Itch Center - Buffalo Grove, IL
Buffalo Grove Dermatologist Doctors for ItchType of Physician: Dermatologist What is a Dermatologist? A certification by the Board of Dermatology; practitioners treat pediatric and adult patients with disorders of the skin, mouth, hair and nails as well as a number of sexually transmitted diseases. They also have expertise in the care of normal skin, the prevention of skin diseases and cancers, and in the management of cosmetic disorders of the skin such as hair loss and scars. Specialty: Dermatology Common Name: Skin Doctor Dermatologist Doctors in Buffalo Grove * Dermelan  Dermelan  Glazer Dermatology  Dermelan  Leone Dermatology Center  Leone Dermatology Center  Leone Dermatology Center  Leone Dermatology Center  Leone Dermatology Center  Wyhinny Alter Garcia & Wyhinny MDs  Liposuction and Cosmetic Surgery Institute  Liposuction and Cosmetic Surgery Institute  Lakeshore Dermatology  Marvin H Margolis MD  Fahey Medical Center  Deerfield Dermatology Associates Ltd  Deerfield Dermatology Associates Ltd  Deerfield Dermatology Associates Ltd  Deerfield Dermatology Associates Ltd  Deerfield Dermatology Associates Ltd  Robert M Septon MD  North Shore Dermatology  North Shore Dermatology  Clear Complexions RX  North Shore Dermatology Center  Aaron M Dworin MD  Northshore Center for Medical Aesthetics & Dermatology  Northshore Center for Medical Aesthetics & Dermatology  Northshore Center for Medical Aesthetics & Dermatology  The Skin Care Center  North Suburban Dermatology Associates  Rollie S Ackerman MD  Michael A Greenberg MD  Raymond M Handler MD & Roland S Medansky MD  Raymond M Handler MD & Roland S Medansky MD  Eugene Mandrea MD  Eugene Mandrea MD  Cosmetic Surgery Associates  Cole D Lundquist MD  North Glen Dermatology  Barsky & Bronson MDs  Barsky & Bronson MDs  Andrew P Lazar MD  Schaumburg Dermatology  Dermatology Partners of the North Shore LLC  Dermatology Partners of the North Shore LLC  Dermatology Partners of the North Shore LLC  Dermatology Partners of the North Shore LLC  Dermatology Partners of the North Shore LLC  Dermatology Partners of the North Shore LLC  Dermatology Partners of the North Shore LLC  Dermatology Partners of the North Shore LLC  Medical Specialists Ltd & Laser Care  Bakal Dermatology Associates  Bakal Dermatology Associates  Northwest Dermatology SC  Northwest Dermatology SC  Bruce Kolton MD LLC  Northwest Dermatology SC  Northwest Dermatology SC  Northwest Dermatology SC  David B Shanker MD  North Suburban Dermatology Associates  Cosmetic Dermatology & Surgery  Leone Dermatology Center  Leone Dermatology Center  Paul E Tancil MD  Miroslawa Dulczewska Miller MD PhD  Rush Dermatology Patient Services  Rush Dermatology Patient Services  Goldin Dermarology  Gary Jay Barsky MD  The Elmhurst Clinic  The Elmhurst Clinic  Virginia Fiedler MD  Gerta S Janss MD  Advanced Urology Center  Julie A Moore MD  Drs Banuchi & Banuchi SC  Taraneh S Firoozi MD  A & G Dermatology  A & G Dermatology  Francis S Lichon MD  Wilfried L Schmerold MD  Academic & Clinical Associates  Academic & Clinical Associates  DuPage Medical Group of Stratford  Chicago Skin Clinic  Mark D Gendleman MD  Oak Brook Dermatology Associates  Oak Brook Dermatology Associates  William C Dam MD SC  Tony S Fu MD  Bryan C Schultz MD  Kiran R Bais MD  Lawrence E Levine MD  Neal A Spearo & Associates  Aleksander Krunic MD SC  Swedish Covenant Medical Associates  Barsky Dermatological Association Buffalo Grove, IllinoisUpcoming Local Events2012-06-09
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ItchingWhat is an itch?Itch is an irritation in the skin that elicits an urge to scratch. Itches are a common problem and can be localized (limited to one area of the body) or generalized (occurring all over the body or in several different areas). The medical term for itching is pruritus. Generalized itch, for obvious reasons, is more difficult to treat than localized itch. Itches can also occur with or without skin lesions (bumps, blisters, or abnormalities that can be seen on the skin). An itch that is accompanied by visible skin abnormality usually should be evaluated by a physician and, in some cases, by a dermatologist since the problem is likely to be a condition that requires specialized medical treatment (for example, eczema, scabies, etc.).
