Signs of itching, what it is like
Itching is a painful, tickling sensation that covers large areas of the human body. Itching often makes it difficult to sleep and concentrate. Everyone wants to get rid of this feeling, but there is no need to rush, you should conduct an analysis and find out where it could have come from.
Itching varies in severity by:
- Generalized, which appears in one place and does not spread further.
- Localized spreads throughout the body.
- Dermatological appears for various reasons.
- Systemic manifests itself in diseases of the liver and kidneys.
- Psychogenic occurs during stressful situations.
- Neuropathic appears due to diseases of the nervous system.
- Aquagenic appears when a person comes into contact with water.
- Reflex occurs in emotional people.
- High altitude appears when a person climbs to a height.
The article presents the most effective ointments for itchy skin.
Frequency of development of itching in skin diseases | |
Diagnosis | Frequency |
Dermatitis | 100% |
Psoriasis | 84% |
Herpes | 58% |
Kidney diseases | 22% |
Cirrhosis | 80% |
Diabetes | 3% |
Hyperthyroidism | 7,5% |
The desire to scratch appears due to a rush of blood to the receptors that are located in the upper layers of the skin. The blood contains hormones and waste products that irritate the receptors. If these compounds are released into the blood in large quantities, this indicates some kind of disturbance in the body. There are several groups that can cause itching.
Dermatological diseases
Such diseases have several signs:
- burning and itching;
- blisters;
- swelling;
- the appearance of scales.
There are several types of dermatological diseases:
- neurodermatitis;
- pediculosis;
- folliculitis;
- lichen planus;
- dermatitis.
Internal diseases
Itching can appear not only due to skin diseases, but also due to diseases of the internal organs:
- Liver itching. There are intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholestasis. It appears due to impaired outflow of bile.
- Kidney itching. Appears all over the body or in one place and can be very strong.
- Thyroid diseases. In this case, the skin itches due to strong blood flow to the epidermis.
- Blood disease. The itching in this case can be constant and localized.
- Avitaminosis. Appears on the skin in the form of acne, which constantly itch.
- Helminths. The whole body itches and a small rash appears.
Physiological reasons
Physiological itching appears in response to natural environmental irritants.
It is short-lived, stops quickly and can appear due to:
- dry skin;
- long-term exposure to UV radiation;
- insect bites;
- temperature changes;
- skin irritation from sweat.
Infection
An infection in the form of itching on the skin can be caused by a mite. In this case, the itching may become stronger after taking water procedures. If you look closely at the skin, it will have whitish lines, this is an itch process, at the end of which there is a mite (microscopic dark dot). Other infectious options include chicken pox and herpes.
Top 10 drugs from the pharmacy
Antipruritic ointments for the skin can today be purchased at various pharmacies in different regions. It is recommended to use them only as prescribed by a doctor, which will significantly reduce the risk of complications. Many products come in the form of gels, but patients also call them ointments.
Fenistil
A popular product based on dimethindene maleate. The drug has pronounced antihistamine properties, helps eliminate not only itching, burning, but also rashes of allergic origin. The medicine is available in the form of a gel for external use.
Prescribed for various skin diseases:
- Dermatitis and dermatosis.
- Eczema at different stages of development.
- Itching as a result of patient contact with various toxic substances.
- Acute urticaria.
- Food allergy or reaction to the use of any medications.
- Insect bites.
The product is used in short courses of 3-7 days. Every day, the skin in the affected area is treated with a thin layer of gel 2 to 4 times a day. The drug is contraindicated in case of intolerance to the components in its composition, angle-closure glaucoma, or when carrying a child.
The drug is not prescribed to patients under 1 month of age; it is used with caution in the treatment of children under 2 years of age and women during lactation. The drug can provoke complications in the form of severe swelling, rash and itching if the patient develops an allergy to its components. There have been no cases of drug overdose when used externally.
The drug is dispensed in pharmacies without a prescription from a doctor. The cost is approximately 320-450 rubles. depending on the volume of the tube.
Zinc ointment
A product based on zinc oxide, which has pronounced antipruritic, anti-inflammatory and regenerating properties. The drug eliminates itching due to its ability to suppress signs of the inflammatory process, and is prescribed primarily as part of complex therapy to increase its effectiveness.
The medication is available to patients in the form of an ointment and is available without a prescription from a doctor. Usually prescribed for diagnosing psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis. Use is allowed in case of minor damage to the skin, scratches, cuts. The drug additionally has antiviral activity, so it is used for itching caused by various viruses.
