itchy skin?

Question

I have had this spot on my hip that always itches I've moisturized, not moisturized, used different soaps, and it still itches anybody have any answer as to why this is and what to do about it?

Answer 1

If it red and gets a little scaly it could be psoriasis

Answer 2

Sounds like exema, my son gets this and our pediatrician gave us a prescription cream to put on him. Also in the winter time try putting some Aveeno Bath Salt in your water while bathing this will put moisture back into the skin. We alos have to bathe him everyother day because the water was drying his skin out even more.

Answer 3

I agree with what the first guy said about psoriasis. you have to go to your doctor for this and he/she will give you a cream to rub into it every night or when ever it itches. psoriasis is red and when the skin that is flaky like dandruff.
Here is info on psorasis from webmd.com
Psoriasis - Topic Overview
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes skin cells to grow too quickly, resulting in thick, white, silvery, or red patches of skin. The patches range in size from small to large and typically occur on the knees, elbows, scalp, hands, feet, or lower back. Psoriasis is most common in adults, although children and teens may be affected.

Normally, skin cells mature gradually and are shed about every 28 days. New skin cells replace outer layers of the skin surface that are shed or sloughed off during normal daily activity. In psoriasis, skin cells do not mature but instead move rapidly up to the surface of the skin over 3 to 6 days and build up, forming the characteristic patches (plaques).

See an illustration of psoriasis.

What causes psoriasis?
The exact cause of psoriasis is not known. In many cases it appears to be inherited. However, it is not clear whether genetic factors alone determine whether you will develop psoriasis.

Other factors that can contribute to the development of psoriasis include immune system dysfunction; cold, dry climate; skin injury; stress and anxiety; infection; and reactions to certain medications.

What are the symptoms of psoriasis?
Symptoms of psoriasis vary widely and appear in different combinations. Psoriasis can be mild, with small areas of rash. When psoriasis is moderate or severe, the skin can be inflamed with raised red areas topped with loose, silvery, scaling skin. If psoriasis is severe, it can become itchy and tender, and the large skin patches may be uncomfortable and embarrassing. The patches, called plaques, can join together, giving the skin a maplike appearance, and may cover large areas of skin, such as the entire back.

Other symptoms of psoriasis may include joint swelling, tenderness, and pain, called psoriatic arthritis. Symptoms in the fingernails and toenails include pitting, discoloration, separation of the nail from the nail bed, and the buildup of skin debris under the nails.

Symptoms may disappear (go into remission), even without treatment, and then return (flare).

How is psoriasis diagnosed?
A doctor can usually diagnose psoriasis by the appearance and location of the patches on your skin, scalp, or nails. Sometimes a skin KOH test is used to rule out a fungal infection, but otherwise, special tests are usually not needed.

How is psoriasis treated?
Treatment for psoriasis begins with skin care, which includes keeping your skin moist and lubricated. Basic treatment approaches are often used in combination and include skin products, such as creams, lotions, and shampoos; phototherapy, such as ultraviolet light treatments; and oral medications, such as cyclosporine, an immune system suppressant.

Treatment can help control symptoms, but currently there is no cure for psoriasis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learning about psoriasis:
What is psoriasis?
What causes psoriasis?
What are the symptoms of psoriasis?
What increases the risk for psoriasis?
Who is affected by psoriasis?

Being diagnosed:
How is psoriasis diagnosed?
Are any medical tests necessary to diagnose psoriasis?
Are there other conditions with symptoms similar to psoriasis?

Getting treatment:
How is psoriasis treated?
What medications are used to treat psoriasis?
Is surgery an option?
What can I do at home to treat psoriasis?

Ongoing concerns:
Will psoriasis go away?
What can I do if my psoriasis gets worse?

Living with psoriasis:
How can I make living with psoriasis more comfortable?
What should I do to care for my skin?

Next Article: Topic OverviewHealth ToolsCauseSymptomsWhat HappensWhat Increases Your RiskWhen To Call a DoctorExams and TestsTreatment OverviewPreventionHome TreatmentMedicationsSurgeryOther TreatmentOther Places To Get HelpReferencesCredits
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: January 06, 2006

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.

© 1995-2006, Healthwise, Incorporated, P.O. Box 1989, Boise, ID 83701. All Rights Reserved.






Psoriasis
Topic Overview
Health Tools
Cause
Symptoms
What Happens
What Increases Your Risk
When To Call a Doctor
Exams and Tests
Treatment Overview
Prevention
Home Treatment
Medications
Surgery
Other Treatment
Other Places To Get Help
References
Credits

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