hot water, and have a habit of scrubbing during baths.

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Professor Jangseong-eun recommends four methods to prevent winter skin dryness and alleviate itching.

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▷Improve bathing habits = Very hot water is not good. Lukewarm water at body temperature is appropriate. Avoid using soap as much as possible. Use mild baby soap only when necessary. Avoid rubbing the skin with a scrubbing towel. Do not enjoy hot spring baths for too long. It can cause skin moisture to evaporate.

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▷ Replenish moisture with a moisturizer = After bathing, apply moisturizer immediately while the skin is still slightly damp. This helps prevent moisture loss from the stratum corneum. The moisturizer should be applied not only to the face but also to the hands, arms, legs, and entire body. Moisturizers containing ceramides, one of the skin's lipid components, effectively replenish deficient lipids quickly. If there is excessive keratin buildup, it is advisable to use a keratin-softening agent together.

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▷ Maintain indoor temperature and humidity at a consistent level = The indoor temperature should not fluctuate significantly. Keep humidity above 50%. If you live in an apartment with central heating, it is advisable to use a humidifier separately.

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Minimize skin irritation = Scratching due to itching can further irritate the skin, leading to eczema or bacterial infections. If the itching is severe, take oral antihistamines. Additionally, rough clothing, synthetic fibers, or wool that come into direct contact with dry skin can cause irritation. To prevent additional itching, it is recommended to wear underwear made of cotton whenever possible.

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Source:https://health.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2020/01/08/2020010802097.html

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I believe I have checked all these conditions.. Could there be other reasons for the itching??

Are there any autoimmune diseases that can cause itching?

I'm so sorry you're in such pain; there's nothing I can do to help, and I feel so helpless.

Are there any seniors at home who have been treated for itching? Please give me some advice.

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