Suffering from body itch and rashes.

Itching is a normal body response to protect us from harmful external substances or parasites such as insect bites. There are many possible causes but for some people with pruritus no obvious cause can be found. Pruritus may be localised to one area or generalised over the skin. Most common cause of itching is dry skin. It may also be caused by medicines or by internal diseases affecting the body. When pruritus occurs due to an internal disorder, we have to treat the disorder first as most of the time it will cure the itching as well. If the itching started after you started taking a particular drug, talk to your doctor for an alternative medicine. Visit your nearest dermatologist as he/she may also suggest some blood tests to identify the underlying problem causing the itching. Phototherapy ( Ultraviolet A or narrow band UVB) can give rapid relief from itching.  The skin is exposed to an ultraviolet (UV) light for a set amount of time and it suppresses the immune cells which cause itching. A Dermatologist can help you with this better.

A few general measures like avoid scratching the affecting area, applying cold compresses go a long way in reducing the itching. Avoid using any over the counter anti itch creams as they may increase your problem moisturizers if they are not suitable to your skin type.