We all have an itch from time to time but when is it time to worry about that nagging itch that just won't go away? Itching is an irritation of the skin that causes a desire to scratch the affected area. It is a common symptom and can be uncomfortable and frustrating. The medical name for itching is pruritus.
Itching, as we know, can affect any area of your body. It can occur over your whole body, or just affect a particular area. You can often see a rash or a spot where it occurs.

Itching can be caused by a skin condition, such as eczema an allergy, for example to nickel a parasite infestation or insect bite. It could be an infection, such as thrush, an internal condition, such as diabetes or even hormonal changes

Treating the underlying cause may relieve your itching, so see your GP if your itching does not get better.

Treatment will depend on the cause of the itching. You may be able to relieve your itching by making a few lifestyle changes - for example, using unperfumed products and avoiding wool clothing (see Itching - treatment for more tips).

Medications such as antihistamines and steroid creams can sometimes help. See your GP if you would like to consider medication for your itching.

Another thing I thought of was when I got infected with hepatitis many years ago. One of the symptoms was a terrible itching in my feet of all places and it was one of the things that helped my doctor diagnose what was worng with me.

So I suppose the message is if the itching is severe and if you are breaking the skin ro being kept awake by it you really should be checked out by your doctor. Always a good idea!

Hi,
If you have this problem you can applying neem oil or paste made by crushing fresh leaves is also very effective means to eradicate itching. Marichadi taila is another excellent remedy to treating itch. It contains piper nigram (black pepper) that is very helpful in treating any kind of infection on the skin.

Hi Karleluis

That is really helpful and who would have thought that pepper would be useful to treat itching given that it is usually thought of as an irritant? You mentioned crushing leaves to help. Which leaves are those? This is a problem that most people can identify at one time or another and any remedy that might help that does not involve a trip to the doctor is worth a try!

I have always thought that Calamine lotion is a good aid for itching as well, what do you think of that, any good or not?