The medicine is used in courses of 1-3 weeks, depending on the severity of the symptoms of the underlying disease. Apply a thin layer of ointment to the affected area and rub in gently.
Zinc ointment is the cheapest antipruritic ointment for the skin
The procedure is repeated up to 4 times a day. External medication is contraindicated in case of allergies to its components, as well as the presence of foci of purulent infection on the tissues. In the treatment of children and pregnant women, the ointment is used with caution.
Violation of the instructions can provoke complications in the form of allergic manifestations on the skin, but such cases are rare.
An overdose can only develop with intentional or accidental ingestion of the ointment; it is accompanied by acute disorders of the digestive tract and requires immediate medical attention. The price of the medicine in different pharmacies ranges from 50-80 rubles. for the tuba.
D-Panthenol
Antipruritic ointments for the skin may contain components that have other properties. For example, the drug D-Panthenol is available in the form of ointment and cream for external use; it works due to the presence of dexpanthenol in the composition.
This component has not only antipruritic, but also regenerating, anti-inflammatory effects, which makes the drug universal for many diseases.
Doctors prescribe medicine for various dermatological pathologies:
- Dermatitis and dermatosis.
- Eczema.
- Itching due to varying degrees of sunburn.
- Skin injuries in the form of cuts, scratches.
- Boils on the body.
The medicine is used in short and long courses. Usually 10 days are enough to get results, but the course can be extended. The treatment is carried out 3-4 times a day, the ointment is applied in a thin layer and rubbed in gently. You can use the cream in the same way; it is absorbed faster and has a light texture.
The product very rarely provokes complications; they mainly appear on the skin if there is an allergy to the components. Overdose does not develop during therapy.
The medication in any form is contraindicated if you are allergic to its components. Use with caution during pregnancy, lactation, and under the age of 1 month. The drug is dispensed in pharmacies without presenting a prescription from a doctor. The cost of the ointment starts from 300 rubles.
Celestoderm B
A fairly popular drug in the form of an ointment for external use, which contains betamethasone as the main active ingredient. The substance belongs to the group of glucocorticosteroids, therefore it has pronounced antipruritic properties.
Additionally, the medicine has an anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous effect, which is important for patients suffering from dermatological diseases.
Unlike medications with a narrow spectrum of action, the drug has a long list of indications:
- Psoriasis and eczema in acute or chronic form.
- Neurodermatitis.
- Dermatitis of various forms, dermatosis.
- Itching of the skin as a result of a reaction to solar radiation.
- The occurrence of itching and accompanying manifestations against the background of age-related changes.
- Allergic pathologies, manifested by various symptoms on the skin.
The drug is often prescribed as part of complex treatment in order to increase its effectiveness or prevent the development of complications.
The treatment regimen involves using the medicine in short courses of 5-7 days with daily application of a thin layer of ointment to the affected areas 1-3 times a day. If necessary, repeat courses are carried out after a break of at least 2 weeks.
The medicine is not prescribed for intolerance to the components, for patients under 6 months, and for pregnant women. During breastfeeding, therapy should also be abandoned.
The external remedy rarely provokes complications, but they can manifest themselves in the form of stool upset, nausea, and headache. Sometimes allergic reactions develop. With an overdose, all manifestations are aggravated. The product is dispensed in pharmacies without a prescription, the cost is from 170 rubles.
Hydrocortisone ointment
Antipruritic ointments can have an effect due to the presence of hydrocortisone in the composition, like Hydrocortisone ointment. It is used for the skin to eliminate itching due to various disorders, has pronounced anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous properties, and stimulates tissue restoration. The medicine is available in the form of an ointment for external use.
The drug is prescribed for allergic itching, as well as for diagnosing psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis. Helps quickly eliminate itching and associated abnormalities. Apply the drug in a thin layer and rub in gently, repeat the procedure 2-3 times a day for 1 week.
The medicine is not used in case of intolerance to the components of the composition, during lactation and pregnancy. For patients under 18 years of age, the drug is rarely prescribed and with extreme caution.
The ointment is contraindicated in the presence of foci of purulent lesions on the skin. Violation of the instructions provokes complications in the form of swelling of the skin, severe itching and burning, as well as disorders of the digestive and nervous system.
An overdose does not develop when using the drug, but uncontrolled prolonged use can aggravate the condition. The ointment is sold in pharmacies without a prescription form, its price starts at 60 rubles.
