My Back Itches A Lot: Why?
When the back itches a lot, a symptom appears that is quite often ignored and can even have a significant impact on the quality of life. The motor response to scratching is the one that follows the itch.
And in turn, scratching can increase the itch sensation, creating an itch-scratch-itch cycle. However, this itching may go away for 15 to 30 minutes, with the possibility of returning.
Causes why your back itches a lot
Pruritus (itching) is the dominant symptom of a wide variety of diseases, from inflammatory skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis to systemic, neurological and autoimmune disorders such as liver or kidney failure, multiple sclerosis or celiac disease.
Itchy back from dehydration
Xerosis or dry skin on its own is a major cause of itching, especially in the elderly. This condition can be aggravated by environmental factors, such as cold air, low humidity, or central heating.
Daily application of moisturizing cream with a high content of vitamin A, vitamin E and moisturizing agents is recommended to combat it. In any case, by suspending product placements it is possible that the symptom will return.
Also read: 10 natural moisturizers to use in summer
Psychogenic itching
Psychogenic itching is associated with psychological abnormalities and is considered psychiatric in origin. It usually presents with excessive urges to scratch or pinch the skin, although it does not indicate problems at first glance.
Multiple psychiatric diagnoses are behind the disorder. These include depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety, somatoform disorders, mania, psychoses, and substance abuse.
Notalgia paresthetica
Notalgia paresthetica refers to an isolated mononeuropathy involving localized and chronic itching, most often on the skin of the scapula or in the surrounding regions. In addition, it affects older adults, being twice more common in women than in men.
Constant itching leads to chronic scratching and rubbing of the affected area resulting in a well-circumscribed secondary hyperpigmented patch. This means that the dermal tissue changes color in the region where the back is perceived to be very itchy.
Should I be concerned if my back itches a lot?
In most cases, when the back itches a lot, the discomfort it generates is more than the severity that it can bring. If the symptom lasts for more than two months or the discomfort interferes with the daily routine, the doctor should be consulted.
If after implementing hygienic measures, daily moisturizing and changes in diet, the itching persists, it is another good reason to go to the specialist. It is assumed that the basic indications should be able to control most of the common causes.
Another red flag to watch out for is when the itchy back spreads to more areas of the body or when accompanying new symptoms begin to appear. Here we refer to lack of strength, fever or weight loss.
How to control the itch?
The treatment of pruritus is often an unsatisfactory effort for both the patient and the physician. This is because the number of different causes suggests that the approach will be quite varied and not always effective.
Hydration of the skin when the back itches a lot
Patient education is the most important thing in these types of conditions. The person will have to live with the sign for a long time, so they must learn it and know it in detail. Since dry skin makes it worse, it is recommended to keep skin hydrated by applying mild emollients, such as petroleum jelly, several times a day.
People with a very itchy back should avoid hot baths and showers and use only mild soaps. By taking these steps, you can reduce dry skin and lessen the itch-scratch cycle.
You may be interested: Care for atopic skin in winter
Hygienic measures
As the doctor investigates the etiology of the itching, the ideal is to keep the nails clean and short. If there is a need to scratch, do it gently with the palm of the hand so as not to injure the skin.
Avoiding the use of tight clothing and always opting for cotton clothing over synthetic and wool fabrics is something simple that contributes to relief. In this way, stimuli on the back are reduced so as not to trigger an itching crisis.
Feeding
Itching can be caused by some chemicals such as histamine, prostaglandins, proteases, and substance P. Therefore, the intake of alcohol, coffee, and hot spices is discouraged, as they would trigger the release of histamine.
When to see a doctor if my back itches a lot?
Given the intense itching, the subsequent scratching can cause secondary injuries that require evaluation by a specialist doctor. Bacteria from the skin may enter through wounds and cause an infection.
The first line of treatment will always be hygienic measures, changes in diet and daily moisturizing. However, if the itching continues despite having been done, you should go to the doctor so that he is the one who prescribes an antihistamine or other oral medication.
Itching is a common symptom seen in various skin conditions, as well as systemic disorders. Like pain, itchy back is subjective. It depends on each person how he perceives it and what severity he assigns.
