"Why does my body itch so much?"... Unusual illnesses that cause itching

 

Kidney disease

 

Severe itching all over the body frequently occurs in patients with end-stage kidney disease or chronic renal failure. According to a study published in the Journal of Renal Failure, 42% of hemodialysis patients experience moderate to severe itching. Dr. Anthony M. Rosi, a dermatologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and New York Presbyterian Hospital, said, "Many people scratch so intensely due to itching that they wake up in the middle of the night." The exact reason why kidney disease causes itching has not yet been clarified. It is only suspected to be related to the inability of the kidneys to remove waste products from the blood, leading to the accumulation of toxins in the body. To soothe the itching, anticonvulsants such as gabapentin can be prescribed.

 

Liver disease=

 

If your whole body itches, it could be a silent sign of liver disease. If persistent itching appears in the late stages of kidney disease, it indicates that there is also an abnormality in the liver. Dr. Kathleen Cook Suozzi, an associate professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine in the United States, said, "If the liver cannot detoxify properly, waste products such as bile acids accumulate." Medications that help inhibit the absorption of bile acids in the body or reduce the amount of bile acids returning to the liver can be prescribed.

Skin pigmentation disorder

 

Dermatographia is a type of chronic hives characterized by swelling, erythematous redness (red swelling), and itching that occur even when the skin is lightly scratched or pressed. If the raised red marks leave scars and these symptoms disappear within 15 to 30 minutes, dermatographia may be suspected. Associate Professor Cameron Locksa of Mount Sinai Hospital in the United States (specialist in dermatology and plastic surgery) said, "Dermatographia is a skin condition where the skin becomes sensitive and histamine is excessively secreted when touched by hand." The cause is unclear, but it can be triggered by stress, infections, allergens, or medications. Areas that frequently come into contact with other skin or clothing are most vulnerable to skin rashes. Diagnosis is relatively easy. If itching worsens, antihistamines that reduce inflammation can be prescribed. If there is no improvement, injections may be administered.

Spinal disease

 

Chronic itching that does not appear with a rash may be due to neurogenic (neuropathic) pruritus. According to previous research, spinal diseases can exert pressure on nerves and cause nerve twisting, leading to itching on the skin. Neurogenic pruritus can occur on one side or both sides of the body. If scratching does not alleviate the symptoms, it is a serious warning sign. Dr. Rosi said, "Eczema patients feel relief from itching when they scratch. However, neurogenic pruritus does not improve with scratching, and in most cases, the symptoms worsen." Some people describe feeling as if insects are crawling on their skin. Capsaicin cream derived from chili peppers can be used to treat neurogenic pruritus.

Celiac disease=

 

Dr. John John, head of the dermatology department at the University of Utah and medical advisor for the Celiac Disease Foundation, said, "If you develop bumps or blisters on your knees, elbows, hips, or hairline and experience intense itching, it could be a sign of dermatitis herpetiformis (DH), a skin manifestation of celiac disease." When celiac patients consume foods containing gluten, their immune system reacts by producing an antibody called immunoglobulin A (IgA). This IgA antibody moves to and binds with skin cells, causing an itching response. Patients must strictly adhere to a lifelong gluten-free diet. Continued intake of gluten can lead to malnutrition, anemia, bone loss, ulcerative colitis, and even cancer.

 

Lymphoma=

 

Associate Professor Suoji from Yale University said, "Itching can appear in 5% to 30% of lymphomas such as Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma." Whether or not there is a rash, itching can be the first symptom of Hodgkin's disease. It is likely caused by cytokines, cellular signaling molecules that respond to infection and induce inflammation. If lymphoma is suspected, a chest X-ray can be taken. After being diagnosed with lymphoma and starting chemotherapy or radiation therapy, the itching usually stops soon.

Thyroid disease=

 

Thyroid disease, whether hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, can cause abnormal sensations in the skin. Associate Professor Roksah at Mount Sinai Hospital said, "Changes in sweat glands can dry out the skin," and "The skin contains thyroid hormone receptors, which decrease cellular activity when thyroid hormones are absent. This is why itching and dry skin are more common in patients with hypothyroidism."

Allergy=

 

Allergies are one of the common chronic diseases. Skin allergies are contact dermatitis that causes itchy rashes on the skin when exposed to allergenic substances. Compounds found in personal hygiene products such as baby wipes and cosmetics are some of the allergens that cause contact dermatitis. If itching is only present in the eyes, it may be a sign of eyelid dermatitis. Dermatologists and allergy specialists can identify allergenic factors through patch testing. To alleviate symptoms, potent topical steroids may be prescribed.

Menopause=

 

During menopause (climacteric), women may experience sudden changes in appearance such as dry and itchy skin. When estrogen, an essential component for collagen production, decreases, the supply of natural oils that retain skin moisture also diminishes. Dr. Sherry Ross, a gynecologist, said, "Because of this, the skin becomes thinner and more itchy." Applying aloe vera gel or calamine lotion to the outermost layer of the skin can help alleviate dryness and itching.

Breast cancer=

 

Paget's disease of the breast is a type of breast cancer characterized by the accumulation of cancer cells within the nipple and surrounding area. According to the National Cancer Institute of the United States, Paget's disease accounts for less than 5% of all breast cancers. The first sign is the appearance of scaly, red, itchy patches around the nipple and areola. Dr. Suoji mentioned, "It is sometimes misdiagnosed as nipple eczema." It can also occur in cases related to breast cancer.

Pregnancy=

 

Among 150 pregnant women, one may develop a red rash called "Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy (PUPPP)." This can also appear on the legs and arms. Generally, until the late third trimester when most medications cannot be taken, the rash does not occur. Because of this, no specific measures can be taken for the itching. Dermatologist Dr. Rosi said, "Even women who have been pregnant multiple times can develop Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques." Fortunately, this symptom is harmless and disappears on its own.