Sinaflan
A fluocinolone acetonide-based medicine available in the form of an ointment for external use. The medication belongs to the group of glucocorticosteroids, therefore it has not only antipruritic, but also anti-inflammatory, decongestant, and antiallergic effects.
The product is used for itching of allergic and inflammatory origin, as well as in cases of dermatitis, dry skin, and after insect bites. The medicine alleviates the condition and prevents re-exacerbation of symptoms. Apply a thin layer of it to the affected areas and rub in gently. Repeat the manipulation 2 to 4 times a day. Therapy lasts no more than 2 weeks.
The medicine is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation, allergies to the components of the composition, varicose veins of the lower extremities. It is not prescribed when a purulent lesion forms at the site of the lesion.
If the instructions are not followed, patients experience headache, sleep disturbance, and loss of appetite. A rash, areas of irritation and peeling may appear on the skin. With prolonged use of the ointment, an overdose develops, accompanied by a deterioration in the general condition.
The cost of the medicine in different pharmacies is approximately 40-70 rubles. It is dispensed without a prescription from a doctor.
Psilo-Balm
A medicine with antipruritic properties, which is available to patients in the form of a gel for external use. The medication contains diphenhydramine hydrochloride. This component is an antihistamine and helps eliminate itching, as well as pain, irritation, and swelling.
The drug is prescribed for dermatitis of allergic origin, as well as for itching with unspecified causes. The gel is often used to eliminate the consequences of insect bites, when diagnosing eczema and chickenpox. Apply it in small quantities to the lesion and rub in gently. Manipulations are carried out from 2 to 5 times a day, depending on the severity of the manifestations. Treatment lasts up to 14 days.
The drug can provoke complications in the form of allergies to the components of the composition, as well as deterioration in the functioning of the digestive tract. Overdose does not develop during treatment. The medication is not used in case of allergies to the components; it is prescribed with caution to children, adolescents and pregnant women.
You can buy it in pharmacies without a prescription, the price starts at 250 rubles.
Advantan
Antipruritic skin ointments based on methylprednisolone are considered the most effective and relatively safe. For example, the drug Advantan has an antipruritic effect precisely due to the presence of this component in the composition. It also relieves swelling and helps improve tissue condition.
The medicine is available in the form of ointment and cream for external use. The ointment is indicated for dermatitis of various forms, itching of unspecified origin, and eczema. Can be used for dermatoses and insect bites. The therapeutic course lasts up to 10 days, daily the lesions are treated with a thin layer of ointment 2 times. Therapy can be extended to 4-12 weeks if necessary.
The product has contraindications:
- The patient's age is up to 4 months.
- Allergic reactions to components in the medicine.
- The period after vaccination.
- Rosacea.
- Viral skin pathologies.
- The presence of syphilitic or tuberculous lesions at the site of the lesion.
The drug is rarely prescribed during lactation and pregnancy. It can provoke allergic reactions, but doctors have not recorded cases of overdose. Allergies manifest themselves with standard symptoms. To purchase the medicine, you do not need a prescription; the price is 500-600 rubles.
Akriderm
A popular ointment for external use, which has an effect due to the presence of betamethasone in the composition. The medicine eliminates itching, burning and flaking of the skin, and helps prevent the recurrence of symptoms.
The drug additionally eliminates swelling and improves tissue nutrition. It is used for skin itching, psoriasis, and eczema. The medicine is indicated for dermatitis and dermatosis. The course of therapy lasts from 1 to 3 weeks, the lesions are treated 2-3 times a day.
Do not use the medicine if you are intolerant of its components, during pregnancy and lactation. The drug is prescribed to children and adolescents with caution, but it is contraindicated under 1 year of age. The presence of acne vulgaris, purulent or viral lesions, or open wounds is considered a reason to refuse therapy.
The drug leads to various complications quite rarely. Most often, patients show signs of an allergic reaction, but an overdose does not develop. The cost of the medicine starts from 100 rubles, dispensed in pharmacies only by prescription.
Triderm
A drug in the form of an ointment for external use, which has several properties due to its combined composition. It contains a glucocorticosteroid component in the form of betamethasone, as well as gentamicin and clotrimazole.
Gentamicin has antibacterial properties, clotrimazole fights various fungi on the surface of the skin. The drug not only eliminates itching, but also relieves inflammation, swelling, and has antifungal properties. It is prescribed for dermatitis and candidiasis, accompanied by signs of inflammation, itching of allergic and other origins.
