What department should I go to for itchy skin?

Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

Updated on September 26, 2024

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There are many causes of itchy skin, which may be symptoms caused by some skin diseases, such as dermatitis and allergies. If these are the causes, it is recommended to see a dermatologist. It is also possible that the itchiness is caused by some chronic diseases, such as diabetes, in which case it is advised to see an endocrinologist. Additionally, it could be due to some gastrointestinal diseases, such as cirrhosis, and in such cases, it is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist.

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Written by Sun Ming Yue

Medical Oncology

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Characteristics of skin itching caused by tumors

Skin itching caused by tumors is generally stubborn and persistent, but there are no visible symptoms on the surface of the skin. This is because the biological factors released by tumor cells stimulate the surrounding nerves, leading to itching. For example, malignant lymphomas, cancers of the external genitalia, and cancers in female patients all exhibit itching during their progression. Beyond skin itching, some patients may experience varying degrees of skin damage, including the appearance of erythema, blisters, or erosion. If these areas become infected, they can lead to skin breakdown and exudation. In addition to these symptoms, some patients may also experience skin thickening and scaling, as well as itching of the nose, anus, and genitals. There are many types of tumors that can cause itching, such as tumors on the forehead, rectum, colon, vagina, cervix, prostate, etc. Therefore, if a patient experiences symptoms of skin itching, it is crucial to maintain proper skin cleanliness promptly.

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Written by He Da Wei

Dermatology

1min 2sec

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Causes of itchy skin on the lower legs in summer

In summer, if you experience itching on the lower legs, it's important to consider summer dermatitis. Summer dermatitis is a seasonal skin disorder caused by hot weather, commonly affecting adults' limbs, especially the lower legs. The outer side of the lower legs, or the front part, typically shows symptoms. The characteristics of the lesion include localized bright red erythema with dense, medium-sized papules. Scratching can lead to scratch marks, scabs, and significant discoloration, but generally, there is no erosion or exudation. The condition is clearly related to temperature and climate, so it typically improves when the temperature drops, and can be cured by autumn or winter. It is important to maintain a living environment with good ventilation and cooling, wear loose clothing, and keep the skin clean and dry. Treatment mainly involves topical remedies, including applying calamine lotion and washing with decoctions of traditional Chinese medicine.

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Written by Gan Jun

Endocrinology

1min 3sec

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How to treat high blood sugar and itchy skin?

Skin itching caused by high blood sugar requires a clear understanding of the cause of the itching. On one hand, it is mainly associated with elevated blood sugar levels, and on the other hand, it may be related to peripheral neuropathy caused by diabetes. A third consideration is secondary fungal or bacterial skin infections caused by high blood sugar. For these conditions, the first step is to test blood sugar levels. If a significant increase in blood sugar is found, it is important to adjust the existing sugar-lowering plan promptly to bring blood sugar levels within an ideal range. At the same time, medications that nourish the nerves, including cobamamide and vitamin B2, can be taken. For patients with secondary skin infections, appropriate antibacterial or antifungal ointments may be given. It is also important to maintain skin cleanliness and avoid eating spicy and irritating foods. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

41sec

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What causes postpartum breastfeeding skin itching?

During the postpartum breastfeeding period, some mothers may experience skin itching, which mainly depends on the cause. It is generally due to changes in physical constitution and other factors, such as sweat rash, prickly heat, and unexplained papules and hives. During breastfeeding, the most common cause of skin itching is sweat rash. Sweat rash occurs when the body sweats after childbirth, and patches appear in the skin folds, sometimes merging into a large area. At this time, it is important to keep the skin dry and topical antibiotics can be used for local application. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Ji Qing

Traditional Chinese Medicine

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How to deal with dry, itchy skin during menopause?

Menopause-related issues such as dry heat and itchy skin should be actively treated, for instance, by taking antihistamine or other anti-itch medications. Clinically, some may also opt for supplemental hormonal treatments. As menopausal skin itching varies in reason and severity, for some women, combining traditional Chinese medicine with good living habits may be beneficial. It is crucial to maintain a healthy life attitude and ensure overall physical and mental well-being to alleviate menopausal itchy skin symptoms. Menopause is a natural stage everyone goes through. Thus, it is important for menopausal women to foster good daily habits to better navigate their later years.