Causes of back itching and how to deal with and treat it

Back itching can be a bothersome problem for many women. There are multiple causes that may lead to back itching, in addition to a group of symptoms that may sometimes include the appearance of a rash. Therefore, we will provide you through the Dalili Medical website with everything you need to know about the causes, symptoms, and methods of treating back itching.

**What is itching?**

Itching is a medical term that refers to the feeling of scratching on the surface of the skin. Itching may be painful or annoying, and it can be confined to a specific area or extend to several areas of the body. Sometimes, itching may be a sign of an underlying health condition. There are many possible causes, the most common of which include contact with allergens, dry skin, pregnancy, or the body's reaction to medications. If itching lasts for more than 6 weeks, it may be considered chronic.

**When is back itching dangerous?**

Back itching is dangerous if it is severe enough to prevent you from performing your daily activities or preventing you from sleeping, or if it appears suddenly for no apparent reason. You should also pay attention if the itching is widespread throughout the body, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as weight loss, fever, or night sweats.

Allergic reactions to certain chemicals, cosmetics, or metals that come into contact with the skin of the neck can cause itching. Being in environments with very high or low temperatures can also irritate the skin, in addition to excessive exposure to sunlight.

Chronic skin conditions that may cause itching include: eczema, psoriasis, and lichen simplex chronicus. Insects such as scabies or bedbugs can also be possible causes.

What are the types of itching?

There are several types of itching, which are classified based on the cause and location on the body. Among the most common types are:

1. **Brachial radial itching**: occurs in the upper arm as a result of nerve damage.

2. **Nocturnal itching**: appears at night for various reasons, such as reactions to normal body functions, a response to certain medications, or contact with skin irritants.

3. **Anal itching**: It is related to itching of the skin around the anus, and is often the result of hemorrhoids, infection, or skin irritation.

4. **Senior itching**: It results from skin changes that affect people over the age of 65.

5. **Uremic pruritus**: It appears as a symptom of people with kidney disease and those undergoing dialysis sessions.

**Do tumors cause itching?**

Itching of the body can be a symptom of cancer in some people. For example, lymphoma affects white blood cells known as lymphocytes, which leads to itchy skin. Among the types of cancer most commonly associated with itching are skin cancer and liver cancer.

**How ​​does the immune system affect my itching?**

Our immune system is complex and consists of the skin, the lymphatic system, and white blood cells. White blood cells produce chemicals known as cytokines and histamine, which are released into the bloodstream and lymphatic system to help us fight infections and diseases. When white blood cells travel to other tissues in your body, such as your skin, to fight infection or help heal injuries, they release these chemicals in those areas as well. Unfortunately, cytokines and histamines can irritate nerve cells, and when nerve endings are close to your skin, that part of your body may feel itchy as a result of their reaction.

**How ​​do treatments affect my itching?**

Some treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, target and destroy lymphoma cells directly. When these cells are destroyed, they may also release cytokines that irritate nerve cells, causing you to feel itchy. Immunotherapy, on the other hand, works by activating or targeting your immune system to help it fight lymphoma more effectively. As a result, your white blood cells may release more cytokines and histamine, which not only help fight lymphoma, but can also irritate nerve cells close to your skin, causing you to feel itchy.

**Hypersensitivity Reaction**

In some cases, you may experience an allergic reaction to the treatment you are receiving. This may appear as an allergic response, where white blood cells, such as basophils and mast cells, release histamine. Other white blood cells also secrete cytokines that may cause itching.

**Causes of Back Itching**

There are many skin disorders that may affect the back area, leading to symptoms such as itching. In some cases, itching may be accompanied by redness of the skin, blisters, or peeling of the skin. Among these skin disorders are eczema, urticaria, and psoriasis.

- **Eczema**: It appears in various forms due to different causes, and affects the affected skin.

- **Fungi**: It appears on the skin in various forms and causes itchy skin.

- **Urticaria**: It is a reaction of the blood vessels in the skin, appearing as localized edema, and raised red blisters accompanied by itching, ranging in color from light pink to red, and of different sizes.

- **Lice**: Lice on the body and scalp cause severe itching, and lice spread easily through direct contact.

**Scabies:** Scabies is a disease characterized by severe itching caused by a group of parasites known as mites (a type of arthropod belonging to the order Mite) that live in the layers of the skin.

**Internal diseases:** These diseases include liver problems, kidney failure, iron deficiency anemia, thyroid disorders, and cancer, including leukemia and lymphoma. In these cases, itching affects

It usually occurs all over the body rather than in specific areas, and the skin may appear normal except for areas that have been scratched.

**Allergic reactions and irritants:** Wool clothing, chemicals, and soaps can irritate the skin and cause itching. Some foods can also cause allergic reactions accompanied by itching on the skin.

**Medications:** Some medications, such as antibiotics, antifungal medications, or painkillers, can cause itching and a widespread rash.

**Dry skin**

Dry skin is a common cause of itchy skin. Although dry skin can affect any age group, it affects older people more, as the skin becomes thinner and drier with age. Dry skin can be recognized as a cause of itching when a person feels itchy without any red bumps or sudden changes in the nature of the skin. Dry skin is caused by external factors such as weather fluctuations, including hot or cold weather with low humidity, in addition to excessive washing of the skin.

**Allergies**

Itchy skin can occur in some cases as a result of allergic reactions. There are several types of allergies that cause itchy skin, such as food allergies and allergic contact dermatitis, which occurs as a result of direct skin contact with allergens, which are substances that the immune system attacks. Examples of allergens include: certain types of clothing, pets, chemicals, soaps, and poison ivy. Skin allergies usually appear in the form of a red, itchy rash, and may be accompanied by the appearance of blisters or small skin bumps. It is important to note that there is often a period of time between exposure to allergens and the appearance of symptoms.

