Itching

Definition

Itching is a tingling or irritation of the skin that makes you want to scratch the affected area.

Alternative Names

Pruritus

Considerations

Itching may occur all over the whole body (generalized) or only in one location (localized).

Common Causes

There are many causes of itching, including:

• Aging skin
• Atopic dermatitis
• Contact dermatitis (poison ivy or poison oak)
• Contact irritants (such as soaps, chemicals, or wool)
• Dry skin
• Hives
• Insect bites and stings
• Parasites such as pinworm, body lice, head lice, and pubic lice
• Pityriasis rosea
• Psoriasis
• Rashes (may or may not itch)
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Sunburn
• Superficial skin infections such as folliculitis and impetigo

Generalized itching may be caused by:

• Allergic reactions
• Childhood infections (such as chickenpox or measles)
• Hepatitis
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease with jaundice
• Pregnancy
• Reactions to medications and substances such as antibiotics (penicillin, sulfonamides), gold, griseofulvin, isoniazid, opiates, phenothiazines, or vitamin A

Home Care

For persistent or severe itching, see your health care provider for a diagnosis and treatment instructions.

In the meantime, you can take some steps to help deal with the itch:

• Avoid scratching or rubbing the itchy areas. Keep fingernails short to avoid damaging the skin from scratching. Family members or friends may be able to help by calling attention to your scratching.
• Wear cool, light, loose bedclothes. Avoid wearing rough clothing, particularly wool, over an itchy area.
• Take lukewarm baths using little soap and rinsing thoroughly. Try a skin-soothing oatmeal or cornstarch bath.
• Apply a soothing lotion after bathing to soften and cool the skin.
• Use moisturizer on the skin, particularly in the dry winter months. Dry skin is a common cause of itching.
• Apply cold compresses to an itchy area.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to excessive heat and humidity.
• Take part in activities that distract from the itching during the day and make you tired enough to sleep at night.
• Try over-the-counter oral antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), but be aware of possible side effects such as drowsiness.
• Try over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream on itchy areas.