Plus, itching skin is caused by some reasons such as insect bites, dry weather, skin infection, soaps, detergents, allergic reactions, and even medications. AskMayoExpert. © 1998-2021 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). The reasons range from harmless rashes to more serious conditions. It may also be necessary to see a doctor who specializes in internal medicine (internist) to be evaluated for other diseases. Bugs that can cause long-lasting itch, include bed bugs, lice, and mites (scabies). Contact dermatitis: This itchy rash is caused by a reaction to something touching your skin. However, as much it may be pleasurable to dig into your skin with your fingernails, you could end up doing more harm than good to your skin. Or it may be associated with: Sometimes itchiness lasts a long time and can be intense. American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology: “Skin Allergy.”. Itchy skin, also known as pruritus, is an irritating and uncontrollable sensation that makes you want to scratch to relieve the feeling. Pruritus without rash. Lice can cause a crawling sensation in your scalp or pubic hair, along with an intense itch. In some cases, it may not be possible to identify a specific cause. It may be as simple as the clothes you wear. And the more it itches, the more you scratch. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. Itching occurs when nerve fibers in the skin send a message to the brain. Keep reading to learn more about it. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Moisturize daily. Accessed Nov. 17, 2020. Learn more about skin conditions in pregnancy. Bites from bedbugs and mites can be harder to diagnose because they look like rashes. Gibson LE (expert opinion). Cosmetic applications. In: Treatments for Skin of Color. They look like raised welts that show up alone or in clusters, and they are usually itchy. Bugs: When you get bitten by a mosquito or spider, you know it. That means there is no sign that you are itching except for the frequent urge to graze your skin using your fingernails. This content does not have an English version. Many dermatologic conditions such as eczema, hives, psoriasis and a variety of other illnesses that specifically affect the skin and its layers can result generalized, diffuse itching. In addition to whatever causes an itch in the first place, scratching can often lead to even more itching. This is a disorder characterized by itching, dry skin and skin lesions 2. This itch can be a symptom of deeper problems. Make your shower quick, and don’t use very hot water. These drugs are known to make you start scratching. Sometimes the cause of the itching can't be determined. And the more it itches, the more you scratch. Bug bites often cause a person’s skin to flare up, resulting in itchiness. Or it may be associated with: 1. As you rub or scratch the area, it gets itchier. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. There are various forms of eczema which cause itchy skin, these are: 1. Hives: You get them from allergies. Certain food allergies can make it worse. Accessed Sept. 30, 2020. Not everyone with liver disease will experience itchy skin, and itchy skin isn’t always indicative of the disease, but it’s something to be aware of. Identifying the source of your itching skin and removing the triggers or treating the underlying problems will not only provide you with itch relief in the immediate, it will help to keep you itch … Characterized by scaly patches, a red rash, and small bumps, eczema is an inflammatory skin disease that affects … Eczema or atopic dermatitis: It shows up on your skin as dry, scaly patches or a bumpy rash. Moses, S. American Family Physician, September 2003. Your nervous system can get confused when it’s sick and accidentally tell the nerves on the skin to start itching when there’s nothing there to cause it. Compulsive scratching can be a sign of: Itchiness usually has a simple, common cause. Also known as pruritus (proo-RIE-tus), itchy skin is often caused by dry skin. Itch all over the body is frequently caused by irritants, skin conditions, hormonal changes affecting the skin. scabies, head lice, pubic lice. This is commonly referred as Eczema and it is usually induced by dry skin and is more common during the colder months of the year. Oaklander, A. Acta Dermato-Venereologica, March 2012. Eczema or atopic dermatitis: It shows up on your skin as dry, scaly patches or a bumpy rash. However, the place you go to put your feet up and relax may harbor its own kind of annoyances: things that can cause dry, itchy skin. Learn more about how to prevent itching caused by dry skin. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. It can be especially bad in the winter and in places where the air is dry. An itch is often caused by a condition affecting the skin, but it can be a sign of a more serious underlying problem. Taylor, SC. Redness 2. See your doctor or a skin disease specialist (dermatologist) if the itching: If the condition persists for three months despite treatment, see a dermatologist to be evaluated for skin disease. how to prevent itching caused by dry skin. You may have itchy skin over certain small areas, such as on an arm or leg, or over your whole body. After facing demanding bosses, traffic, and other aggravations, most people cant wait to get home and relax. It can cause generalised (all over) itching of the skin, usually without a rash. In: Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies. So many medical conditions may cause skin rashes. It's common in older adults, as skin tends to become drier with age. Another prime cause of itchy skin is skin conditions like eczema. It may feel as if something is crawling on (or in) your skin. It might interrupt your sleep or cause anxiety or depression. Use moisturizer after you bathe while your skin is still damp and again after you change clothes. Skin conditions that can cause itching include: dry skin; eczema – … https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. In: Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. For example, if you feel itchy all over and you live in a dry climate, you may have “winter itch” caused by the lack of moisture in your skin. Nov. 25, 2020. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. James WD, et al. Breaking this itch-scratch cycle can be difficult. This is a result of an overactive immune system. Yosipovitch, G. Dermatologic Therapy, March 2008. 2nd ed. Itchy skin is also common during pregnancy or after the menopause. Kids are more likely to get it if their family has a history of asthma and allergies. 13th ed. See a photo of what a poisonous plant rash looks like. It can happen because of: Fungal and bacterial infections like impetigo and folliculitis. All rights reserved. There is no rash, but there may be skin damage from scratching. It could be the metals in your jewelry or the chemicals in cosmetics, toiletries, and cleaning products. As you get older, it becomes even more common. Poison ivy rash. The whole of the body may be affected, including the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts, Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter. Common treatments are medicated creams, moist dressings and oral anti-itch medicines. Start with the simplest solutions. Itchy skin that is severe or lasts more than six weeks (chronic pruritus) can affect the quality of your life. In fact, itching is one of the most burdensome symptoms of this chronic condition. Pruritis: Etiology and patient evaluation. If your skin is dry, it will let you know with an itch. Learn more about chemotherapy side effects. It isn’t clear what causes it, but it’s extremely itchy. It isn’t clear what causes it, but it’s extremely itchy. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Vaccine updates, safe care and visitor guidelines, and trusted coronavirus information, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, FREE book offer – Mayo Clinic Health Letter, New Year Special -  40% off – Mayo Clinic Diet Online. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 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