All articles tagged with #itching
GLP-1 weight‑loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are being linked to a new side effect: persistent itching that can disrupt sleep. While mild, local skin reactions at injection sites are common, widespread itching may signal sensitivity and could lead patients to pause or stop treatment and seek medical advice.
In her third trimester, Abbie Herbert noticed itching on her hands that commenters linked to cholestasis, a pregnancy-related liver condition. After a bile-acid test returned abnormal, her doctor coordinated with fetal medicine and she delivered a healthy son, Rocky, the same day. Cholestasis can raise risks such as preterm birth and fetal complications, but early detection and treatments like ursodiol or timely delivery (often around 36 weeks) can mitigate dangers; Herbert attributes social media with highlighting the warning signs and helping save her baby.
To properly care for mosquito bites, avoid scratching to prevent infection and worsening symptoms. Instead, clean the area, apply ice, and use anti-itch creams or DIY remedies. Monitor for symptoms of mosquito-borne diseases like Zika or West Nile virus, and seek medical attention if necessary.
The FDA warns that stopping long-term use of allergy medications cetirizine (Zyrtec) or levocetirizine (Xyzal) may cause rare but severe itching, with most cases resolving upon restarting or tapering the medication. The cause is unknown, but a causal relationship is suspected, prompting a revision of the medication labels to include this risk.
A 22-year-old woman from South Carolina suffers from aquagenic urticaria, a rare water allergy that causes intense itching and rash upon contact with water, including her own sweat. There is no cure for the condition, so she avoids bathing as much as possible and showers quickly when necessary. Even being in the ocean, hot tubs, pools, or her own sweat can trigger the allergic reaction. She has found support in a social media group of others with the same condition, which has helped her feel less isolated.
The cycle of itching and scratching can be difficult to break due to the evolutionary reflex developed to expel unwanted visitors on the skin. Scratching provides temporary relief by inflicting a little pain, which inhibits the sensation of itching. However, scratching further damages the skin and activates nerve fibers, intensifying the itch-scratch cycle. The neurotransmitter serotonin plays a role in this cycle, inhibiting pain but also activating itch neurons. Scratching also activates the brain's reward system, providing pleasure. While there are treatments available, efforts are being made to develop therapeutics that target neural pathways involved in itching. In the meantime, refraining from scratching can be challenging, but alternative methods like cold compresses or intense heat can help interrupt the sensation.
The article discusses the effects of poison ivy, a plant that can cause severe itching and skin irritation upon contact. It highlights the importance of avoiding contact with poison ivy and using calamine lotion to alleviate the itching.
Hemorrhoids are a common condition that affects many people, causing discomfort, itching, and pain. Hemorrhoids can be internal or external, with external hemorrhoids being more uncomfortable. Hemorrhoids itch at night due to inflammation and friction, and scratching can worsen the condition. Some home remedies to soothe hemorrhoid itching include using witch hazel, taking warm sitz baths, and consuming a citrus plant extract called diosmin. To prevent future flare-ups, it is recommended to consume a high-fiber diet, stay hydrated, and use a footstool to prop up the feet during bowel movements.
Mosquito bites itch because the mosquito injects saliva that triggers histamine production, causing inflammation and swelling. Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide, making some people more prone to bites. Mosquitoes can transmit life-threatening diseases, but the US is not an active transmission area. To prevent mosquito bites, use preventative measures such as vaccines, repellent, and appropriate clothing. Scratching mosquito bites can break the skin barrier and increase the risk of infection, so it's recommended to use ice cubes or creams instead. Floral-scented soaps may attract mosquitoes.
Bite Away is a portable, pen-shaped tool that provides relief from bug bites and stings by applying heat to the affected area. The ceramic head heats up to 124 degrees Fahrenheit and is applied for 3-5 seconds, which stops the signal to itch from traveling to the brain. Bite Away is approved by the FDA, appropriate for all ages, and makes no mess or medicinal smell.