Itch Center - Hawthorne, CA
Hawthorne 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 Hawthorne * Beatrice C Kalata MD  Glynis Ablon MD  Murad Medical Group  Darlene Sampson MD  Lawrence S Moy MD  Westchester Dermatology  Howard L Sofen MD  Jamie MacDougall MD  Keerthi R DeSilva MD  HealthCare Partners Medical Group Torrance Specialty  HealthCare Partners Medical Group Torrance Specialty  HealthCare Partners Medical Group Torrance Specialty  HealthCare Partners Medical Group Torrance Specialty  Beach Cities Dermatology  Amber A Kyle MD Inc  Dermatology Group of Southern California  Dermatology Group of Southern California  Dermatology Group of Southern California  David M Duffy MD  Takako G Iwasaki MD  Dermatology Group of Southern California  Paul J Gethner MD  Pacific Surgical & Laser Institute  William Coffey MD  Metropolitan Dermatology Medical Group  Marcia J Glenn MD  West Dermatology Medical Group  Hala Koudsi MD  Arlen Millman MD  West Dermatology Medical Group  Baldev K Devgan & Manju Devgan MDs  Christopher Ho MD  Celibre Medical  Selbert A Chernila MD  William R Crudup MD  John F Gebhard MD  Susan Goodlerner MD  James V O'Connell MD  Kurt F Pickus MD  Norman Stirling MD  Robert C Wang MD  Martin Luther King Jr. Hospital Dermatology Dept  TLC Skin Laser Center  Dermatology Treatment Center of the South Bay  Kaiser Permanente-Dermatology  Drs Cho & Han  Kaiser Permanente-Dermatology  Vitiligo & Pigment Institute of Southern California  Kangihnn Paik MD  Wilshire Aesthetics Medical Group  Carla E Herriford MD  Richard P Kaplan MD  William D Keith MD  Erma L Benitez MD  Dermatology Associates  Dermatologic Medical Associates of Century City  David Rahimi MD  Forever Young Inc  Dermatologic Medical Associates of Century City  Hirsch Skin & Cancer Medical Group  Kirby Dermatology  Douglas A Blose MD  Harry W Saperstein MD  Beverly Hills Medical Management  Harry W Saperstein MD  Harry W Saperstein MD  Wallace Medical Group  Stanley M Bierman MD  Bosley Medical  Cedars-Sinai Medical Group Dermatology  Cedars-Sinai Medical Group Dermatology  Cedars-Sinai Medical Group Dermatology  Alan Rosenbach MD  Cedars-Sinai Medical Group Dermatology  Armand Newman MD  Obagi Institute  Obagi Institute  Daniel Taheri MD  Spalding Dr Cosmetic Surgery & Dermatology  City of Angels Dermatology  Drs Goldman & Dubow  Drs Goldman & Dubow  Brian P Mekelburg & Michelle Lee MDs  Robert D Leibowitz MD  Brian P Mekelburg & Michelle Lee MDs  Mark G Rubin MD  Millard H Zisser MD  Reza Babapour MD  Emily F Bloom MD  Beverly Hills Dermatology  The Kopelson Clinic  Douglas Hamilton MD  Dermatology Associates Medical Group  Dermatology Associates Medical Group  Stuart H Kaplan MD  Arnold W Klein MD A Medical Corporation  The Kopelson Clinic  Harold A Lancer MD  Alfred G Lerner MD Inc  Dermatology Associates Medical Group Hawthorne, CaliforniaUpcoming Local Events2012-06-10
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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 ItchingWhat is pityriasis rosea?Pityriasis rosea is a common rash usually seen in individuals between the ages of 10 to 35 years old. The rash typically lasts six to eight weeks, rarely extending 12 weeks or longer. Once a person has pityriasis rosea, it generally does not recur in their lifetime. Pityriasis rosea characteristically begins as an asymptomatic single, large pink patch called the "herald patch" or mother patch, measuring 2-10 centimeters. The herald patch is a dry, pink to red patch which appears on the back, chest, or neck and has a well-defined, scaly border. One to two weeks following the initial appearance of the herald patch, a person will then develop many smaller pink patches across their trunk, arms, and legs. The second stage of pityriasis rosea erupts with a large number of oval spots, ranging in diameter from 0.5 centimeter (size of a pencil eraser) to 1.5 centimeters (size of a peanut). The individual spots form a s... Other Related Itch ArticlesEmergency Contact for Hawthorne
Nearby Hawthorne Hospitals *Los Angeles Metropolitan Medical Center Hawthorne Campus Centinela Freeman Regional Medical Center Centinela Campus Memorial Hospital of Gardena Vista Hospital of South Bay Kindred Hospital Los Angeles Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance Marina Del Rey Hospital Martin Luther King Jr MAC Service Center LAC Harbor UCLA Medical Center Torrance Memorial Medical Center Del Amo Hospital Brotman Medical Center Kaiser Permanente West Los Angeles Medical Center Los Angeles Metropolitan Medical Center St Francis Medical Center Community Hospital of Huntington Park Orthopaedic Medical Center California Hospital Medical Center Kaiser Permanente South Bay Medical Center Olympia Medical Center Miracle Mile Medical Center VA Greater Los Angeles HealthCare System Good Samaritan Hospital Saint John's Health Center Santa Monica UCLA Medical Center Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Shriners Hospitals for Children Los Angeles St Vincent Medical Center Promise Hospital of East Los Angeles Suburban Medical Center Campus Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center UCLA Neuropsychiatric Hospital Temple Community Hospital Promise Hospital of East Los Angeles Los Angeles Community Hospital Pacific Hospital of Long Beach Kaiser Mental Health Center Pacific Alliance Medical Center White Memorial Medical Center East Los Angeles Doctors Hospital Barlow Respiratory Hospital Long Beach Memorial Medical Center Miller Children's Hospital Hollywood Community Hospital Lakewood Regional Medical Center Gateways Hospital & Mental Health Center Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center LAC + USC Medical Center LAC + USC Medical Center Women's & Children's Hospital Downey Regional Medical Center Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center San Pedro Childrens Hospital Los Angeles Kaiser Permanente Downey Medical Center Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center Bellflower Medical Center USC University Hospital St Mary Medical Center Coast Plaza Doctors Hospital College Hospital Cerritos Community Hospital of Long Beach Monterey Park Hospital Glendale Memorial Hospital & Health Center Beverly Hospital Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center Metropolitan State Hospital Norwalk Community Hospital Tri-City Regional Medical Center VA Long Beach Healthcare System Alhambra Hospital Medical Center Garfield Medical Center Glendale Adventist Medical Center City of Angels Medical Center Ingleside Campus Sherman Oaks Hospital Presbyterian Intercommunity 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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