Pruritus, another name for itching, is a common skin condition that is frequently linked to infections. In many cases, itching may look like harmless discomfort, continuous scratching and itching may cause complications often associated with infectious skin problems or diseases.
In this blog, we shall discuss how itching can lead to skin infections, the mechanisms involved with the problem, and the remedies to help manage the condition.
Causes of skin itching in skin infections
Itching in the skin occurs when the nerve fibers are activated within the skin, recognized as pruriceptors. Such conditions may be triggered by:
- Allergies
- Xerosis or dry skin
- Inflammation of skin (psoriasis and eczema)
- Infections (which may be viral, bacterial, or fungal) may be treated through a Cephalexin Supplier such as Medzsupplier as Cephalexin helps treat bacterial infections through the body.
- Systematic ailments (such as kidney or liver problems)
Itching may cause scratching further damaging the barrier of the skin.
Itching scratching cycle and damage to the skin barrier
What happens when the skin has been scratched?
- Repeated itching and scratching may lead to micro-tears and the epidermis open wounds.
- Damaged skin is also often associated with the release of cytokines, that cause inflammation and make the itching worse.
- Broken skin often leads to pathogen invasions and is often affected by fungi and bacteria.
- Such conditions lead to the itching-scratching cycle making the skin condition even worse when a skin infection occurs.
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How can itching make skin infections worse?
- Regular scratching of the skin may cause the natural defense barrier of the skin. Due to this, deeper layers may allow the invasion of the bacteria and the viruses.
- Scratching may carry infectious agents throughout the body and spread the skin bacteria.
- Itching and scratching may delay the process of healing in skin infections often leading to severe infections making matters worse.
- Skin itching in skin infection may also cause chronic skin changes or problems. It may cause Lichenification, Hyperpigmentation, scarring, and even prolonged skin damage.
- Itching may affect the efficacy of the medications. Open wounds and skin inflammation may affect the efficacy of some antifungals, topical antibiotics, and corticosteroids.
What Itching skin problems cause skin infections?
Eczema: Staph aureus may affect the skin due to regular scratching.
Scabies: Infestation from the mites may often lead to severe itching, scratching of the skin may cause the mites to spread and also lead to the formation of secondary bacterial invasions causing skin infections.
Fungal Infections: Tinea or ringworm may often lead to severe itching. Scratching may also cause spreading of the spores.
Shingles and chickenpox: Bacterial infection may be a result of the scratching blisters.
Other causes of a skin infection
Medications, herbal supplements, and recreational drugs may also be responsible for itchy skin. Itchy skin may also indicate severe medical problems such as:
- Liver problems
- Kidney failure
- Blood disorder
- Overactive thyroid
- Nervous system illness
- Mental health illness
- Advanced stages of cancer
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Psychological impact
- Skin infections and chronic skin itching are not limited to physical abilities; they may also severely affect the mental health of an individual.
- It helps boost anxiety and stress, which may make itching worse.
- It may disturb sleep and affect the immunity of an individual making skin infections slow to heal.
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How do you manage skin itching and prevent skin infections?
Regular moisturizer: Dry skin may make skin itching worse. The use of hypoallergenic moisturizers that are free from fragrance may help.
Identify root cause: Underlying causes of skin infections and itching should be evaluated for the treatment of conditions such as fungal infections, eczema, scabies, etc. Timely diagnosis and treatment is important.
Anti-itch medicines: Topical creams like corticosteroids may help. Oral treatment may involve gabapentin, Antihistamines, immunosuppressants, etc. may be helpful.
Good hygiene: Proper hygiene must be practiced such as trimming of the nails, use of clean towels, etc. Scratching should be avoided.
Treatment of secondary infections: Redness, pain, swelling, and pus indicate secondary infections. Antifungals and antibiotics may be among the crucial treatments.
Hydration: In really dry conditions, utilizing a humidifier and drinking enough water may also be beneficial. Taking Quick showers and avoiding too hot water may be useful too. Mild soap should be used.
Itchy skin complications
Skin scratching may make it hard to avoid itching. The area of the skin may become even itchier after you have scratched the itchy skin. It is easy to fall into the trap of itching and scratching. It may not only be painful but also cause skin infections in case of broken skin. Itching and scratching may even cause pale and brown marks on lumps and skin. Scarring and bruising may be the result.
How to diagnose itchy skin?
Itchy skin may be diagnosed with the help of:
- Blood tests
- Skin biopsy
- Urine tests
- Stool tests
When to seek medical advice?
Skin infections and itching may turn out to be severe and alarming hence timely diagnosis and treatment are important. You must seek medical advice when:
- Itching is prolonged-lasting beyond 2 weeks without showing any improvement
- The skin has become swollen, red, and painful.
- There are indications of systemic infections such as chills and fever.
- The itching has become severe and worse and affects your sleep or daily routine
Final takeaway!
Itching is irritating and uncomfortable and may become severe when it is prolonged. Itching is one of the major factors that make the spread of skin infections even worse. It is important to manage the itch-scratch cycle to avoid discomfort and complications such as skin infections and chronic wounds. Proper skin care, early detection, treatment, and hygiene can help manage skin itching caused by skin infections and promote healthy skin.