Holiday Ayo - Recognizing the various causes of persistent itchy skin is important so that the problem can be addressed promptly.

However, if the itch persists, there may be something wrong with your body. There are several causes of persistent itching that you should be aware of.

Itching caused by insect bites or allergies usually only lasts a short time and will gradually resolve.

However, if the itching persists or even worsens, there may be a health problem.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, there are several causes of persistent itching.

These can range from signs of an allergy to signs of serious illnesses such as kidney, liver, and even cancer.

Here are some causes of persistent itching that you can use as a reference.

1. Skin Disease

Skin disease can cause severe itching that doesn't go away. These conditions include atopic dermatitis, chickenpox, folliculitis, or psoriasis.

In addition to severe itching, other signs of these conditions include dry, red, swollen, cracked skin, and even fluid-filled rashes.

2. Allergies

Allergic reactions to the skin can also cause persistent itching. This allergic reaction is usually characterized by persistent, persistent itching, accompanied by redness and hives.

Human skin can develop allergies to many objects or substances, one of which is nickel. Nickel is a frequent cause of allergic reactions in humans.

Nickel is found in many products we touch every day, such as cell phones, glasses, jewelry, or even zippers.

Furthermore, several types of plants are also known to cause itching if accidentally touched, such as poison ivy, nettle, stinging nettle, ragweed, leadwort, and so on.

3. Damage to Internal Organs

Persistent itching can be a warning sign of disease within the body, especially internal organs.

Persistent itching, even after taking anti-itch medication, is a sign of an internal disease, such as liver or liver disease.

Furthermore, itching can also be a sign of acute kidney disease. Itching worsens in people undergoing dialysis.

In these cases, the itching typically spreads to the arms, back, and legs.

Besides liver and kidney disease, other conditions that may be caused by persistent itching include lymphoma, diabetes, and even Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

4. Skin Cancer

Of the many signs of skin cancer, persistent itching is one. This itching usually occurs in the infected area of skin.

This is usually indicated by the appearance of spots or changes in skin color that appear different from the surrounding skin.

If you experience persistent itching, it's best to visit your local healthcare facility immediately for further treatment.

5. Stress and mental disorders

Some people who experience stress, anxiety disorders, or mental disorders such as OCD, depression, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder can also experience persistent itching.

According to Verywellhealth, this itching is called psychogenic itching.

Psychogenic itching is a skin condition that is often triggered or worsened by psychological factors, rather than physical or dermatological (skin-related) factors.

There are three general categories of psychogenic itching: primary skin conditions accompanied by itching, such as eczema or urticaria (hives); worsening skin conditions (psoriasis or eczema); and mental disorders that cause itching.

These are some of the causes of persistent itching. Itching that persists and persists requires appropriate treatment.