FitSugar

That Little Itch Could Be . . .

FitSugar — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 02:00:00 -0800

The relationship between itches and scratching just got a little more complicated. A new study on scratching (yes, scientists study actions as seemingly banal as scratching) revealed that the act of scratching actually reduces activity in the brain region associated with negative emotions and unpleasant memories. This could be why scratching that itch feels so good.

The sensation of an itch is rather physiologically complicated, as is the scratch that relieves it. An itch involves not just the skin but the spinal cord and brain, too. While scratching an itch is a reflex response (the action removes irritants), there is a lot of neurological activity happening to help you to hit the right spot. When you do hit the right spot, it feels great. The researchers were actually interested in why scratching inhibits or alleviates the itching sensation. It looks like they are one step closer to figuring out why the itch got scratched.

My question to you is, do you feel a little itchy after reading this post?

Source

Why Do Mosquito Bites Itch So Much?

FitSugar — Tue, 29 May 2007 11:45:00 -0700

How much do you love that the weather has warmed up? It puts me in such a great mood, since I am spending so much time outdoors. I have to say though, those pesky mosquitoes buzzing around, trying to bite me, send me running indoors to safety more often than not!

I don't know what it is about me, but I must have pretty tasty blood because I get eaten alive. What I want to know is why mosquito bites itch so much!

Did you know that it's only female mosquitoes that bite you? They eat mostly nectar, but when it's time to make eggs and lay them, they need to eat protein (aka - your blood). When the mosquito stabs her needle-like mouthparts through the skin of her victim, she injects her saliva, teeming with digestive enzymes and anticoagulants to help her drink more quickly. Your body sees that as an enemy and produces histamine to ward off infection. That little pink bump left on your skin is an allergic reaction to the mosquito's saliva.

Fit's Tips: After you realize that you've been bitten, try with all your might NOT to scratch that annoying itch - it'll only make it itch and swell more. Wash the area with soap and water, then apply calamine lotion, cortisone, or any other anti-itch cream to the infected area. An ice pack may also help.

If you have any other remedies for dealing with itchy mosquito bites, tell me below.

Source

Relationship Protocol: Are You Prone to the Itch?

DearSugar — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:00:00 -0700

In relationships, there comes a point when you have to figure out if the person you're with is someone you want to make a further commitment to or if you should just cut your losses before things get any more serious. And when both people aren't on the same page, one person usually gets an itch to flee from the relationship even if things are perfectly fine otherwise. I have friends who are prone to this relationship itch - they're either commitment phobic or they just want to rock the boat - but whatever the reason, it seems to be a natural progression in many relationships. So are you prone to the itch, or do you take every relationship as it comes?

Source

Cute Alert: Sloth Has One Serious Itch

GiggleSugar — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 03:00:00 -0700

I'm half-inclined to ditch the everyday rat race, find this sloth sanctuary in Costa Rica, and live in slow-mo for a while. Perfection much? But baby Taz demonstrates one small problem with taking one's sweet time - all the time. What to do when you have an itch that you're just too slow to . . . scratch?

"That Woman" Has Got to Be Kidding Me

GiggleSugar — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 02:00:00 -0800

This lady never gets an itch she can't scratch.

Thanks, eBaum's World!

Antipruritic (On the skin)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:09:47 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Treats itchy skin caused by psoriasis, seborrhea, dandruff, or other conditions. Some forms of this medicine treat scaling and dry skin, which may cause itching.

Brand Name(s)

Lac-Lotion, Lac-Hydrin, Amlactin, Neutrogena T/Gel, Amlactin AP, Neutrogena T/Gel Extra Strength, Benadryl Itch Stopping, Dermamycin, Benadryl Extra Strength, Amlactin Distribution Pack, LAC Cream, Fototar, Good Sense Itch Relief, Anti-Itch, Benadryl

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients.

How to Use This Medicine

Oil, Spray, Shampoo, Soap, Liquid, Gel/Jelly, Ointment, Cream, Lotion

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
If you are using this medicine with a prescription, the medicine might come with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
This medicine is for use on your skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away. Some forms of this medicine should not be used on your face, genitals, or rectum. If you are not sure what body areas you can use this medicine on, ask your pharmacist.
For the cream, soap, oil, liquid, lotion, ointment, or gel: Apply a thin layer to the affected area. Rub it in gently. You might need to shake the liquid medicine before you use it.
To use the shampoo: Wet your hair and scalp thoroughly with water. Work the shampoo into a lather and gently massage it over your whole scalp for 3 to 5 minutes. Rinse your hair thoroughly. Wash your hair again and leave the shampoo on your scalp for another 3 to 5 minutes. Use at least twice a week for best results, or as directed by your doctor.
Do not use the spray near heat or open flame, or while smoking.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, apply it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to apply the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Do not use cosmetics or other skin care products on the treated skin areas.
Ask your doctor before you start taking any oral medicine while you are using this topical medicine. This includes non-prescription (over-the-counter) medicines.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you are allergic to preservatives or dyes.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor. Let your doctor know if your symptoms go away but come back again within a few days.
This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.
Do not use this medicine for a skin problem that has not been checked by your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Stinging or burning on your skin.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Rash.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2010 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5313

Camphor/menthol (On the skin)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:04:51 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Camphor (KAM-for), Menthol (MEN-thole)

Treats minor aches and pains in muscles and joints due to arthritis, backache, strains, or sprains.