What causes itching?Itching can be caused by many conditions. A common cause of itch is psychological, that is, due to stress, anxiety, etc. Stress also can aggravate itch from other causes. Dry skin is another frequent cause of itch. Many people also report sunburn itch following prolonged exposure to UV radiation from the sun. Other causes include metabolic and endocrine disorders (for example, liver or kidney disease, hyperthyroidism), cancers (for example, lymphoma), reactions to drugs, and interruptions in bile flow (cholestasis), diseases of the blood (for example, polycythemia vera). Itching is common with allergic reactions. Itching can also result from insect stings and bites such as from mosquito or flea bites. Infections and infestations of the skin are another cause of itch. Common infectious causes of itch include a fungal infection of the crotch (tinea cruris) commonly known as jock itch, as well as vaginal itching (sometimes referred to as feminine itching), and/or anal itching from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or other types of infections, such as vaginal yeast infections. Another type of parasitic infection resulting in itch... Recommended Reading Related to ItchingRingworm facts
What does the term ringworm mean?The term ringworm or ringworms refers to fungal infections that are on the surface of the skin. The name is derived from the early belief that the infection was due to a worm, which it is not. Ringworm is a fungal infection in the skin. Nevertheless, the name ringworm remains. Some of these fungi produce round spots on the skin, but many do not. On the other hand, many round, red spots on the skin are not due to a fungal infection. A physical examination of the affected s... Other Related Itch ArticlesEmergency Contact for Buffalo Grove
Nearby Buffalo Grove Hospitals *Northwest Community Hospital Condell Medical Center Glenbrook Hospital Resurrection Health Care Holy Family Medical Center Highland Park Hospital Lake Forest Hospital Advocate Lutheran General Hospital Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital Alexian Brothers Medical Center Alexian Rehabilitation Hospital Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital St Alexius Medical Center North Chicago VA Medical Center RUSH North Shore Medical Center Resurrection Health Care Resurrection Medical Center Streamwood Behavioral Health Center Vista Medical Center West NorthShore University HealthSystems Chicago-Read Mental Health Center Resurrection Health Care Saint Francis Hospital Adventist GlenOaks Hospital Vista Medical Center East Elmhurst Memorial Hospital Kindred Hospital Northlake Sherman Hospital Resurrection Health Care Our Lady of Resurrection Medical Center Gottlieb Memorial Hospital Elgin Mental Health Center Shriners Hospital for Children Chicago Swedish Covenant Hospital Resurrection Health Care Westlake Hospital Kindred Hospital Chicago Central Kindred Hospital Chicago North Kindred Hospital Chicago Lakeshore Methodist Hospital of Chicago Centegra Northern Illinois Medical Center CINN Neurologic & Orthopedic Institute of Chicago Provena Saint Joseph Hospital Resurrection Health Care West Suburban Medical Center Chicago Lakeshore Hospital RUSH Oak Park Hospital Weiss Memorial Hospital Loyola University Medical Center Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital Riveredge Hospital Thorek Memorial Hospital Edward Hines Jr VA Hospital John J Madden Mental Health Center Midwestern Regional Medical Center Loretto Hospital Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center Norwegian-American Hospital Resurrection Health Care Saint Elizabeth Hospital Hartgrove Hospital Sacred Heart Hospital Central DuPage Hospital Children's Memorial Hospital Resurrection Health Care Saint Joseph Hospital Resurrection Health Care Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital Center Lincoln Park Hospital Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital Advocate Bethany Hospital Centegra Memorial Medical Center MacNeal Hospital Adventist Hinsdale Hospital RML Specialty Hospital John H Stroger Jr Hospital of Cook County Jesse Brown VA Medical Center Johnston R Bowman Health Center Rush University Medical Center Saint Anthony Hospital University of Illinois Medical Center Adventist LaGrange Memorial Hospital Northwestern Memorial Hospital Prentice Women's Hospital Featured Articles*Provider Directory Terms of Use: The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval. |
Suggested Reading on Itching by Our Doctors
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Related Diseases & Conditions
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Liver
- The liver is the largest solid organ in the body, and is actually an gland. The liver has a wide variety of critical functions such as manufacturing proteins and metabolizing fats and carbohydrates. The liver also eliminates harmful biochemical waste products from the body (alcohol, drugs, toxins). The liver secretes bile that aids in digestion. Examples of diseases of the liver include cirrhosis, hepatitis, cancer, and fatty liver. Symptoms of liver disease include bleeding, easy bruising, edema, fatigue, and jaundice.
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Chickenpox (Varicella)
- Chickenpox (chicken pox) is a contagious childhood disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Symptoms have an incubation period of 14 to 16 days and include a couple days of mild fever, weakness, and red, raised rash that progresses to blisters that eventually burst and crust over. Complications include bacterial infection of the open sores, scarring, encephalitis, nerve palsies, and Reye's syndrome.
