Itchy

Itchy is a sensation that causes the desire or reflex to scratch. Itch has many similarities to pain, and while both are unpleasant sensory experiences, their behavioral response patterns are different. Pain creates a withdrawal reflex, whereas itch leads to a scratch reflex.

Causes

Itch can originate in the peripheral nervous system (dermal or neuropathic) or in the central nervous system (neuropathic, neurogenic, or psychogenic).

Dermal/pruritoceptive

Dermal or pruritoceptive itch is caused by an irritation of the skin, such as insect bites, allergies, or infections. This form of itch can be blocked by local anesthetics.

Neuropathic

Neuropathic itch can originate at any point along the afferent pathway as a result of damage of the nervous system. They could be symptoms of conditions like stroke, multiple sclerosis, shingles, neuroma, or neuritis.

Neurogenic

Neurogenic itch, which is itch induced centrally but with no neural damage, is mostly associated with increased accumulation of exogenous opioids and possibly synthetic opioids.

Psychogenic

Psychogenic itch can be associated with psychiatric illnesses such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression.

Treatment

Treatment for itch can be divided into systemic therapies, which are useful for conditions where the itch is body-wide, and topical therapies.

Systemic therapies

Systemic therapies include taking oral medications to reduce the itch. Antihistamines are commonly used for this purpose.

Topical therapies

Topical therapies, such as creams and lotions, can be applied to the skin to reduce itch. Topical steroids are often used for this purpose.

See also

• Pruritus
• Scratching
• Pain

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