Must-know Triggers of Itchy Skin

Must-know Triggers of Itchy Skin

Itchy skin is characterized by an uncomfortable and irritating sensation on the skin that creates an urge to scratch. Itching in itself is not a disease but a symptom. It could be triggered by parasitic infestations, fungal infections, sunburns, insect bites, dry skin, healing wounds, or an underlying skin disease like eczema. Depending on the cause, the patient’s skin may appear puffed up, rough, irregular, bumpy, or just the same.

Skin disease
Itchiness might be a result of skin disease. Some diseases affect the skin, causing rashes, inflammation, itchiness, or other unpleasant skin changes. They may be triggered by genetic factors, a poor lifestyle, or environmental factors. Irrespective, simple home remedies can help treat skin conditions in most cases. However, if the itching persists, one should check with the dermatologist to prevent the situation from worsening.

Seborrheic dermatitis
It is a rash that starts on the scalp and spreads around the eyebrows, beard, ears, neck, and sometimes around the chest. In rare cases, it also appears under the nostrils. The rash looks pink or purple and makes the affected area lighter than the surrounding skin. Seborrheic dermatitis causes the skin to become very itchy and inflamed.

Chickenpox
Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. It starts as a rash and then turns into itchy, fluid-filled blisters. The rash commonly appears on the face, chest, and back and then spreads throughout the body. Once the rash turns into blisters, it causes aggravated itching around the affected areas. After a few days, the blisters heal and form scabs. Chickenpox mainly affects children and can be managed with simple home remedies and mild treatments.

Ringworm
This is a skin infection caused by fungus. Ringworms can appear anywhere on the body and are intensely itchy and painful. Affected people develop ring-shaped rashes with raised, worm-shaped borders. Other signs include darkening of the skin and scaly patches.

Hives
Hives cause bumps or raised patches or both on the skin. These bumps and raised patches appear suddenly, are itchy, and may be inflamed. Several factors, including foods, environmental irritants, and specific treatments, could trigger them.

Allergies
Allergies and skin reactions are common health concerns. If a person mistakenly eats or smells something they are allergic to, it might lead to several symptoms, including irritated skin. In worse cases, it can lead to skin reactions that need to be reviewed by a doctor immediately. A common form of allergic reaction is an IgE-mediated food allergy, with signs like tingling or itching in the mouth and a raised, itchy red rash (hives). Sometimes, the skin turns itchy and red without a raised rash.

Parasitic infestations
Parasites are tiny living organisms that use other living things, like the human body, as hosts for food and a place to live. Parasitic infestations are caused due to contaminated food or water, a bug bite, or sexual contact. Some common examples are giardia infections (caused by contaminated water supply), toxoplasmosis (transmitted by cats), and malaria (caused by the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito). Some of these can be cured using simple home remedies, while others might require consulting a doctor.

Insect bites and stings
Humans come into contact with many living organisms every day. Some are friendly, while others are not. The bites and stings of specific insects and organisms can lead to skin infections, resulting in itchy skin. When an insect bites, it releases and leaves its saliva on the skin, which causes redness, irritation, and itchiness around the site. Some bites and stings are also venomous and can result in swollen and itchy skin and a red mark (a weal) at the affected area. The severity depends upon the type of insect and the one’s skin sensitivity level. Bites of bedbugs, mosquitoes, spiders, and flies can cause itchy skin; hence, one must always maintain a distance from them!

Fungal infections
A fungal infection, also called mycosis, can affect anyone and appear on different body parts. Some common examples are athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm, thrush, and vaginal yeast infections. Nearly all of these result in itchy skin but can be managed easily.

Hormonal changes
The unusual itching that occurs during pregnancy is mainly a result of hormonal changes in the body. Moreover, as the fetus grows, the abdomen’s skin is stretched, which also results in itchy skin. The same is the case with women going through menopause. When experiencing menopause, the body produces much lesser estrogen, resulting in lower production of collagen and natural oils, which causes dry and itchy skin.

