When the skin is itchy, scratching will help feel comfortable and relieve the itch. But there are some skin conditions that people should not scratch. Because scratching may not relieve the itch but make the condition worse, according to the health website Healthline (USA).
Itchy skin due to allergies should be limited scratching because it will cause pain and tear the skin, making it susceptible to infection.
Types of skin itching that people should not scratch include:
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin disease characterized by red, flaky patches on the skin. Due to the action of the immune system, skin cells grow faster than normal. Normally, skin cells will grow and peel off after 3 to 4 weeks. But in psoriasis, this process only takes about 7 days.
The result is flaky, dry patches. The sufferer will feel very itchy and uncomfortable, but experts advise against scratching. Because scratching can cause more peeling, even infection. Instead, measures such as taking medication, applying ointment, taking cool baths and relaxing can help relieve the itching.
Allergic hives
When the skin is allergic, it will form swellings on the skin called hives. The agent is often due to stress, contact with chemicals, dirt, bacteria or viruses. The itching can be intense but scratching is painful. Some types of allergies have an itchy feeling like needles. Therefore, itchy skin due to allergies should be limited scratching.
Allergic hives usually last only a few hours, but some can last for weeks. Methods such as warm baths, ice packs, anti-itch ointments, and aloe vera can help relieve itching effectively.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids occur when the veins in the anus and lower rectum become swollen and inflamed. Swelling around the anus is called external hemorrhoids, and in the lower rectum is internal hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids are usually painless, but external hemorrhoids can be painful and itchy.
Inflammation makes itching worse. Rubbing or scratching irritates blood vessels and makes itching worse. Over-the-counter medications and suppositories can help relieve itching. Soaking the anus in a warm bath for about 20 minutes at a time can also help relieve discomfort.
Sunburn
Sunburns usually cause only mild itching and irritation. However, severe sunburns cause persistent itching and pain. This feeling will last for 1 to 3 days after the sunburn.
This type of itch should also not be scratched because scratching will not relieve the itch but will cause skin tears that are susceptible to infection. To reduce the discomfort, experts recommend applying ointments, taking medication or applying aloe vera to the skin, according to Healthline.
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