Brand Name(s)

Sarna, Biofreeze, Dr. Blaine's Ortho-Nesic, Bio Freeze, Orthogel, Biofreeze Pain Relieving Gel, Sombra Natural Pain Relieving, Sombra, Osco Chest Rub Medication, Mentholatum, Tiger Balm, Tiger Balm Ultra, Tiger Balm Arthritis Rub, Men-Phor, Itch Relief Anti-Itch

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to menthol or camphor.

How to Use This Medicine

Cream, Stick, Lotion, Gel/Jelly, Ointment

This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Do not use it on skin areas that have cuts or scrapes. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
Apply a thin layer to the affected area. Rub it in gently.
Do not cover the treated area with a bandage unless your doctor has told you to.
Do not use this medicine with a heating pad or device unless your doctor tells you to.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine away from children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Do not use cosmetics or other skin care products on the treated skin areas.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have sensitive skin.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Skin rash, itching, redness, or swelling.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Return of your symptoms a few days after they have cleared up.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_4938

Gotta Go, Gotta Go, Gotta Go Right Now?

GiggleSugar — Thu, 15 May 2008 10:15:00 -0700

Just think of how many hands this dude shakes throughout the day.

Source

How to Combat Winter Itch

FitSugar — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 03:00:00 -0800

When the cold wind blows outside, we fight it by cranking up our heaters. Unfortunately, that heat makes the air super dry, which can take a toll on your skin leaving you incredibly itchy, scaly and uncomfortable. You can't help but scratch, which leaves it even more irritated.

Here are some tips to help you keep the moisture in your skin:

I know there's nothing like a hot shower to warm you up in the Winter, but the hotter the water the drier it makes your skin. Try a 15 minute soak in a warm bath instead, using a moisturizing soap like Pre de Provence Shea Butter Soap. Try some essential oils in the water to up the moisturizing potential of your bath.
If you can't stay away from showering, use warm water, and only wash your face, hands, feet, and between folds of skin. Take short showers, every other day. Too much cleansing removes your skin's natural moisturizers.
User 7kimba7 reminded me that using a body scrub or loofah gloves in the shower can help to slough off itchy dead skin cells.

Want to see the other tips? Then read more

After your shower or bath, dry yourself off slightly and while your skin is still damp, apply moisturizer all over, like this Body Time Shea Butter Moisturizer. Users bhilb and Martini Rossi also are fans of Eucerin because it really helps to moisturize their dry skin.
Purchase a humidifier if you don't already have one and use it in your bedroom at night. It'll help with a dry throat as well.
Try turning the thermostat down a little. Keeping your home on the cool side might help.
Drink water throughout the day, even in the Winter (It's easy to forget since we're not hot). It'll hydrate your skin from the inside out.

Source

Weather Through the Winter Itch

FitSugar — Wed, 13 Dec 2006 02:00:00 -0800

As the cold wind blows outside, we combat it by cranking up our heaters. It feels so nice to be toasty warm when you look outside and see bare trees naked in the bitter cold air.

Unfortunately, that heat makes the air super dry, and it takes a toll on our skin, drying it out. We're left with itchy, incredibly scaly dry skin. You can't help but scratch, which leaves it even more irritated.

See if these tips will help you keep the moisture in your skin:

Purchase a humidifier if you don't already have one and use it in your bedroom at night. It'll help with a dry throat as well.

I know there's nothing like a hot shower to warm you up in the winter, but the hotter the water the drier it makes your skin. Try a 15 minute soak in a warm bath instead, using a moisturizing soap like Pre de Provence Shea Butter Soap. Try some essential oils in the water to up the moisturizing potential of your bath.
If you can't stay away from showering, use warm water, and only wash your face, hands, feet, and between folds of skin. Take short showers, every other day - too much cleansing removes the skin's natural moisturizers.
Dry yourself off slightly and while your skin is still damp, apply moisturizer all over. Like this Body Time Shea Butter Moisturizer.
Try turning the thermostat down a little. Keeping your home on the cool side might help.

Hope these tips keep you warm and not too dry.