Itching: What is it? Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

, extreme dryness of the skin or the bite of an insect. In addition to being a typical symptom of skin problems, in some cases, itching can signal the presence of more severe systemic diseases.

Depending on the cause, the itchy sensation may be associated with other symptoms, including burning, swelling, blistering, numbness, or tingling.

Itching can cause significant discomfort; if intense and persistent, it induces in the sufferer the desire or reflex to scratch, so it can predispose to complications such as abrasions or secondary infections.

Given the wide spectrum of possible causes, the characteristics of itching and the onset of this symptom in relation to other manifestations are important for the differential diagnosis. Depending on the cause, itching can be cured with a specific and targeted treatment.

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, diabetes, uremia, neurological disorders and blood circulation problems. Itching can also appear in conjunction with situations of high stress.

Numerous chemical mediators and different mechanisms combine to induce, transmit and maintain this sensation. A complex system of regulation and conduction of the stimulus through fibers and nerve receptors of various types intervenes, in fact, in the processing of itching by the central nervous system.

Histamine is one of the most significant mediators and, historically, is considered the "itch molecule." This is synthesized and stored in skin mast cells and is released in response to various stimuli (eg allergens, side reaction of certain drugs, etc.). Among the substances involved in the genesis and maintenance of itching are cytokines, interleukins, serotonin, proteases, bradykinin, opioid peptides, substance P and many others.