Itching of the skin, which can occur on the face, is a sign of sunburn, excessively dry skin, or eczema or psoriasis.
Itchy skin is not only uncomfortable but also causes skin damage, and can be caused by many reasons. Below are skin diseases that cause itching and how to treat them.
Dry skin
Dry skin causes roughness, flaking, and itching, but no rash. This condition can occur anywhere on the body, and dry skin and itching on the face are more likely to occur in cold, dry weather.
To remedy this, use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer that contains ceramides. These help strengthen and restore the skin barrier, preventing transepidermal water loss.
Eczema
Eczema is a chronic non-contagious skin disease, related to genetic factors, constitution, and contact substances. The disease causes lesions on the skin that are dry, red, and itchy. There are many types of eczema such as nummular eczema, contact eczema, and atopic eczema, which can appear in episodes, persistent, or recurrent.
Apply moisturizer regularly to keep the skin hydrated. Patients should see a doctor for medication to control symptoms.
Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis appears in oily areas of the skin such as the T-zone (nose, forehead), behind the ears, eyebrows, neck and chest. Some symptoms include pinkish-red rash, scaly surface, greasy, itchy. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), anyone can be affected, but this condition occurs more in people over 50, especially men and people with dark skin.
The doctor prescribes topical medications to reduce the extent of skin damage. If the inflammation is severe and widespread, the patient is prescribed additional oral medications. In severe, prolonged cases where medication is ineffective, the doctor may treat with light therapy to clear the scales and improve the skin condition.
Contact dermatitis
If your skin is itchy and has a red rash that appears after using a new cleanser, soap, lotion, or cosmetic, you may have contact dermatitis. It usually clears up within a few days to a few weeks of avoiding the irritant. In the meantime, you can apply cool compresses for 10 to 15 minutes at a time to relieve the itch or use a moisturizer.
Itchy skin causes redness and scratches when scratched. Photo: Freepik
Sunburn
Sunburn on the face is uncomfortable and itchy. It is caused by redness, swelling, heat and pain, which can affect the surface nerve fibers, sending itching signals to the brain. Severe sunburns also appear peeling or blistering.
Remedies include keeping your skin cool and hydrated. You can apply a damp cloth to your face for 10 minutes, then apply a lotion or gel containing aloe vera or soy.
Psoriasis
According to the Psoriasis Foundation of America, psoriasis is most common around the ears, mouth, or eyes. These patches tend to be dry and itchy and often flare up in response to triggers like infections, cold weather, or skin injuries.
Mild symptoms can be controlled with ointments or creams such as corticosteroids, vitamin D, or retinol. Severe cases should be evaluated by a doctor for appropriate medication.
Other causes
Sometimes itching on the face or other parts of the body is caused by taking new medications such as aspirin, blood pressure medications, pain relievers, or radiation therapy for cancer. When the skin is itchy due to medication, the patient should share with the doctor to find a suitable method of improvement.
In some cases, itching can be caused by anemia, diabetes, liver, kidney, multiple sclerosis, shingles. Itching in a mole can be a sign of skin cancer.
Huyen My (According to Livestrong )
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