![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/vp-comp-itchy.jpg\")
<\/p>\nWHEN an itch strikes, it can be hard to ignore – but frustrating if it\u2019s somewhere you can\u2019t get to.<\/p>\n
But what do these itches mean? And can they reveal more about our health than we may think?<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Before you worry, do keep in mind that itching IS normal.<\/p>\n
Dr Ross Perr, GP & Medical Director of Cosmedics skin clinics, explains: \u201cItching is normal for all of us; sometimes it\u2019s something we do out of habit, or merely a piece of clothing which is irritating us causing us to itch.<\/p>\n
\u201cStress and anxiety may also cause individuals to itch random parts of the body without even realising they\u2019re doing it.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cScientifically, an itch usually happens following a simple touch on the hairy parts of our bodies; our natural reaction is to move our hand to the source and scratch. This is also our body\u2019s way of attempting to protect us from damage to the skin from insects and parasites.\u201d<\/p>\n
Keen to know what your itch might mean? Dr Perr reveals the in and outs\u2026<\/p>\n Cause: <\/strong>Dandruff, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, head lice, not rising shampoo or conditioner properly<\/p>\n Dr Perr says: \u201cHaving dandruff is treatable with anti-dandruff shampoos which will also help with the itching.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cEczema and psoriasis can be harder to manage and is often genetic.<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cHowever, your GP should be able to advise you on moisturising creams and ointments to alleviate symptoms, and depending on the severity, oral medication.\u201d<\/p>\n According to the NHS, \u2018psoriasis typically causes patches of skin that are dry and covered in scales\u2019. These patches can look pink or red, and the scales white or silvery – but on brown or black skin, the patches can also look purple or dark brown, and the scales may look grey.<\/p>\n Dr Perr adds that for seborrheic dermatitis, which causes scaly patches and dandruff, a corticosteroid lotion will help.<\/p>\n \u201cAgain seek the advice from your GP.\u201d<\/p>\n He adds: \u201cHead lice can cause one of the worst itching to the scalp but is entirely treatable with over-the-counter targeted chemical treatments to kill the lice.\u201d<\/p>\n Cause:<\/strong> Dry skin, athlete\u2019s foot, eczema, contact dermatitis, scabies, diabetes, liver disease and kidney disease<\/p>\n Use a thick moisturise after showering or taking a bath to see if the culprit is simply dry skin.\u00a0<\/p>\n Speaking of Athlete's Foot, Dr Perr says it is a contagious fungal infection, which often affects in-between the toes but can also occur all over the feet.<\/p>\n \u201cAntifungal medications will help or topical corticosteroids which will help reduce the inflammation,\u201d he says.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cUnfortunately there is no real cure for eczema but symptoms and irritation can be managed with creams and ointments.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cHaving psoriasis on the feet can also be really itchy; it\u2019s an autoimmune condition which can\u2019t be cured but helped with creams and lotions. You can speak to your pharmacist or GP for recommendations."<\/p>\n Dr Perr says contact dermatitis – if your feet make contact with an irritant or allergen – is \u201cnormally short lived once the route of the allergen is identified and can be treated with oral or topical corticosteroids\u201d.<\/p>\n Scabies are tiny mites which burrow into the skin, including the soles of the feet producing an itchy rash. It is generally treated with topical creams or oral medication.\u00a0<\/p>\n Because some of the causes of itchy feet are more serious, such as diabetes, \u201calways speak to your GP\u201d, Dr Perr says.<\/p>\n Cause:<\/strong> Allergen, oral thrush and smoking<\/p>\n An itchy tongue can be incredibly infuriating.<\/p>\n Allergies – due to inhaling pollen or eating types of raw fruits, vegetables and tree nuts – can be rid of by rinsing your mouth with water and in a worst-case scenario, taking an antihistamine.<\/p>\n Oral thrush is more common in babies and older adults with dentures. It more rarely occurs in healthy adults.<\/p>\n Dr Perr says: \u201cTo avoid having an itchy tongue, watch your diet and practise good oral hygiene, remembering to clean your tongue as well as your teeth.\u201d<\/p>\n Causes:<\/strong> Irritants, bacterial and yeast infections, STIs, diabetes, psoriasis, menopause, cancer<\/p>\n Endless scratching down below isn\u2019t a good look. But, there could be a very simple reason behind it.<\/p>\n Dr Perr says: \u201cAt some point most women will suffer with an itchy vagina which can be due to a number of reasons. Simple irritations from clothing, soap and shower gels are top of the list.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n You may want to test a different soap, shower gel or even detergent, to see if the itching subsides.<\/p>\n It's important for women to keep the vulva clean, but they should be careful to not get soap inside the vagina, as this can make things worse.<\/p>\n Men should pull back the foreskin of their penis to keep it clean.