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Itching

This patient information and photographs on Itching is provided by John L. Meisenheimer, M.D. a board certified Dermatologist and skin care specialist based in Orlando, Florida.  This information is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice or treatment of a dermatologist or other physician.

Itching is a symptom not a disease.  Although on rare occasions it can be a sign of serious internal disease, most frequently it is associated with a variety of benign self limited conditions.  The most important point in treating itching is identifying its cause. Some of the more common itchy skin conditions of short duration include:

• Dry Skin
• Insect Bites
• Hives
• Contact Dermatitis
• Ringworm
• Athletes foot
• Jock itch
• Molluscum
• Chicken Pox
• Pityriasis Rosea
• Medications

Some itchy skin conditions that may have a more chronic course:

• Psoriasis
• Nummular eczema
• Atopic Dermatitis
• Scabies
• Lice
• Dermatitis Herpetiformis
• Lichen Simplex Chronicus
• Pruritus ani
• Pruritus vulvae
• Lichen Sclerosis et Atrophicus

Many of the above conditions need diagnosis and treatment recommendations from a dermatologist. For some of the benign self limited conditions for relief from itching try Sarna Anti-Itch Lotion or a product with 1% hydrocortisone such as Aloe Cort Cream or Aquanil HC.  Be aware though that products containing hydrocortisone may make fungal infections spread.

© John L. Meisenheimer, M.D.  2004                                   WWW.OrlandoSkinDoc.com

Last modified: 08/27/06