Prescription medicines often cause allergic Pruritus, which is all-over itching that can drive one insane relatively quickly. What does allergic itching feel like? Pruritus might feel like tiny, invisible bugs biting you simultaneously or spider webs dragging across your skin, making you itch just enough to scratch or rub your skin. Only nothing is there. If you're taking medication and experience itching, contact your doctor or call 911. Itching is an allergic reaction to medications or something else that could become worse.
Scientifically speaking, Pruritus results from the release of endogenous opioids in the body primarily used to relieve pain and enhance itching sensation through itch-specific neurons. The same nerves send pain and itch to the brain. All-over itch is considered systematic.
Some say itching (combined with burning sensations in the tongue) is a psychiatric disorder. However, both can be signs of allergy and a symptom of several different conditions. For example, Burning Mouth Syndrome is also a symptom of an allergy. I first experienced Burning Mouth Syndrome after being exposed to mothballs.
Diseases that may cause itching are Diabetes, liver disease, kidney failure, jaundice, thyroid disorders, Leukemia, and lymphatic conditions, such as Hodgkin's. However, this is a partial list. Infections, including herpes outbreaks, can also cause Pruritus. The upregulation of cytokines during the acute phase of an outbreak leads to enhanced mast cell release, which causes a release of Histamine. Excess histamine can cause itching and hives.
Environmental causes of itching include sensitivities or allergies to outdoor pollution, molds, pollen, pet dander, chemicals of any kind (including synthetic fragrances), bath, dish, laundry soaps, hair products, cosmetics, pressed-wood furniture (formaldehyde), and carpeting.
Note: It's possible to get an itch without a rash from Aspirin. For this reason, do not use Aspirin for herpes symptoms such as pain or fever. And never give Aspirin to a child under 18 with a fever because it can cause Rye's Syndrome, which can be fatal.
How to Relieve All-Over Itch
Use a topical steroid, such as Cortisone 1%. I don't suggest using anti-itch creams like Benadryl, Caladryl, or Lanacane. They may cause contact dermatitis. And never use them on open lesions. While topical cortisone is safe enough to use when you live with herpes, overuse of cortisone and taking steroids can backfire causing more frequent outbreaks.
Oral antihistamines, such as Benadryl, can also reduce histamines and relieve itchiness. However, a natural supplement, Quercetin, also helps to lower histamine levels in the body without the drowsiness.
Capsaicin cream depletes substance "P" in the body, which sends pain and itch signals to the body. So you know, some people are highly sensitive to creams containing capsaicin. It can cause an excruciating burning sensation and may even blister skin. I'm one of those people. If you decide to try it, please perform a patch test on healthy skin using a very tiny amount of cream (just a tiny dab) before using it as directed on the label. Never use capsaicin cream on herpes lesions.
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