Systematic conditions
Itchiness can also arise when one does not follow a well-balanced meal plan, a good sleep schedule, or when one’s internal organs are in poor condition due to harmful lifestyle practices. These habits can lead to systematic health conditions that affect the entire body instead of specific parts. Examples include high blood pressure and arthritic swelling.

Poor self-hygiene
One might be the healthiest person on the inside, but not maintaining basic personal hygiene might lead to skin diseases sooner or later. The list includes conditions like dandruff and eczema, which cause itchy skin on the scalp and body. Maintaining personal hygiene is not as challenging as it appears. A few tips include bathing regularly, washing hands, and wearing clean clothes. These practices can help avoid itchy skin and other skin diseases.

As is evident, itchy skin can be caused by various reasons. While triggers like allergies are avoidable, specific skin diseases are hard to prevent. Irrespective, individuals must take steps to maintain skin health. One can follow a healthy lifestyle and visit a doctor or another professional to learn more about healthy practices to achieve better skin and overall health in the long run.

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Foods to Eat and Avoid for Optimal Kidney Health

Kidneys help filter waste from the blood and dispose of it off the body via urine. They also help balance the electrolyte and fluid levels in the body. But, conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes may intervene with their ability to work as required. Furthermore, damage to the kidney might also result in chronic kidney disease. Hence making changes in your meal plan is a vital aspect of treatment. You can prevent damage to these organs by following a kidney-healthy meal plan. Below, we will address some foods to eat and avoid for better kidney health. Foods to eat Cauliflower Cauliflower is a nutritious vegetable. It's an excellent source of folate, Vitamins B, K, and C. It's rich in anti-inflammatory compounds like indoles, a fiber source. In addition, you can use mashed cauliflower as a replacement for potatoes. For example, a cup of cooked cauliflower has 40 mg of phosphorous, 176 mg of potassium, and 19 mg of sodium. Sweet potatoes They are relatively similar to white potatoes but have more fiber content, resulting in them breaking down more gradually. Hence, you will experience a less spike in insulin levels. Sweet potatoes are also rich in vitamins and minerals like potassium that help balance the sodium levels in the body and lower their impact on the kidneys. But, since sweet potatoes have a high potassium content, people on dialysis or those with CKD should curtail the intake of this vegetable. Red bell peppers They are rich in flavor and low in potassium, but that is not the sole reason they are considered a hit among people with kidney disease. Red bell peppers have Vitamin C and A sources and are also high in fiber, folic acid, and B6 vitamin content. In addition, red bell peppers are also suitable because they have lycopene, an antioxidant that shields against some cancers. You can eat them raw with a dip, mix them into your salad, or enjoy them as an appetizer. Some people also like roasting bell peppers and using them as a topping for lettuce salads or sandwiches. Olive oil It contains healthy fat and has anti-inflammatory properties. Since it is monosaturated fat, it stays stable even at higher temperatures as you cook. Thus, switching to extra virgin olive oil can give you more antioxidants while you still enjoy your favorite dish. Green vegetables Leafy veggies like spinach, kale, romaine, arugula, and cabbage are hydrating, low in calories, and have high antioxidant