**Insect bites**

Most insect bites do not cause serious harm to the individual, but they can sometimes lead to a feeling of discomfort and discomfort. Among these bites, mosquito and flea bites are the most prominent causes of itching. This happens because mosquitoes suck a small amount of blood during their bite, and at the same time inject their saliva into the person's body. Mosquito saliva contains anticoagulants and proteins that are considered foreign bodies by the immune system, stimulating the body to attack them. As a result, the immune system releases histamine, which helps white blood cells reach the affected area, and is responsible for itching, inflammation, and swelling. It is worth noting that some bites, such as bee, wasp, and fire ant stings, may cause a feeling of pain.

**Skin infections**

Skin infections can cause itching, and these infections occur as a result of infectious pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. A prominent example of this is the varicella-zoster virus, which causes shingles, which is a painful, itchy rash that often affects the back.

**Changes in moles**

Moles on the back are common, but they can be difficult for an individual to see and examine on a regular basis. Therefore, people who have many moles, especially on the back, are advised to have an annual check-up with a doctor. This is because the itching sensation caused by an old or new mole may indicate cancerous changes.

Symptoms of back itching

In addition to itching, you may experience the following symptoms when you have back itching:

- Pain.

- Numbness or tingling.

- Redness.

- Blisters.

- Dry skin.

- Changes in skin texture.

Symptoms of back itching may be limited to a specific area of ​​the back or may extend to the entire back. It is worth noting that there may be no visible symptoms associated with back itching in some cases.

**Treatment of back itching with herbs**

- **Calendula**: It is used to treat and soothe problems of rashes, eczema, and stomach ulcers, as well as treating wounds and bruises. This herb is considered anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal. Calendula oil can be applied to the targeted area and left for several hours, repeating the process twice daily until the condition improves. It can also be added to hot water while bathing.

- **Aloe Vera**: Also known as aloe vera, it has multiple benefits, as it is used as an antifungal and antibacterial and treats infections. It is an effective treatment for back itching and rashes, and is used by applying aloe vera directly to the skin to relieve sensitivity and itching.

- **Powdered oats**: Powdered oats help soothe itchy skin thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.

- **Apple Cider Vinegar**: Apple cider vinegar has antiseptic, anti-itching and anti-fungal properties, in addition to antibacterial properties that help get rid of itching.

- **Lemon**: The ancients used lemon to treat itchy skin, as it contains citric and acetic acids that have antiseptic, anesthetic, anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant properties.

- **Mint Leaves**: Mint is known for its ability to provide relief, making it effective in relieving itching and insect bites. Mint leaves can be used by cutting them and rubbing them directly on the skin, or using frozen cubes of mint powder and placing them on the affected area, as they help numb the area and reduce inflammation and swelling.

- **Honey**: Honey has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties, in addition to anti-inflammatory properties. It is considered an effective way to treat body itching at home, as it helps moisturize the skin and heal wounds by maintaining a moist environment and providing a protective barrier. Its content of organic acids also provides gentle exfoliation. Some studies indicate that applying Manu honey

As for eczema lesions, it may improve the condition of the skin and reduce irritation.

**Clay:** It is considered an effective ointment for treating skin allergies, as there are certain types of clay such as bentonite clay and montmorillonite clay that help reduce itching. This treatment is used by mixing the clay with an appropriate amount of water to obtain a creamy consistency, then applying it to the affected area. After it dries, it can be peeled off or rinsed with water. Alternatively, a clay bandage can be used, where a small amount of clay is placed on a clean, porous cloth, then the bandage is placed directly on the irritated area and wrapped with a bandage to prevent the clay from leaking, and left until it dries completely or for four hours.

**Ginger:** It is an herb with fragrant stems and smell, used to treat many diseases such as stomach problems, diarrhea, gas, and allergies. It is also effective in relieving itching and pain from insect bites. It is used by applying ginger oil to the skin in the targeted area to relieve the effects of severe itching.

**Chamomile:** It is useful in treating excessive skin sensitivity, as it helps calm skin irritation, reduce inflammation, and promote rapid healing. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties. It is used by soaking chamomile tea in a piece of cloth, then placing it on the area to be treated, repeating this recipe twice daily.

**Neem:** It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and is used to treat many skin diseases such as acne, rashes, and psoriasis. Neem is an herb rich in antioxidants that prevent skin cell activation and delay aging. It is used by boiling the herb, then placing a piece of cotton in the solution and placing it on the affected area for a quarter of an hour.

**Treatment of severe itching**

- **Corticosteroid creams and ointments**: If you suffer from severe itching and inflammation of the skin, your doctor may recommend using a medicated cream or ointment on the affected areas. You can then cover the skin with a wet cotton cloth, as moisture helps cool the skin and enhance the absorption of the cream.

- **Bedtime routine**: If your itching is severe or persistent, your doctor may suggest a bedtime routine. Try taking a lukewarm shower for 20 minutes, then applying 0.025% to 0.1% triamcinolone ointment to damp skin. This helps trap moisture and absorb the medication. Then, change into your pajamas and repeat this routine for several nights.

- **Other creams and ointments**: There are additional treatments you can try, such as calcineurin inhibitors, such as tacrolimus (Protopic) and pimecrolimus (Elidel). You may also find some relief with topical anesthetics, capsaicin cream, or doxepin.

- **Oral medications**: Antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be helpful in relieving some types of chronic itching. Examples include fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft). There are also tricyclic antidepressants, such as doxepin, and you may need 8 to 12 weeks to feel the full benefit of some of these medications.

- **Phototherapy**: Light therapy involves exposing the skin to a specific type of light, and is a good option for people who cannot take oral medications. You may need several sessions of light therapy to get rid of the itching.