Itching, pruritus

Itching is an intense irritation or tickling sensation that may be felt all over the skin’s surface or confined to just one area. It leads most people to instinctively scratch the affected area. Different people can tolerate different amounts of itching, and anyone’s threshold of tolerance can be changed due to stress, emotions, and other factors. In general, itching is more severe if the skin is warm.

Dermatitis

Dermatitis is a general term used to describe inflammation of the skin. Most types of dermatitis are characterized by a pink or red rash that itches. Contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction to something that irritates the skin and is manifested by one or more lines of red, swollen, blistered skin that may itch or weep. It usually appears within 48 hours after coming into contact with a substance to which the skin is sensitive. The condition is more common in adults than in children.

Urticaria

Urticaria is a skin disease that produces lesions and intense itching. It is a vascular reaction of the skin in which, swollen, pale red, small bumps or larger patches suddenly appear on the skin. Severe itching usually follows. Each bump tends to go away in 24 hours without leaving marks but other appear in its place. Scratching can cause the affected skin area to become more widespread leading to big, fiery red patches. They are also called as wheals or hives.