and vitamin content. If you wish to be cautious about your mineral levels, you must opt for cabbage and arugula, which are nutrient-rich and lower in sodium, potassium, phosphorous, and calcium. In addition, kale and spinach have a high potassium content, which is ok for people seeking to improve their kidney health, but best for those already dealing with chronic kidney disease. Blueberries They are called superfoods because they are rich in antioxidants and are a low-calorie Vitamin-C and fiber source. You can stock them in abundance from your local grocery store or farmer’s market. You can also shop for frozen berries in the off-season and enjoy healthy smoothies. People with kidney diseases can also eat other berries like raspberries, cranberries, and strawberries. Apples Apples are low in potassium and rich in fiber when you eat them with peel. They also have a natural anti-inflammatory effect and are ideal for your kidneys. Foods to avoid Soda Soda has zero nutritional benefits and instead has high sugar content. It only adds to the extra calories. Some studies link high soda consumption to conditions like kidney disease, osteoporosis, dental problems, and metabolic syndrome. If you opt for their lower calorie alternative like coke zero, even that will do you no good, as it has no nutritional value and contains artificial sweeteners and additives. Hence, you must omit soda and opt for healthy beverages like water. If you do not enjoy plain water, add a slice or two of fresh fruit for added flavor. Avocados Avocadoes are known for their many nutritious qualities. They are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and heart-healthy fats. Even though consuming avocado is often considered healthy, people with kidney disease must avoid it as avocados have a high potassium content. An average-sized avocado has about 690 mg of potassium. If you love the taste and do not want to eliminate it, you can reduce the portion size to only 1/4th of the avocado. In addition, it will lower potassium intake.  Salty foods Sodium or salt is one of the most prevalent inclusions in foods you consume daily. However, their density is higher in processed foods. Salt results in water retention and may cause blood pressure, lung, and heart disease. Healthy kidneys work towards maintaining the correct fluid balance in the body. So, if your kidneys do not function as desired, the fluid balance may be disturbed. Hence, you must curtail sodium-rich foods like processed foods, packaged items, and soy sauce. When cooking meals at home, opt for low-sodium alternatives. You can replace salt with spices and herbs and keep the salt shaker off the table. Dairy Dairy products like yogurt, cheese, ice cream, and milk are rich in protein, calcium, and other vital nutrients. They also contain potassium and phosphorous. People with stage three kidney disease might want to curtail their potassium, phosphorous, and protein intake, which is high in dairy. So, you can instead reach out for dairy alternatives like rice, soy, or almond milk as they have lower potassium, phosphorous, and protein content than cow’s milk. Bananas Though naturally low in sodium, bananas' potassium content is significantly high. So, to ensure your kidney disease does not aggravate, monitor your potassium intake, and it might be challenging if the banana is your staple. Conclusion Whatever you eat or drink will affect your health regardless of any health issue. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight and following a balanced meal plan are prerequisites to staying fit and controlling blood sugar levels. A kidney-healthy meal plan is less about eliminating certain foods but following portion control and finding a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

