Dealing with severe skin itching can be incredibly frustrating. The methods you mentioned—washing with lukewarm water and applying moisturizer within three minutes—are excellent and often recommended. However, if the itching persists, it’s crucial to look deeper into the potential causes and explore different treatments.
Causes and Diagnosis of Skin Itching
Skin itching, or pruritus, can stem from a wide range of issues.
- Dry Skin (Xerosis): This is one of the most common causes. When the skin is dry, its protective barrier is weakened, making it more susceptible to irritation and itching.
- Allergic Skin Conditions: Conditions like atopic dermatitis (eczema), hives, and contact dermatitis are common causes. These are inflammatory responses to specific allergens or irritants.
- Internal Diseases: Itching can be a symptom of underlying systemic conditions such as kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, or thyroid disorders.
- Nervous System Disorders: In some cases, nerve-related issues can cause a sensation of itching.
- Psychological Factors: Stress and anxiety can worsen itching. The itch-scratch cycle can be hard to break.
- Dietary Triggers: As you mentioned, certain foods like refined carbohydrates (rice, white flour) and sugar can trigger or worsen inflammation in the body, which may manifest as skin itching.
For an accurate diagnosis, it’s best to consult a dermatologist. They can perform a physical examination, review your medical history, and, if necessary, conduct allergy tests or blood work to identify the root cause.
Traditional Korean Medicine (Hanbang) Treatment
In traditional Korean medicine, skin itching is often seen as a symptom of an internal imbalance rather than just a skin problem. Treatment focuses on a holistic approach to restore the body’s harmony and address the root cause of the imbalance.
- Herbal Medicine: A Hanbang doctor (한의사) will prescribe a customized herbal formula to cool down excessive heat in the body, improve blood circulation, and nourish the skin from within.
- Acupuncture: Fine needles are used on specific acupuncture points to regulate the flow of energy (Qi) and blood, which can help calm inflammation and alleviate itching.
- Pharmacopuncture: This involves injecting a refined herbal extract directly into acupuncture points. It’s often used to quickly reduce inflammation and promote skin healing.
- Topical Treatments: The doctor may provide traditional Korean ointments or creams to soothe the skin and reduce the urge to scratch.
- Lifestyle and Diet Modification: A significant part of the treatment involves guiding patients on how to manage their diet, reduce stress, and improve sleep to support the body’s natural healing process.
Reducing Rice, Flour, and Sugar Intake
This is a good strategy to explore. Refined carbohydrates and sugars are known to promote inflammation in the body. By reducing your intake of these foods, you can help calm the inflammatory response that may be contributing to your skin irritation. Consider substituting them with whole grains, vegetables, and other unprocessed foods.
If your itching is persistent and severe, seeking professional help from a dermatologist or a traditional Korean medicine practitioner is the best way to get a proper diagnosis and an effective treatment plan.