Skin Itch Causes And Cures....
Itchy skin conditions are an age-old human problem. Not only for us humans but also the animal world gets that itch on the skin. Always amusing to see a horse rubbing its back or rump against a post for relief. We also try to find relief by rubbing and scratching the annoying itch and most times making it worse. The technical name for itchy skin is pruritus and it can have its cause in an insect bite with its redness or an internal health problem where the skin will appear normal but will still itch.
The chief known causes are dermatitis, excema and Psoriasis a chronic skin disorder. Skin problems from these sources effects up to 3% of the worlds population and is characterised by periodic flare-ups. Psoriasis has a silvery flaky scale and can be in the scalp or main skin areas. Most medical research indicates it has its source in overactive white blood cells, which produce too much of a protective chemical. Others link it to diet. Whatever the causes the effect is most distressing and sufferers have to try many avenues from cremes to food to combat the stress of it all.
Eczema is another cause of the skin itch and its causes also can be attributed to genetics and or diet. It will usually show up on the inner creases of the knees and elbows in young children and on the neck or face of babies. A recommended course of action for eczema is to use soaps and then creams that help keep moisture in the skin. Ceramide-containing moisturizers are a new breed of moisturizers that contain the same balance of lipids as your skin. Studies show that they help treat eczema, and they can be used by anyone with dry skin.
Most soap, especially bar soaps, dries the skin out. Liquid cleansers are much less damaging to the skin, but there are several types of liquid cleansers. The best are emollient-rich liquid cleansers that dry the skin out the least. People with eczema need good moisturisers that replenish the loss of natural oils from the skin. It is also important to have a moisturizer that doesn't irritate or the temptation to scratch will spoil any good effects.
The best moisturisers are those that contain alpha hydroxy acids that work well on scaly skin because alpha hydroxy acids are exfoliants. These moisturizers work well for people with mild eczema because they do not contain any irritating ingredients. They should not be used on areas with broken skin because they can sting. Also special care should be take if used on the facial area. In the facial area you should experiment with a small application to gauge effects before using freely in that area.
Cheers :)