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Effective Remedies to Manage Dermatitis Itch

Dermatitis is a skin disorder characterized by inflammation and irritation of the skin. It can happen due to genetics, a highly active immune system, allergies, various irritants, and many more factors. It is a skin condition that is normally harmless to the body. It is not contagious, and symptoms usually vary from mild to severe depending on the cause. Anyone, young or old, can catch dermatitis, and several factors enhance the risk of getting the disease. Signs and symptoms of dermatitisThere are various types of dermatitis, and the symptoms largely depend on the type of disorder. For example, a person might have one type of dermatitis or many. Each dermatitis type shows one or sometimes multiple symptoms. They include itching, red rash, dry skin, blisters filled with fluid, ulcers, and thick, hard, and swollen skin. Most patients with dermatitis will experience itching as the first symptom. Many patients complain of itching as one of the worst things about dermatitis, as it sometimes becomes persistent and does not go away quickly. Dermatitis flares primarily get triggered by an itch–scratch cycle, where the itching causes scratching, which leads to the discharge of inflammatory mediators, resulting in dermatitis and dry skin. Causes of dermatitis itchItching is one of the most complicated symptoms of dermatitis. Several nerve pathways, chemical mechanisms, and other factors, such as faulty skin barrier, cause the itch. However, before knowing about different ways to manage dermatitis itch, it is advised to understand the causes of itch in detail. Modification of skin barrierIn dermatitis patients, the skin barrier changes compared to normal skin. While in normal skin, this barrier protects the inner skin from various irritants and restricts water loss from the body. But in dermatitis, this barrier alters the gene that regulates the skin barrier structure. For this, the level of the moisturizing agent decreases, and cells cannot keep water and start shrinking. All these cause dry skin and imperfect skin barrier that permits irritants and water loss from the skin. Dermatitis flaresThere is a collaborative network between the immune, skin, and nervous systems. The skin becomes red and swollen with dermatitis flares, resulting in itching. Inflammation, caused by several chemical mediators, leads to enhanced blood flow, causing the itch. SweatingExcessive sweating also causes itching and aggravates dermatitis. It is because of the changed sensation in the nerve endings of the sweat gland. Neuropeptides are the chemical mediators that control the sweat gland. People with dermatitis will have more neuropeptides compared to people who do not have the condition. Environmental factorsSome known triggers of dermatitis itching include soaps, detergents, house cleaning products, perfumes, synthetic clothing, animal dander, household dust mites, temperature change, cement, latex, and grass pollen. Scratching and rubbing the affected area might worsen itching. Excessive scratching might lead to bleeding and increase the risks of infection. Here are a few ways to manage dermatitis itch and soothe the skin Ways to manage the dermatitis itch Cool compressGo for a rapid compress for cooling your skin by dampening any washcloth or gauze using cold water. One can use an ice pack or a pack of frozen vegetables such as peas for deep relief. It will numb the specific area but takes about 10 minutes to work. AcupressureResearch indicates that putting pressure on specific spots on your arms helps ease dermatitis itch at any place in your body. To achieve it, bend your left-hand side arm and keep your right hand on the outer part of the elbow crook. Now feel for the top part of your forearm muscles. Massage using your fingertip for about 3 minutes by taking some deep breaths. Bleach bathBathing by using dilute bleach helps in decreasing bacteria on your skin and fighting infections. Add about ½ cup of bleaching powder used in your home in water in your bathtub. Soak your affected body part for 10 minutes. However, make sure not to immerse your head in this bleached water. Once completed, rinse and dry yourself and then moisturize. Taking a bleach bath twice or thrice a week will help. Using a thick moisturizerInstead of thin body lotions, go for some thick moisturizer as it helps manage itching in dermatitis. While shopping, you can check the label for terms such as "barrier cream" or "skin repair." Petroleum jelly will also work if you are looking for some budget options. Oils in your kitchenSome of the oils in your kitchen help manage dermatitis itch. One such oil is sunflower seed oil, which helps soften the skin and is cheaper. Coconut oil also helps in decreasing inflammation and has a nourishing effect. Get coconut oil products with the term 'virgin' written on the label because it means it's an oil that has been treated without losing its healing abilities. HumidifierIf the air in your house is hot and dry, it will dehydrate your sensitive skin and worsen itching and peeling. A good home humidifier helps add moisture to the air inside your home. However, it's necessary to keep the humidifier clean to prohibit the growth of fungi and bacteria. Use hydrocortisoneApplying hydrocortisone in the affected area will prevent the itching from worsening. However, avoid overdoing it as it involves certain side effects. Seek a health expert's advice before proceeding with this remedy. Opt for smooth cotton clothingYou can decrease skin itching by letting go of all kinds of clothing that are rough, scratchy, or made of wool. Always wear cotton clothing in case the weather is hot or during exercise to prevent excessive sweating. Lower stress and anxietyStress and anxiety tend to aggravate dermatitis. Recognizing it and making an attempt to enhance your emotional health helps. For example, try doing meditation or breathing exercises to fight stress. Clip fingernailsWhile sleeping, if your fingernails try scratching the itchy regions, then keep your nails trimmed, or use cotton gloves to avoid scratching. Consult a good dermatologistA good dermatologist can help you make an effective treatment plan that works best for you. With a dermatitis-friendly skincare regime, itching trigger management, and proper medications, it's easy to manage itchy skin. Dermatitis is a skin condition that causes discomfort and usually varies in severity. It arises differently based on various factors like age, skin tone, etc. Even if there is no permanent cure, treating and preventing its most common and irritating symptom – itching can help decrease dermatitis risks.

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