The medicine is applied to the lesions in a thin layer and rubbed in gently. Treatment is carried out for 2-4 weeks in the morning and evening. The medicine is not prescribed for viral origin of the disease, intolerance to the components, or under the age of 2 years. The ointment is also not prescribed to pregnant and lactating women, as well as to patients diagnosed with syphilis and skin tuberculosis.
During treatment, complications may occur in the form of nausea, vomiting, and stool disorders. Allergic reactions are common. Overdose does not occur during therapy. You can purchase the medicine in pharmacies without a prescription, the price starts at 650 rubles.
Antipruritic ointments are considered the most effective for the skin, as they act quite quickly after application. However, a doctor should select them, taking into account the cause of itching and associated abnormalities.
Classification of ointments for itching of the skin
Ointments for itchy skin in adults are of the following types:
- Anesthetics. They contain active substances that provide an anti-inflammatory effect. They are used for mild itching, which can be caused by bites of various insects.
- Antihistamines. Eliminate swelling and inflammation and improve skin condition.
- Antifungal. Prescribed when itching is a consequence of infection.
- Non-hormonal ointments. They have a disinfecting effect that accelerates the process of skin restoration.
- Hormonal. Potent remedies for inflammation and allergic skin manifestations.
For eczema
For weeping wounds or dry damaged areas of the skin, an ointment for eczema helps, coping with the symptoms of itching and increasing tissue regeneration:
- Sinaf – contains glucocorticosteroids, relieves inflammation. Can be used from two years of age.
- Iricar is a homeopathic remedy that returns skin physiology to normal and treats any eczema.
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Zinc ointment
A proven remedy for getting rid of itching is zinc ointment for eczema, containing 10% of the active substance zinc oxide. At a concentration of 25% it is already called a paste and has a thicker consistency. The product dries, adsorbs and disinfects wounds, treats weeping eczema at the height of the inflammatory process. The damaged area is treated with an antiseptic, dried, and ointment is applied on top. The drug is used up to four times a day.
Folk remedies for itchy skin
Itching appears for various reasons, but if it is not associated with serious diseases, then folk remedies can help.
Herbal collection
You need to mix 1 tbsp. l. chamomile, lemon balm, mint and linden. Pour boiling water (1 l), leave for 20 minutes. Next, add 50 ml of honey to the solution and strain the finished tincture through cheesecloth. You need to take 50 ml 10 minutes before meals for 20 days.
Juniper
Pour crushed juniper with alcohol, leave in a dark place for 7 days and add 5 ml to the bath. These soothing baths should be taken every week and should not be used during pregnancy.
Series
2 tbsp. l string pour 100 ml of boiling water and brew for 15 minutes. Pour half the solution into the bath and sit in it for 10 minutes. Next, wipe the affected areas on the skin with a cotton swab and do not wipe.
Calendula and chamomile
1 tbsp. l. Boil these herbs in a water bath for 5 minutes. Cool the solution, pour it into the bath and sit in it for 30 minutes.
Soda
To prepare a bath with soda, you need to fill the bath with water and pour 1 tbsp into it. baking soda. Lie in such a bath for 30 minutes and let the skin dry without wiping.
Celandine
In the form of a decoction or tincture, celandine is an effective remedy against itching. It will take 1 tsp. celandine pour 1 tbsp. boiling water, leave for 15 minutes and strain. The resulting infusion should be used to wipe the affected areas of the skin and make compresses. A thick decoction of celandine is used for bathing.
Take 10 grams. plants and 100 ml of boiling water. You should take a bath for 15 minutes. You can also prepare an alcohol tincture from celandine. You will need 1 part herb and 5 parts vodka. Soak gauze in the solution and apply it to the itchy area for 15 minutes. To prevent skin irritation, the tincture is diluted with boiled water.
Honey
Honey has an antibacterial and wound-healing effect. For itching on the skin, apply a thin layer of honey, leave for 25 minutes and rinse with warm water.
Oatmeal and barley
2 tbsp. l. barley needs to be boiled in 1 liter of water, cooled, strained and used to irrigate the skin. Oatmeal should be diluted in water to a paste, mixed and applied to the affected areas. Itchy skin in adults and children interferes with enjoying life. Ointments prescribed by the doctor and folk remedies will help you quickly forget about this illness.