Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, August 15, 1995                   TAG: 9508150023
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: ORLANDO SENTINEL
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

TOP 10 CAUSES OF ITCHING

1. Dry skin; more prevalent with age. Common treatment: moisturizers.

2. Allergic reactions to foods, pollens, wool, etc. Common treatment: separation from the allergy-causing agent.

3. Insect bites - fleas, mosquitoes, bees or scabies (parasitic mites). Common treatment: Over-the-counter insect bite medications. See doctor for scabies.

4. Poison ivy or other rash-causing plants. Common treatment: calamine lotion (zinc oxide-based lotion).

5. Sunburn. Common treatment: moisturizers (sunburn itches primarily because it dries the skin).

6. Skin problems such as eczema, acne, psoriasis. Common treatment: oral and topical medications, including steroids, antihistamines and doxepin hydrochloride cream. See a dermatologist.

7. Fungal infections, such as jock itch and athlete's foot. Common treatment: over-the-counter anti-fungal creams.

8. Anxiety, depression or other more serious psychiatric problems. Common treatment: anti-depressant medications; psychological or psychiatric care.

9. Drug reaction, particularly to opiates such as morphine. Common treatment: elimination or substitution of the drug when possible under doctor's advice.

10. Serious illnesses, such as kidney failure, liver disease, cancer. Common treatment: varies depending on the illness. Ultraviolet light is used to care for chronic itching that occurs in some patients on dialysis.

Note: Consult doctor/dermatologist in any severe or persistent cases of itching, rashes or hives.