What are the risks of leaving skin itching untreated?

Skin itching, if left untreated, may severely affect the patient's sleep quality, as the itching often worsens at night, causing insomnia. Prolonged sleep disturbances may lead to neurasthenia. Failure to treat the condition may result in worsening symptoms and trigger various complications, such as central nervous system disorders including cerebral arteriosclerosis, cerebral edema, and brain tumors, as well as hepatobiliary diseases like obstructive jaundice and hemolytic jaundice. In severe cases, it may even lead to malignant tumors, endangering the patient's health. Additionally, skin itching can affect the patient's physical appearance, causing skin lesions such as papules, scratch marks, blood crusts, and pigmentation, which may spread throughout the body. It can also interfere with the patient's normal daily activities, work, and study, causing significant distress. Therefore, individuals experiencing skin itching should seek medical attention promptly to prevent worsening symptoms and the development of complications.