Itching of the body without rash: causes - detailed information

Skin itching is the most common complaint with which patients come to see a dermatologist. In most cases, this symptom is accompanied by rashes, but with certain diseases, itching can be an isolated symptom. Sometimes the clinical picture is supplemented by burning and tingling, but itching remains the main sign and requires an extended examination. In rare cases, generalized itchy skin can be a symptom of malignant tumors, so do not postpone the visit to a specialist. Appoint the right treatment and eliminate the problem can only be after a thorough diagnosis and determine the cause that caused the emergence of unpleasant symptoms.

What is itching?

An itching is a feeling of burning or strong tingling in the surface layer of the epidermis. It can arise not only on the surface of the skin, but also in the mucous membranes. Frequently prone areas of the body, which are constantly in contact with the environment, often become dirty or are in a wet condition. For example, in full women, the problem area may be the space below the breast. This part of the body often sweats, and sweat is an excellent medium for multiplying the fungus and pathogenic bacteria that cause severe burning. Sometimes an unpleasant putrefactive smell may appear, but more often women complain only that the skin is scratched under the breast.

Itching can occur on the skin of the genitals, feet, elbows and knee bends and other areas. Such an itch is called localized, since it appears in a certain part of the body( it has a certain localization).Sometimes tingling and burning occurs on the entire surface of the body - this form of pathology is generalized.

By the time of onset and severity of the process, the itching can be:

• acute;
• chronic.

Provoking factors for acute itching are most often various allergens: animal hair, house plants, food, dust. Sometimes such a reaction arises with the use of certain medications, so people with poor tolerability of any synthetic components must be informed of the doctor about this.

Chronic itching can be a sign of some diseases, and most of them are not related to dermatology. Correctly identify the cause of discomfort will help a qualified doctor. You should start the examination with a visit to a therapist or dermatologist, according to the patient's testimony, additional studies and consultations of specialized specialists can be appointed: an endocrinologist, an immunologist, an allergist and a gastroenterologist.

Itching without rash: possible causes

If the itching is troubling for a long time, and there are no other signs of allergy( rash, lacrimation, reddening of the eye sclera), it is necessary to check the internal organs, as the causes of such symptoms can be very serious. Sometimes, to eliminate the itching, it is enough to remove a product from the menu or to refuse to use certain drugs, replacing them with drugs with a similar effect, but in some cases, treatment can be long and heavy, so it is not worthwhile to delay the trip to the hospital.

Hepatitis and cirrhosis

More than 100 thousand people die of cirrhosis every year. In 80% of cases, pathology has an extremely unfavorable prognosis, especially if the liver also affects the nervous system. Life expectancy with progressive cirrhosis is usually 4-5 years, and death can occur much earlier if the patient does not follow the recommendations of the doctor on treatment and treatment.

At an early stage, cirrhosis is virtually asymptomatic. The only sign that you can suspect violations in the "main filter" of the body is generalized itching. It arises because the liver cells( hepatocytes) are gradually destroyed, and the body can not fully perform the functions of filtering and purifying the blood from toxins, poisons and allergens.

As the pathology progresses, the patient may notice other manifestations, which include:

• abdominal enlargement while maintaining the parameters of the remaining organs;
• yellowing of the skin and eye sclera;
• periodic fluctuations in body temperature;
• itching of the skin.

The same signs are typical for different types of hepatitis, therefore, when they appear, it is necessary to immediately pass tests and make ultrasound of the liver to confirm or deny the alleged diagnosis.

Diabetes mellitus

Itching in diabetes mellitus of any type is of a localized nature and occurs mainly on the genitals. Sometimes a patient has a desire to scratch his hands in the area of ​​elbows, feet and palms. This symptomatology is rarely diagnosed in young patients. Usually complaints about itching are made by retired and elderly women( over 50-55 years old), in men this symptom occurs only in 35% of cases.

Important! Strengthening of pruritus in diabetes mellitus is observed with a sharp increase in blood glucose, so with significant burning, measure the sugar level with a glucometer and call a doctor if overall health is unsatisfactory.

Depression and psychosis

Psychoemotional disorders are one of the most likely causes of itching. In people with a violation of the hormonal background, even a slight excitement can cause an exacerbation of skin manifestations and increased burning sensation. If a patient develops a depressive disorder, it is important to turn to a specialist in time, since procrastination is fraught not only with external manifestations, but also with profound emotional depression that can lead to death even in people who are not addicted to suicide.

Especially quickly become depressed and hard to tolerate by her teenagers, so parents need to closely monitor the child's condition and notice any changes that may be the first alarm signals. These include:

• frequent mood swings;
• too abrupt lull and desire for solitude( especially if earlier the teenager was active enough and liked to communicate with peers);
• problems with sleeping( a child can often wake up in the middle of the night and sit on the bed, looking at one point).

From external manifestations you can see a constant desire to scratch any part of the body, flexion-extension of fingers, changes in sight.

Important! Itching is always generalized in depression, so it can appear at any time and in any area of ​​the skin and mucous membranes.

Itching is typical for women over 40 years of age. It usually occurs on the scalp and resembles the crawling of insects. In medicine this phenomenon is called "tactile hallucinations".Externally, a woman can look like usual and not show signs of pathology, so when you have such complaints, you need to urgently seek medical help.

