There are hundreds of reasons people scratch. Some are minor; some are signs of illnesses.
By Marlene Cimons May 12 at 1:00 PM I have an occasional “phantom” itch in the middle of my back in a place I can’t reach. I use a long-handled comb to give it a good scratch. There’s no obvious cause — no rash, no irritation or redness, no diagnosed skin disorder. It’s annoying, but it doesn’t disrupt my life.
There are hundreds of reasons people itch. These range from dry skin and such skin disorders as psoriasis, to “contact” dermatitis from rough clothing, pet dander, soaps, laundry detergents and perfume — collectively known as eczema — as well as more painfully familiar conditions such as bug bites or poison ivy.
“One thing that may surprise people is that having a bad neck or back can cause itching due to damage to the nerves that come from your spinal cord,” Kim says. “Another thing people may not know is that in rare cases, cancer — particularly lymphomas and leukemias — can present with itch.” Kim and others believe the body’s immune system is a player. “We may think our immune responses end in our immune system,” Kim says. “But the itch-scratch cycle engages the immune system with the whole body, interacting with behavior and the environment as well.”
If an itch lasts more than a month, it’s probably time to see a doctor. Most people are reluctant to do so for a minor itch, and resort to over-the-counter remedies, which are too weak to have an effect, Keahey says.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Comey on 2020 election: 'You cannot have a president who's a chronic liar''You cannot have a President who's a chronic liar,' says fmr. FBI Dir. James Comey. The President can't be 'someone who lies constantly,' he says. 'I thought Republicans agreed with that. It's one of the reasons I'm no longer a Republican.' ComeyTownHall
Read more »
NATO worried over Turkish plan to use Russian missile opposed by U.S.The consequences of Turkey's plans to deploy the Russian S-400 missile defe...
Read more »
Experts say China isn't too worried about Trump's tariff threatsThe Chinese were not surprised by President Trump's threats to impose more tariffs on their goods, several experts said — they just assumed it was Trump being Trump.
Read more »
Asian shares off five-week low, remain fragile on renewed U.S.-China trade worriesAsian shares staggered up from five-week lows on Tuesday but remained fragile af...
Read more »
Yen firms to six-week high on growing trade worries, NZ dollar dipsGrowing fears about the impact of a worsening U.S.-Sino trade conflict on global...
Read more »
Foreigners turn sellers of China A-shares on worries over trade war, less stimulusForeign buying of Chinese stocks has slowed significantly since March and turned...
Read more »
Markets are worrying about slower global growth againHigher tariffs and the absence of a trade deal will force investors to lower estimates for global GDP, global earnings growth and the earnings multiple associated with higher growth.
Read more »
Exclusive: Enbridge seeking at least eight-year oil shipping commitments on Canada Mainline, worrying small producersCanada's Enbridge is asking oil shippers to sign at least eight-year contra...
Read more »