Scratching an itch causes minor pain, which prompts the brain to release serotonin. But serotonin also reacts with receptors on neurons that carry itch signals to the brain, making itching worse.
The problem is that serotonin has the unintended side effect of increasing itching sensations, and the process starts over even itchier than before: Itch, scratch, hurt, serotonin.
This is consistent with the findings of this study that low serotonin is a risk factor for psoriasis. It is well known that skin diseases such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis are strongly influenced by the incidence of stress and dopamine has a very close relationship in the configuration of stress.
Research has also shown a link between itching and symptoms of depression. People who report severe depression also report higher itch intensity, compared to people who report low symptoms of depression.
Chronic itch is the hallmark symptom of a delusional state of parasitophobia, and has also been reported in obsessive compulsive disorders, somatoform disorder and depression. This type of itch has been coined “psychogenic itch” (1–4). It can be a severe and incapacitating symptom.
Itching on the whole body might be a symptom of an underlying illness, such as liver disease, kidney disease, anemia, diabetes, thyroid problems, multiple myeloma or lymphoma. Nerve disorders. Examples include multiple sclerosis, pinched nerves and shingles (herpes zoster).
Antidepressant medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often the first-line treatment of symptoms of serotonin deficiency such as depression and anxiety. SSRIs help your body use serotonin more efficiently.
Causes of low serotonin
genetic factors. age-related health and brain changes. chronic stress. a lack of exposure to natural light.
The serotonin test measures the level of serotonin in the blood. Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. Preparation may vary depending on the specific test.
Two antihistamines that raise serotonin levels in the brain are: Dextromethorphan. Chlorpheniramine.
Antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft), and tricyclic antidepressants, such as doxepin, may be helpful in easing some types of chronic itch. You may not feel the full benefit of some of these drugs for 8 to 12 weeks after starting treatment.
The only drug proven to help with serotonin syndrome is cyproheptadine, a type of antihistamine that blocks or slows down nerve signals. As a result, its most common side effects are drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, and muscle weakness.
Altered mental status (irritability, agitation, restlessness, and anxiety) Neuromuscular hyperactivity (tremors, shivering, muscle rigidity, and muscle spasms) Autonomic hyperactivity (rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, sweating, and fever)
Increasing serotonin levels can be done naturally. The best ways to do this are eating well, getting out in the sun or supplementing with vitamin D, exercising, taking adaptogens, and managing stress. Serotonin can also be increased synthetically with antidepressants.
Exposure to either the sun or to the bright light meant to replicate it is another way to naturally increase serotonin levels. Light therapy is one of the main treatments for seasonal affective disorder (SAD), the winter blues that may be triggered by a drop in serotonin levels.
Some people have serotonin deficits that may contribute to mental health issues, such as depression. Antidepressant medications can increase serotonin levels and help with symptoms. Exercise, diet, and light therapy might also increase serotonin levels.
Dry skin is a common cause of itchy skin without a rash. In most cases, dry skin is mild. It can result from environmental conditions, such as low humidity and hot or cold weather. It's also sometimes caused by activities that can decrease moisture in the skin, such as bathing in hot water.
The causes of skin itching, or pruritis, are usually harmless. They are often temporary issues such as dry skin or a bug bite. Less commonly, nerves, kidneys, thyroid, or liver issues can cause itching sensations without necessarily causing a rash.
Neuropathic itch is a different kind of chronic itch caused by a malfunction of nerve cells. It appears in many of the same conditions that can cause chronic neuropathic pain, including shingles, a very common viral infection.
rash feels itchy or irritated. small bumps or papules on the skin. hives, or raised welts on the skin. rash may appear in relation to high levels of anxiety or stress, with no other clear factors.
Psychogenic itch can be defined as “an itch disorder where itch is at the center of the symptomatology and where psychological factors play an evident role in the triggering, intensity, aggravation, or persistence of the pruritus.” The disorder is poorly known by both psychiatrists and dermatologists and this review ...
Drugs that prevent the reuptake of serotonin include SNRIs, SSRIs, tramadol, certain tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), certain opioids, dextromethorphan, the antihistamines chlorpheniramine and brompheniramine, and herbals such as St John's wort.
Most cases of serotonin syndrome are mild and may be treated by withdrawal of the offending agent and supportive care. Benzodiazepines may be used to treat agitation and tremor. Cyproheptadine may be used as an antidote. Patients with moderate or severe cases of serotonin syndrome require hospitalization.