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Cirrhosis (Liver)
- Cirrhosis of the liver refers to a disease in which normal liver cells are replaced by scar tissue caused by alcohol and viral hepatitis B and C. This disease leads to abnormalities in the liver's ability to handle toxins and blood flow, causing internal bleeding, kidney failure, mental confusion, coma, body fluid accumulation, and frequent infections. Symptoms include yellowing of the skin, itching, and fatigue.
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Athlete's Foot
- Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a skin infection caused by the ringworm fungus. Symptoms include itching, burning, cracking, peeling, and bleeding feet. Treatment involves keeping the feet dry and clean, wearing shoes that can breathe, and using medicated powders to keep your feet dry.
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Frostbite and Cold Weather-Related Injuries
- There are two categories to cold weather-related injuries. 1) no freezing of body tissue (trench foot and chilblains), and 2) freezing of body tissues (frostbite). Chilblains in general, will not need medical attention (unless there is infection). Trench foot and frostbite, however, require medical attention. Symptoms of frostbite include pain, burning, numbness, and eventually a complete loss of sensation in the affected body part. The young, elderly, and patients with certain medical conditions (diabetes, hypothyroidism, circulatory problems, and psychiatric illnesses), are more susceptible to cold weather-related injuries. People who abuse alcohol and illicit drug user are also at risk for cold weather-related injuries.
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Hay Fever
- Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an irritation of the nose caused by pollen and is associated with the following allergic symptoms: nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, eye and nose itching, and tearing eyes. Avoidance of known allergens is the recommended treatment, but if this is not possible, antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays may help alleviate symptoms.
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Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic system, a vital part of the body's immune system. Symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, coughing, weakness, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, and abdominal pain. Treatment depends on which type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma you have, the stage of the cancer, your age, how fast the cancer is growing, and whether you have other health problems.
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Pancreatic Cancer
- Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor of the pancreas. Pancreatic cancer has been called a "silent" disease because early pancreatic cancer usually does not cause symptoms.
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Pink Eye
- Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, is redness or irritation of the conjunctivae, the membranes on the inner part of the eyelids and the membranes covering the whites of the eyes. These membranes react to a wide range of bacteria, viruses, allergy-provoking agents, irritants, and toxic agents.
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Poison Ivy
- Poison ivy, oak, and sumac are plants that cause an itchy skin rash and skin inflamation when contacted directly. This poison can be treated with medications such as calamine lotion and cortisone drugs.
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Hives
- Hives, also called urticaria, is a raised, itchy area of skin that is usually a sign of an allergic reaction. The allergy may be to food or medications, but usually the cause of the allergy (the allergen) is unknown.
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Varicose Veins
- Varicose vein: A dilated (widened) tortuous (twisting) vein, usually involving a superficial vein in the leg, often associated with incompetency of the valves in the vein. These visible and bulging veins are often associated with symptoms such as tired, heavy, or aching limbs. Spider veins are a group of widened veins that can be seen through the surface of the skin.
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Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
- Primary Biliary Cirrhosis is a chronic disease characterized by progressive inflammation and destruction of small bile ducts within the liver. The bile ducts transport bile from the liver to the intestine for the absorption of fat and elimination of waste products. The causes of Primary Biliary Cirrhosis may involve autoimmunity, infection, or genetic predisposition, acting alone or in combination. There are many medications and treatment options available for those with this and other associated diseases of Primary Biliary Cirrhosis.
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Rash
- The word "rash" means an outbreak of red bumps on the body. The way people use this term, "a rash" can refer to many different skin conditions. The most common of these are scaly patches of skin and red, itchy bumps or patches all over the place.
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Pinworms
- Pinworm infection is an intestinal infection caused by a pinworm, seatworm, or threadworm. Female pinworms leave the intestine through the anus and deposit eggs on the skin around the anus while a person is asleep. Pinworm infection is the most common worm infection in the US. Symptoms include anal itching or vaginal itching. Pinworm infection is generally spread by inadequate handwashing from infected persons. Treatment is effective after a diagnosis is made with a pinworm test.
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Genital Herpes In Women
- Genital herpes, a viral infection by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), is transmitted during sexual contact with the mucous-covered linings of the mouth, vagina, or the genital skin. A typical outbreak begins with an itching or tingling sensation followed by redness of the skin and blister formation. The blisters and ulcers that form when the blisters break are painful to the touch, and last from 7 days to 2 weeks. Though there is no cure for herpes, there are ways to treat outbreaks.
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Allergy
- An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. When these allergens come in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to it. It is estimated that 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions. The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. Common allergic disorders include hay fever, asthma, allergic eyes, allergic eczema, hives, and allergic shock.
