BODY ITCH

Several years back we had been to Coimbatore to attend a marriage. We were sheltered in an unused bungalow. In the toilet closet hundreds of cockroaches used to emerge while using the same. 

After this event my wife started suffering from itch all over her body. We consulted two skin doctors and followed their instructions. But no relief. So I decided to read all details in medical books in itch. I am sharing my knowledge with you.

Inching is a sensation which produces involuntary desire to scratch instantaneously. It is unlike the sensation arising out of pain. In the latter case the immediate reaction is to withdraw instantly.

A man scratching his back

Nerve fibers for both itch and pain originate from skin. Scratching is the desired action to get rid of itch. Most people feel scratching as pleasurable. Sensation of itch can be eliminated by several painful sensations such as rubbing, scratching, chemical ointments and electric shock. 

Causes:

Allergic reaction due to contact with specific chemicals, body louse found in substandard living condition, head lice, mosquito bites and dry skin are most causes. Diabetes causing high blood sugar over a long period, over activity of parathyroid glands, iron deficiency, internal cancer, menopause, thyroid illness are also the causes contributing to itch.

Itch originating  in the skin is known as pruritoceptive which can be induced by various stimuli such as mechanical, thermal, chemical and electrical stimulation. Itch receptors are found only on the top of two skin layers.

Swimere's itch

Neuropathic itch can originate at any point as a result of damage of the nervous system. Itch induced centrally without neural damage is due to accumulation of chemicals.

Itch is also associated with psychiatric disorders such as hallucinations, delusions and obsessive compulsory disorders.