

Some causes of sudden body itching in women affect only a specific area, while others affect the entire body. It is worth noting that many of these causes are not a cause for concern, as they can be treated with simple methods that do not require a prescription. In this article, through the Dalili Medical website, we will review the causes of sudden body itching in women
A deficiency in vitamin B12 and vitamin A can cause itchy skin without a rash.
• Side effects of medications and allergic reactions. • Contact dermatitis. • Liver and kidney diseases. • Skin cancer.
Persistent itching without a rash may be due to dry skin, general health disorders, neurological or psychological problems, or some types of cancer, in addition to the effects of many medications.
Symptoms of sudden body itching in women vary, ranging from mild to severe. The most prominent of these symptoms are:
- Sudden and severe itching in different areas of the body, often gradually increasing in severity.
- Redness of the skin, and cracking may occur in some cases.
- Feeling uncomfortable and tense as a result of constant itching.
- The appearance of small blisters sometimes.
- Change in skin color, with the appearance of rough or scaly red spots in some cases.
- In some severe cases, itching may be accompanied by symptoms such as fever, pain, or abnormal secretions.
**The harms of sudden itching in the body in women**
Sudden itching in the body in women can lead to a range of harms and problems, including:
- **Scratching the skin**: A woman may resort to scratching her skin forcefully to relieve itching, which leads to skin irritation and increases the likelihood of skin infections.
- **The appearance of scars**: Scratches resulting from constant itching may lead to the appearance of scars or deformities on the surface of the skin.
- **Increased risk of infection**: Constant itching opens the door to germs and bacteria, which increases the risk of infection.
- **Sleep disorders**: Constant itching negatively affects the quality of sleep, leading to disturbances due to discomfort and frequent awakening.
- **Psychological stress**: Continued itching can cause psychological stress and pressure, which increases stress levels and affects the overall quality of life.
- **Social embarrassment**: Sudden and persistent itching can be a source of embarrassment for women, especially if it occurs in public places that are difficult to cover.
- **Impact on the psyche**: Sudden itching affects the psychological state, causing discomfort and tension, and may negatively affect self-confidence.
### Causes of sudden body itching
- **Hypothyroidism** Dry skin resulting from hypothyroidism can lead to a feeling of itching in various parts of the body, due to hormonal disorders associated with this condition.
- **Pregnancy** The hormonal changes that occur in women during pregnancy can cause a range of annoying symptoms, including itching, headaches, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and acne. Women can also experience these symptoms before and during their menstrual cycle and after menopause.
- **Diabetes** Itching is an early symptom of diabetes, and often occurs as a result of problems caused by high blood sugar levels on skin health, such as dry skin. The itching that some diabetics feel in the lower extremities may be due to damage to the nerves or blood vessels that supply the feet and legs.
- Cancer There are certain types of cancer that cause itching in the skin and lead to inflammation, such as leukemia, pancreatic cancer, and lymphoma. The itching of cancer patients may not be caused by the tumor itself, but rather by the treatments they receive, especially chemotherapy, radiation, and stem cell transplantation.
- Stroke If the itching is present in the throat, jaw and ear, it may indicate damage to brain tissue, which requires a visit to the doctor to get the appropriate treatment, to avoid the condition worsening to stroke.
- Medications Cancer treatments are not the only medications that cause itchy skin, but there are other medications such as antibiotics, antifungals and painkillers that can lead to this annoying symptom.
- Anemia Itching is a clear sign of anemia resulting from iron deficiency in the body, especially if it is accompanied by fatigue, shortness of breath and pale skin.
- Kidney dialysis Itching is a potential side effect of the dialysis process, as it leads to the loss of a large amount of water in the body, which increases the concentration of some minerals in the blood.
**Psychological disorders and their impact on skin health**
Skin health is greatly affected by the mood and psychological stability of the individual. For example, the loss of appetite suffered by patients with depression and anxiety can lead to malnutrition, which negatively affects the levels of minerals and vitamins necessary for skin health, and leads to itching. Obsessive-compulsive disorder, which includes behaviors such as excessive hand washing or frequent bathing, is a mental health condition that negatively affects skin health.
**Extremely dry skin**: Dry skin can lead to severe itching.
**Exposure to insect bites**: Insect bites such as bedbugs, mosquitoes, lice, and mites can cause sudden itching that may go away on their own, while bites from insects that live on the skin and feed on it daily can lead to persistent and chronic itching.
**Irritability and allergies to certain substances**: Certain substances such as wool, chemicals, and soaps can cause skin irritation and itching. Exposure to poison ivy, parasites, or cosmetics can also lead to allergic reactions in some individuals.
**Taking medications cann to lead to itching***
The following medications usually lead to the appearance of a rash and itching in different areas of the body in women:
- Antifungals.
- Antibiotics containing sulfa.
**Painkillers**
- Anticonvulsant medications
- Aspirin
- B vitamins
- Rifampin
- Vancomycin
**Getting rid of sudden body itching**
**Phototherapy:** Phototherapy is effective in treating sudden itching caused by skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis, and is a good option for people who cannot take oral medications.