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Rabies
- Rabies is a potentially fatal viral infection. Rabies symptoms include fever, headache, myalgia, and can progress to more serious symptoms such as seizures, coma and death. The rabies vaccine (rabies treatment) should be administered immediately after the person or pet has been bitten.
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Trichinosis
- Trichinosis is a food-borne disease caused by ingesting parasites (roundworms) in undercooked pork or wild-game meat. Symptoms of trichinosis include diarrhea, nausea, muscle aches, itching, fever, chills, and joint pains. Trichinosis usually resolves without treatment, but more severe cases are treated with thiabendazole, albendazole, or mebendazole.
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Head Lice
- Head lice infection is called pediculosis. Lice are parasites that feed on blood and can be found on the scalp and hair of infected people. Signs and symptoms of head lice infestation include a tickling sensation, itching, and sores on the head. Head lice may be eliminated with various over-the-counter shampoos and washing all clothing and bed linens in the hot water cycle. Combs and brushes should be disinfected, and the floor and furniture should be vacuumed.
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Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC)
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic, progressive disease of the bile ducts that channel bile from the liver into the intestines. There is an association between primary sclerosing cholangitis and ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Symptoms of primary sclerosing cholangitis include abnormal liver blood tests, itching, fatigue, and jaundice. Primary sclerosing cholangitis is treated with medications and in some cases, liver transplant.
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Anal Itching
- Anal itching is the irritation of the skin at the exit of the rectum, known as the anus, accompanied by the desire to scratch. Causes include everything from irritating foods we eat, to certain disease and infections. Treatment options include local anesthetics, vasoconstrictors, protectants, astringents, antiseptics, keratolytics, analgesics, and corticosteroids. If condition persists, a doctor examination may be needed to identify an underlying cause.
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Herpes Simplex Infections (Cold Sores, Non-Genital)
- Herpes simplex infections are common and when they appear around the mouth and lips, people often refer to them as "cold sores" and "fever blisters." Canker sores are different than cold sores. Air droplets can spread the virus, as can direct contact with the fluid from the blisters. Cold sore treatment include over-the-counter medication as well as prescription medications.
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Sun-Sensitive Drugs (Photosensitivity to Drugs)
- Sun sensitivity (photosensitivity) is an inflammation of the skin induced by the combination of medications or substances and sunlight. The affect on the skin is redness, which looks similar to a sunburn. Generally, these reactions are either phototoxic or photoallergic. Phototoxic drugs are more common than photoallergic drugs. Symptoms of phototoxic reactions are a burning and stinging sensation and then redness. Symptoms of photoallergic reactions are itching, redness, swelling, blisters of the affected area. Treatment generally is discontinuation of the medication and topical application of creams.
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Food Allergy
- The most common food allergies are to eggs, nuts, milk, peanuts, fish, shellfish, strawberries and tomatoes. Symptoms and signs include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, itching, hives, eczema, asthma, lightheadedness, and anaphylaxis. Allergy skin tests, RAST, and ELISA tests may be used to diagnose a food allergy. Though dietary avoidance may be sufficient treatment for mild allergies, the use of an Epipen may be necessary for severe food allergies.
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Scabies
- Scabies are itch mites that burrow under the skin and produce intense itching that's usually worse at night. Symptoms of scabies are small bumps and blisters on the wrists, knees, between the fingers, on the back of the elbows, in the groin and on the buttocks. Treatment involves applying a mite-killing cream, antihistamines for itch relief, washing bedclothes and linens.
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Ringworm
- The term "ringworm" or "ringworms" refers to fungal infections that are on the surface of the skin. A physical examination of the affected skin, evaluation of skin scrapings under the microscope, and culture tests can help doctors make the appropriate distinctions. A proper diagnosis is essential to successful treatment. Among the different types of ringworm are the following: tinea barbae, tinea capitis, tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea faciei, tinea manus, tinea pedis, and tinea unguium.
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Keloid
- A keloid is a scar that doesn't know when to stop. When the cells keep on reproducing, the result is an overgrown (hypertrophic) scar or a keloid. A keloid looks shiny and is often dome-shaped, ranging in color from slightly pink to red. It feels hard and thick and is always raised above the surrounding skin.
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Eye Allergy
- Eye allergy (or allergic eye disease) are typically associated with hay fever and atopic dermatitis. Medications and cosmetics may cause eye allergies. Allergic eye conditions include allergic conjunctivitis, conjunctivitis with atopic dermatitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, and giant papillary conjunctivitis. Dry eye, tear-duct obstruction, and conjunctivitis due to infection are frequently confused with eye allergies. Eye allergies may be treated with topical antihistamines, decongestants, topical mast-cell stabilizers, topical antiinflammatory drugs, systemic medications, and allergy shots.
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