Oncological diseases

It is very important to pay attention to any skin manifestations to people who have a genetic predisposition to malignant processes. Cancer at an early stage without obvious symptoms, so any signs and changes in health should be alarming.

Generalized severe itching occurs most often in pancreatic and intestinal cancer, especially if the tumor overlaps an opening in the duodenum. Malignant formations in the organs of the genitourinary system can also occur against a background of mild itching without rash and any other symptoms. The table below shows the incidence of pruritus in various localizations of cancerous tumors.

Body or organ system on which the tumor is located	Frequency of itching and burning	Intensity of sensations
Intestine	74%	High
Pancreas	69.9%	Average with periods of exacerbation
Gallbladder and ducts	48%	High
Bladder	22%	Moderate
Kidney	11.4%	Low
Liver	33.1%	High
Stomach	17%	Moderate
Lightweight	7-9%	Average
Skin	74.6%	Diedwith constant prices goes high( as the disease progresses)

Infestation

worms parasitic infestation causes pruritus in nearly 30% of cases. Infection with helminths is more likely to affect children, but helminthiasis can be diagnosed at any age. Worms and parasites penetrate the body through spoiled foods, contaminated water or from dirty hands. The burning sensation in this case can be either generalized or localized if the worms have penetrated into the intestinal parts.

Important! Some believe that with helminthiasis, burning and itching only occur in the anus and genital area, but this is not the case. Some types of worms( for example, ascarids) can move into the pulmonary system and the heart muscle, causing severe itching throughout the body. Ascariasis is mortally dangerous for a person, therefore it is impossible to leave such a symptom without attention.

Pediculosis is another cause of itching, which in this case will occur on the scalp. Infection with lice often occurs in children's groups, so girls with long hair, best to braid their hair, lifting them high and tightly tying in a bun.

When scabies - an infectious pathology caused by ingestion of an itch mite - itching is rarely an isolated symptom. Often it appears with skin rashes, but with a small degree of damage, the rash and other symptoms may be absent.

Diseases of the blood

With a lack of iron in the body and the development of iron deficiency anemia every second patient complains of itching. It usually occurs in places of increased blood circulation: genital organs, pelvic organs and thorax. It is not difficult to diagnose anemia, therefore, with timely access to a doctor, it is possible to prevent complications and avoid unpleasant consequences.

In addition to tingling, the patient also has a number of other symptoms, for example:

• frequent headaches and dizziness;
• pallor of the skin;
• changes in taste preferences;
• recurrent bleeding.

Sometimes itching with anemia may be absent altogether, but in most cases there is a chronic tactile disorder with frequent relapses.

Other causes of

Causing isolated itching without attaching rashes and other symptoms may lack adequate hygiene. Wrongly selected cosmetics with a high content of flavors and dyes can increase discomfort and deliver significant discomfort. Even flavored toilet paper can cause irritation to the skin of the genitals and around the anus, so it is better to choose skin care products for neutral skin, without the addition of strong synthetic substances.

Taking certain medications( most often opium) can trigger an attack of severe itching, which is hard to stop with antihistamines. If these side effects occur, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible, as self-prescribing allergy medications can aggravate the situation.

Video - 3 causes of itching

Aging itch

Age itching is considered normal, having several physiological reasons:

• loss of moisture and increased dryness of the skin;
• changes in hormonal background;
• inadequate production of collagen and elastin;
• disorders in the work of the kidneys and liver, leading to insufficient purification of blood and other fluids from toxins and allergens and their accumulation in the body.

An itchy old pruritus usually has an average intensity and does not cause severe discomfort. To reduce burning, you need to add more fruits, greens, berries and vegetables to the diet. Meat and fish should be consumed at least 3-4 times a week, as they are excellent sources of protein and essential amino acids, essential for healthy skin and maintaining its functions. Do not forget about dairy products - a source of calcium and phosphorus.

You can solve the problem in old age with the help of cosmetic products, but they should be quality and safe. It is better to choose a cream for especially sensitive skin, since such cosmetics does not contain parabens, perfumes and toxic dyes.

If the itching is worse, a rash or painful cracks appear, you should consult your doctor.

Pruritus in pregnancy

A slight burning sensation during pregnancy is explained by a change in the hormonal background, so there is no reason to worry if there are no other complaints. Some women note the appearance of itching on the stomach. Sensations increase in the last trimester, when the belly of the future mother reaches its maximum size.

The skin on the abdomen is constantly stretched along with the growth of the abdomen. With rapid growth or lack of elasticity, the skin stretches too much, stretch marks appear and severe itching. A remedy that will alleviate these symptoms will help to pick up a gynecologist who watches a woman, but the burning will only take place after the birth.

Itching without rash is a rather dangerous symptom, according to which it is possible to suspect the presence of severe pathologies in the work of internal organs. Even if the health is ok, you need to find out the cause of the phenomenon and take measures to eliminate it. Constant combing of the skin leads to the formation of microcracks, in which the infection easily penetrates, therefore it is necessary to visit a doctor immediately after the appearance of such a symptomatology.