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Itching is an irritating sensation on the skin with an urge to scratch. Itching can occur on any body part. In some cases, itching particularly occurs on the skin folds. These skin folds include armpits (axilla), groin area (crease where the abdomen and thighs meet), in between buttocks, area under the breasts, area in the bend of the elbows, area behind the knees and in between the toes and fingers, folds of the neck and behind the ears. Along with itching, eruptions or rash may appear on the skin. The eruptions can be dry or may ooze fluid. Cuts and cracks can appear on the skin folds. In some cases, there may be pain and soreness in the affected skin folds.
Causes Of Itching In Skin Folds
Itching in the skin folds can arise from various causes. Firstly, rubbing of the skin folds from tight-fitting clothes can lead to it. Another reason can be heat and excessive moisture or sweating in the skin folds. Obesity, increased sweating, diabetes, weak immune system are some of the factors that increase the risk of itching in the skin folds. Besides, it may arise from various infections including fungal, bacterial and viral infections.
The fungal infection mainly occurs from fungus named candida albicans. The bacterial infection mainly results from staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The viral infections mainly result from viruses of families Papillomaviridae and Poxviridae. Other reasons behind itchy skin folds include eczema and psoriasis (one of its types is named inverse psoriasis). Eczema or dermatitis refers to inflamed skin with redness, rashes and itching. It could be attended with the presence of eruptions on the skin either dry or fluid-filled, cracks on the skin and skin peeling. In some cases, dermatitis, usually atopic dermatitis, mainly affects the bends of limbs including the elbow and knees. Psoriasis refers to an autoimmune skin condition in which red, inflamed patches occur on the skin covered with silvery, white scales. There is a type of psoriasis known as inverse psoriasis that particularly tends to affect the skin folds.
Homeopathic Management
Homeopathy is very effective in managing itching in the skin folds. These medicines are entirely safe to use as they are prepared from naturally occurring substances. It has zero side effects. They help in reducing itching along with healing any eruptions, if present. Homeopathic medicines also help to manage any discharge or pain if present. They give long-term results by working to treat the root cause behind the itching. After managing the acute condition, homeopathic medicines work gradually to overcome the tendency to have itching in the skin folds. Homeopathic medicines are selected individually in every case based on the symptom presentation, so homeopathic prescription varies from case to case. It is advised to take any homeopathic medicines under the supervision of a homeopathic doctor. It is strictly advised to avoid self-medication in any case.
Homeopathic Medicines For Itching In Skin Folds
1. Graphites – Topmost Medicine
There are numerous homeopathic medicines for managing itching in the skin folds but among these, Graphites is a top-listed medicine. Its use is highly recommended for managing itching and rashes between the bends of elbow and knees, neck folds, area behind the ears and groins. Cracks in between the fingers, toes, behind the ears and other skin folds may be present. These cracks are slow to heal. There can be marked roughens of the skin where this medicine is required. Another important feature of using this medicine is the presence of eruptions that ooze a sticky, gluey discharge. In cases needing it, the tendency of pus formation on the skin is also present. Graphites is also recommended for cases of ringworm infection in the bends of elbow along with intense itching. Another indication for using this medicine is itching in the bend of knees from eczema eruptions. There are thick crusts present in the bend of knees sometimes along with cracks. They itch intolerably. Itching gets worse at night from the warmth of bed.
2. Natrum Mur – For Itching In Bends Of Limbs And Between Toes
This medicine is indicated for managing itching with dry, crusty eruptions in the bends of limbs. Bends of limbs mean elbow bends and area behind the knees. Sometime there is oozing of fluid from the eruptions. In some cases, eruptions can be present behind the ears as well. At times, scabs are present in the armpits. This medicine is also indicated for herpes eruptions in the bends of elbows and knees. Lastly, Natrum Mur is suitable for cracks in between toes attended with intense itching. The area between the toes is sore (painful to touch).
3. Petroleum – For Itching Between Toes With Cracks
Petroleum is very beneficial to manage itching occurring in between the toes. There are deep cracks in between the toes. Along with itching, burning sensation is also well marked. There is also offensive smelling sweat on the foot along with the above complaint. This medicine is well-indicated for managing fungal infection on the foot.
4. Psorinum – For Itching In Joint Bends, Armpits And Between Fingers
This medicine is highly suitable when there is itching in the bend of joints i.e. in elbow crease or behind the knees. There also occur eruptions in the bends of joints. There is also a tendency to bleed from the eruptions. In some cases, pus may get formed in the eruptions. The itching gets worse from the heat of the bed. Psorinum is also useful for roughness, and dryness in the skin folds with scab formation. This medicine can also be used to manage itching in the armpits. This medicine is helpful for itching in between the fingers with small fluid-filled eruptions (vesicles).
5. Sepia – For Itching And Burning In Bend Of Limbs
Sepia works well in cases where itching and burning is felt in the bend of limbs, means elbow and knee bends. It gets worse at night. There is increased sweating in the bends of limbs, especially at night. Small pimples appear in these bends. They discharge some fluid as well. After scratching, they dry up. It is followed by rough skin with brownish spots. Along with the above, soreness (pain on touch) is also present in the bends of limbs. Prickling and tingling sensation may be felt in these bends.
6. Sulphur – For Itching In Skin Folds With Soreness And Peeling Of Skin
This medicine is effective when there is itching in skin folds attended with peeling of the skin. The skin folds are also very sore i.e. painful to touch. The itching gets worse at night and from the heat of the bed. It also increases from scratching and washing. When scratched, a burning sensation is felt in the affected skin area. Eruptions, either pimples or pustules (pus-filled bumps), may appear on the skin.
7. Merc Sol – For Itchy Eruptions In Armpits, Elbow And Knee Bends, Groin Area
Merc Sol is of great use in managing itchy eruptions in the armpits, elbow and knee bends, and groin area. Itching gets worse from exposure to cold air and better from the warmth of bed. This is attended with pain and a burning sensation. Redness of the skin is also observed. There is sensitivity to the skin even to the touch of clothes. Merc Sol is also indicated for eczema in the bend of limbs with yellow crusts.
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