**Hormonal therapy:** Hormonal therapy can be used to relieve itching caused by hormonal changes.
**Daily moisturizing:** The first step in preventing sudden itching is to follow a daily bathing and moisturizing routine, and to use cleansers with a low pH.
**Using natural remedies:** The affected area can be soaked in a solution of water and oatmeal or baking soda, or these materials can be applied as a paste to the skin. Apple cider vinegar can also be used on the skin as a cold compress after diluting it, or cold compresses can be applied to the skin without using apple cider vinegar.
**Using topical creams** Some types of topical creams help relieve itching resulting from fungal infections, allergies, and autoimmune disorders, in addition to insect bites and stings. Among the topical creams used to treat itching are:
- Steroid creams used to treat conditions such as eczema, scabies, psoriasis, neurological itching, and lupus.
- Antifungal creams that help reduce itching of the body resulting from fungal infections such as ringworm and rashes.
- Topical antidepressants used to treat eczema.
- Topical anesthetics, such as hydrocortisone pramoxine cream, which provide temporary relief from pain and itching caused by conditions such as scabies and insect bites and stings.
- Zinc oxide cream, which is used to reduce skin irritation and rashes
**Use cotton gloves and wear appropriate clothing:** Cotton gloves and trimming nails are effective ways to protect the skin from scratches at night. It is also preferable to wear natural, soft clothing to avoid skin irritation.
**Take medications to relieve itching:**
- **Antihistamines:** These are used orally to treat allergies and itchy skin, in addition to rashes resulting from insect bites or stings, as well as to treat dermatitis and eczema.
- **Corticosteroids:** These help reduce inflammation and treat chronic urticaria, psoriasis, and allergic reactions.
- **Immunosuppressive medications:** These are used to treat severe itching caused by systemic lupus erythematosus.
- **Antifungal medications:** such as itraconazole and fluconazole, are used to reduce itching caused by athlete's foot or ringworm.
- **Antibiotics:** such as rifampicin, are used to control itching caused by liver disease and severe cases of shingles.
- **Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors:** help reduce sudden body itching caused by liver disease.
**Avoid sitting in specific places:** It is preferable to stay away from sitting on grass, plastic chairs, rough carpets and furniture with exposed legs to reduce the possibility of irritating the itch.
**Diagnosis of sudden body itching in women**
Diagnosis of sudden body itching in women requires a comprehensive medical examination to determine the exact cause of this itch. Diagnosis steps include the following:
1. **Skin examination**: The doctor examines the skin to look for any signs or skin injuries, and determines the type of rash to help determine the possible cause of the itch.
2. **Medical examination**: By listening to the patient's description of the symptoms, reviewing the medical history, and conducting a physical examination, the doctor can determine the causes of sudden itching of the body.
3. **Laboratory tests**: The doctor may request some laboratory tests, such as blood tests or urine tests, to determine if there are any health conditions that may be behind the sudden itching.
4. **Allergy tests**: Allergy tests help determine if there is an allergy to certain substances or foods that may be the cause of the itching.
5. **X-ray imaging**: A chest X-ray can help determine if the itching is due to enlarged lymph nodes.
If sudden itching of the body persists for a long time, it is important to consult your doctor in the following cases:
1. If the itching persists for more than two weeks despite your own attempts to get rid of it without achieving any improvement.
2. If the itching is spread all over the body, indicating a type of generalized itching.
3. If the itching causes you to feel irritated and unable to stop scratching, which affects your ability to sleep due to pain.
4. If you have symptoms such as weight loss or urinary and stool disorders accompanying the itching.
If you have any of these symptoms, it is advisable to visit a dermatologist, as he may ask you to do some tests, including:
- A blood test to ensure that the iron level in your body is balanced and that there is no deficiency or deficiency.
- Tests for the thyroid gland, liver and kidney functions, as any dysfunction in the functions of these organs may lead to itching.
- The doctor may also ask you to do a chest X-ray to ensure that there is no enlargement of the lymph nodes, which may be one of the causes of itchy skin.
**Treatment of body itching at home**
1. **Peppermint oil** Peppermint oil, which contains menthol, is effective in moisturizing the skin and soothing itching. According to a study published in NCBI in 2012, applying peppermint oil to the hands twice daily for two weeks helped reduce itchy skin. However, it is best diluted with coconut oil.Another less.
2. **Apple Cider Vinegar** Apple cider vinegar can help relieve an itchy scalp, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF), as it contains acetic acid, which is a natural antiseptic for wounds. It is recommended to dilute the vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio, then apply the solution to the scalp and leave it until it dries before gently rinsing it with lukewarm water. It is best not to use it on cracked areas.
3. **Sodium Bicarbonate** Sodium bicarbonate has antifungal properties. You can make a paste of a quarter cup of baking soda with a little water, then apply it to the itchy areas.
4. **Oatmeal** Oatmeal is used in a warm bath to soothe itching, especially in cases of pimples or dermatitis, as well as in the stages of eczema, chickenpox, hives, poison ivy, or sunburn.