What causes Pruritis?

When an area of skin is scratched, that area becomes even more itchy, which leads to more scratching, and is referred to as the itch-scratch cycle.
Atopic dermatitis is not a rash that tends to itch, but rather an itch that tends to rash, so if you stop the itch, you lessen the rash!

Of course, you must rule out the obvious first!
Itchy skin can be caused by stress (major factor) irritants, infections or allergies.  Avoidance of certain things can help such as:
Deodourants, certain soaps, shampoos, creams etc, or plants, and even your food.  All are common problems in this day and age as there are so many chemicals now added to products that we all consume on a daily basis.

In certain cases dermatitis can be the result of a skin infection, in this case your GP will prescribe antibiotics, steroids, antihistamines etc!

If you are a sufferer of such a condition as Eczema, then you already know how embarrassing it can be as well as disturbing, and almost every area of your body can become affected such as: Hands, feet, elbows, face, eyes, chest, back and legs.

The incessant itching and scratching, the sleepless nights, the anxiety etc, etc!

You are not alone if you have Eczema, it is a very common skin condition that anyone can suddenly become susceptible to, and the amount of people suffering from it is continuing to rise. 

I was one of them!  Read my story on my "About Me" page, to see how it affected my life - here.

As you are probably aware, there is a Plethora of varying eczema types that can arise, each type has varying symptoms, but all are very similar.

• Atopic Dermatitis
• Contact Eczema
• Neurodermatitis
• Nummular Eczema
• Seborrheic Eczema

Regardless of the type of eczema/dermatitis you may have, all are debilitating skin conditions which will bring you down, both physically and emotionally, and for millions of people who suffer chronic eczema, it is indeed a hellish existence.

Many people scratch during sleep throughout the night, (the itching can be unbearable), they then feel the need to hide their oozing infections underneath long sleeved garments and such, I know, I did the same!  Such skin conditions can and do interfere with work, leisure time and everyday life in general.

© Images of Margaret Yvonne.

Itchy skin affects several thousand in the UK, but is more prevalent it seems in other parts of the world including South America.