ITCHING - Treatment

The treatment of itching depends on the actual cause. A history dealing with general health and possible exposure to irritating agents is important. A careful physical examination is performed, often including a test of the urine. Occasionally blood tests and other investigations are also required. 

Anything that could be making the skin more itchy should be avoided, especially rough woollen materials against the skin. 

Repeated scratching should also be resisted as it frequently sets off a scratch-itch cycle. A variety of topical preparations like calamine lotion are available, but these can sometimes cause excessive drying of the skin. If an itching skin condition is being aggravated by emotional stress, this may require treatment as well. 

If the skin is dry, bath oils and other emollients can help by putting moisture back into the skin; this often produces great improvement in older patients with itchy skin. When the skin is acutely inflamed, cortisone creams are often very effective. However, they should only be used on the advice of your doctor, usually on a decreasing scale and for a specified period. When itching is very distressing, a course of oral medications such as non-sedating antihistamines may be necessary. Sometimes itches that do not settle require referral to a dermatologist.