<\/p>\n Both men and women can get thrush, which can be a repeated issue for those with diabetes. <\/p>\n Alongside itching and a white, thick discharge, women may experience pain when peeing or during sex, while men may have burning and redness on the head of the penis and difficulty pulling back the foreskin.<\/p>\n \u201cA simple over the counter treatment will normally clear this up in 24 hours,\u201d says Dr Perr.<\/p>\n \u201cFor other forms of yeast infections, it\u2019s best to speak to your GP who may want to take a swab to determine the best course of treatment ranging from creams to antibiotics. Most STIs will also require antibiotics."<\/p>\n STIs that cause itching include chlamydia, genital herpes and genital warts.<\/p>\n Women may experience vaginal itching (as well as dryness or irritation) due to menopause. An oestrogen cream can help.<\/p>\n Dr Perr adds: \u201cIn more serious cases, cancer of the vulva can cause vaginal itching and is often accompanied by pain or soreness, an open sore or growth, a mole or a swelling on the vulva.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cAlways see your GP if you\u2019re concerned, as they will run tests.\u201d<\/p>\n Cause:<\/strong> IBS, constipation, haemorrhoids, threadworms, diabetes, kidney failure and an overactive thyroid<\/p>\n \u201cAnal itching is also really common and can be down to something simple such as not wiping properly,\u201d says Dr Perr.<\/p>\n He adds that whilst medical care is not normally needed, you need to seek advice if the itching becomes constant and unbearable, you have bleeding or signs of an infection.<\/p>\n Haemorrhoids can cause blood in your stools and\/or you may even feel small bumps around the edges of your anus.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cHaemorrhoids can often be treated with a simple over the counter ointment, and in worse case scenarios a small medical procedure,\u201d says Dr Perr.<\/p>\n Constipation can cause haemorrhoids, so if you\u2019re struggling to \u2018go\u2019, don\u2019t ignore the issue.<\/p>\n Dr Perr says: \u201cA good diet packed full of fibre will help to ensure bowels are emptied properly, alongside drinking plenty of water and fluids.\u201d<\/p>\n If you\u2019re dealing with threadworms you may spot worms in your poo and feel itchy at night.<\/p>\n \u201cCreams, ointments and tablets can be prescribed over the counter to treat threadworms,\u201d says Dr Perr.<\/p>\n \u201cIn more serious cases, having an itchy bottom can be due to diabetes, kidney failure and an overactive thyroid.\u201d<\/p>\n Book an appointment with your GP if you suspect it may be something more serious.<\/p>\n Causes:<\/strong> Bra, eczema, psoriasis, breast cancer\u00a0<\/p>\n Many of the causes of itchy boobs is \u201ctreatable with creams,\u201d says Dr Perr.<\/p>\n But he adds: \u201cHowever, on occasion, itching on the breasts can be a sign of breast cancer.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThe itching will usually be accompanied by some redness, tenderness and a possible rash.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cIf itching is persistent and includes one of the above, seek advice from your GP immediately.\u201d<\/p>\n Causes:<\/strong> Dry skin, skin conditions, ageing, insect bite<\/p>\n Dry skin could be caused by environmental factors, a change in weather, using water which is too hot, or a cleanser which is stripping the skin.<\/p>\n \u201cA good moisturiser will normally do the trick,\u201d says Dr Perr.<\/p>\n \u201cOther causes of an itchy face can be eczema and psoriasis, both conditions which are extremely itchy and uncomfortable.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cYour GP will be able to help alleviate symptoms with creams.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cAs we age, the skin gets thinner and retains less moisture which can also result in having dry, itchy skin. Again, switch up your moisturiser to one which is thicker in consistency during winter.\u201d<\/p>\n Still itchy? \u201cOther symptoms of an itchy face can be a bite. Antihistamines and over the counter pain relief will help to reduce swelling, irritation and possible infection,\u201d explains Dr Perr.<\/p>\n Cause:<\/strong> Allergy, a cold, sinusitis, tumour\u00a0<\/p>\n Most commonly, an itchy nose is due to an allergy such as pollen, pet hair and dust, which Dr Perr says is normally very easy to treat with either antihistamines or decongestant nasal sprays.<\/p>\n But Dr Perr adds: \u201cHaving an itchy nose can also be a sign you\u2019re about to get a cold; the itch will often become a sneeze or several.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWhen germs that cause colds infect the nose and sinuses, we try to flush them out with mucus or a sneeze, and this causes itchiness.\u201d<\/p>\n Another possible reason behind an itchy nose is sinusitis.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is when the nasal passages become inflamed and swollen and will often be accompanied by a blocked nose, tiredness and difficulty breathing through the nose,\u201d says Dr Perr.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cUnfortunately, it can last up to 12 weeks but is treatable.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/NINTCHDBPICT000321707039.jpg\")
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