Relief at last: how to stop itching.

Why am I so itchy?

Itchy skin can stem from various causes. Here are some common ones:

• Dry skin. Often caused by cold weather, low humidity or hot showers, dry skin is a frequent culprit.
• Allergic reactions. Your body might react to foods, medications or environmental factors like pollen, causing itchiness.
• Insect bites. Mosquito bites and other bug bites are notorious for causing itchy spots.
• Skin conditions. Conditions like eczema (atopic dermatitis) and psoriasis can lead to chronic itching.
• Irritants. Soaps, detergents certain fabrics like wool or polyester, and even some metals can irritate your skin.
• Immune response. Reactions to substances like poison ivy can trigger intense itching.

Understanding the cause is the first step toward finding relief.

How to stop itching.

Here’s how you can stop itching and find relief:

• Moisturize regularly. Hydrate your skin with a good moisturizer, especially after bathing, to prevent dryness.
• Use cool compresses. A cool, damp cloth can provide quick relief for itchy skin.
• Avoid scratching. Scratching can worsen the itch and lead to skin inflammation. Instead, try gently patting or pressing the area.
• Oatmeal baths. Oatmeal baths can soothe and calm your skin. These products are available at most drugstores.
• Stay cool. Heat can make itching worse, so stay in a cool environment and wear light, breathable clothing.
• Over-the-counter creams. Anti-itch creams like hydrocortisone or calamine lotion can help reduce itching.

Itchy skin treatment.

If home remedies aren’t cutting it, here are some treatments that might help:

• Antihistamines. These can be effective if your itching is due to allergies. They help reduce your body’s allergic reactions and provide relief.
• Topical steroids. For more severe itching, topical steroids prescribed by a healthcare provider can reduce inflammation and itchiness.
• Medicated creams and lotions. There are various creams and lotions specifically designed to treat skin conditions that cause itching, such as eczema or psoriasis.
• Identify and avoid triggers. If specific foods or fabrics cause your itching, avoid them to prevent future episodes.
• Consult a healthcare provider. If your itching persists or is severe, it’s time to see a healthcare provider at your local CityMD urgent care. Self-diagnosis and self-treatment can be risky, as they may not address the underlying cause of your itching.

When should I be worried about itching?

While itching is often just a minor annoyance, there are times when it signals something more serious.

Here’s when you should consider seeing a healthcare provider for your itching.

Persistent itching. If your itching lasts more than a couple of weeks and doesn't improve with over-the-counter treatments or home remedies, it’s time to visit a healthcare provider. Persistent itching can indicate an underlying condition that needs medical attention.

Severe itching. Severe itching that disrupts daily activities or interferes with sleep is a cause for concern. It could indicate a more serious issue, such as an allergic reaction, a skin condition, or even a systemic illness.

Accompanying symptoms.

If your itching comes with other symptoms, it's important to pay attention.

Look out for:

• Rash or redness. This can indicate an allergic reaction, infection, or a skin condition like eczema or psoriasis.
• Fever. Itching combined with fever might signal an infection or another serious condition.
• Shortness of breath. Difficulty breathing along with itching could be a sign of a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, which needs immediate medical attention.
• Weight loss. Unexplained weight loss along with itching could point to a systemic condition like thyroid disease or certain cancers.
• Jaundice. Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) and itching can indicate liver problems.

Signs of infection.

If your itching is due to a bug bite or a scratch and the area becomes increasingly red, swollen, warm, or produces pus, it could be infected. Infections require prompt treatment to prevent complications.

If you’re concerned about your itching or if it’s interfering with your daily life, just walk into your neighborhood CityMD urgent care. See one of our healthcare providers for a timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Your health and comfort are our top priorities.

Why choose CityMD?

CityMD has you covered for all your urgent care needs. Whether you need a quick check-up or more detailed treatment, we’re here to help. Walk in when you need us and let us provide the support and relief you need.

Understanding the reasons behind itchy skin and knowing how to stop itching effectively can make a huge difference in your comfort. Don’t let chronic itch or skin irritation disrupt your life—visit your local CityMD for expert care and find relief today.