This article explores the possible symptoms, causes, and treatment options for itchy skin.
Symptoms of Itch
The main symptom of an itch is an irritating sensation on the skin. However, itching can also present alongside other symptoms, such as:
Mild painful sensation Rash
Causes of Itch
Many factors can cause an itch to develop, as it is typically a symptom of something else. However, irritation can develop for no known reason at all. Some possible causes include:
Allergic reactions and bug bites Skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, and excessively dry skin Skin irritations caused by chemical exposure in lotions, perfumes, or cleaning chemicals Parasites such as scabies, body and head lice, and pinworms Pregnancy Underlying health disorders such as liver or kidney disease, thyroid disease, shingles, and diabetes Skin cancer Viral infections such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Blood diseases such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma
What Medications Can Cause Itch?
Certain medications are known to cause itchy skin. One such medication used for cancer treatments, known as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors, are closely associated with chronic itchiness.
Other medications that can cause itch include:
AspirinOpioids (prescription pain relievers)Blood pressure medications
How to Treat Itch
Treating itch will depend on the cause. Itchiness that comes and goes or is caused by something such as dry skin can be treated with at-home remedies, such as:
Applying a cold compress to the area Using moisturizers to maintain moisture in the skin Taking an oatmeal bath Trying over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines or anti-itch creams Avoiding wearing clothes that will cause the itch to worsen Avoiding exposure to humidity and heat
Underlying health disorders will require more extensive treatments, which can include:
Allergic reactions: Allergic reactions can be treated by avoiding the allergen or using antihistamines. Skin disorders: Skin disorders are typically treated using topical emollients, hydrocortisone creams, or other prescription medications like vitamin D3 analogs and corticosteroids. To know the exact treatment, you must see your medical provider for a proper diagnosis of your specific condition. Parasites: Parasites need to be treated according to the type. For example, scabies can be treated using scabicides, which are ointments made of the medication permethrin. Underlying health disorders: Each underlying health disorder will be treated accordingly. Since so many contribute to itching, knowing which one you have is essential. Diabetes, for example, is typically treated by making lifestyle changes and taking insulin and other medications to manage blood sugar levels. Vital infections: Viral infections such as HIV are treated using antiretroviral therapy (ART). These medications control the condition. Skin cancer: Depending on the type and stage, treatments for skin cancer vary. Surgical removal of skin cancer in the earliest stages is typically the first-line therapy. If it has spread, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be needed. Blood diseases: The type of blood disease will determine treatment. Forms of treatment for blood disorders include chemotherapy, blood and bone marrow transplants, and stem cell therapy. New therapies are emerging that involve the use of artificial blood as a way to treat blood disorders.
Complications and Risk Factors of Itch
While mild itching doesn’t typically come with complications, scratching an area excessively can leave the skin raw. The area scratched can also become red, develop a rash, or bleed. If itching is not relieved with at-home remedies, consider seeing a healthcare provider.
Are There Tests to Diagnose Itch?
Many tests are available to diagnose underlying health issues causing itch, but none to diagnose itch itself. That is because the sensation is often a symptom of something else.
Tests that may be done to see if a health disorder causes your itch include:
Allergy testing: A skin prick test may be done, which involves pricking the skin with various allergens to determine if an allergic reaction takes place. Blood tests: A complete blood count (CBC) and other blood tests, such as thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alanine transaminase (ALT), will check for levels of various cells, hormones, and other substances in the body to determine if an underlying health disorder is at play. Scans: X-rays may help rule out certain conditions, such as liver disease. Stool testing: Stool testing may be done to check for parasites.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you have an unexplained itch, look for the following red flags that may indicate a more serious problem and the need to see a healthcare provider:
Increased thirst Frequent urination An itch that doesn’t go away or that becomes chronic Intolerance to high or low temperatures An itch without rash that lasts longer than six weeks Mood changes or other psychological changes Weight loss Headaches Pain Fatigue Appetite loss Night sweats A general feeling of not being well
These symptoms may not all be present along with itch, but if any are and the itch has become difficult to cope with, see your medical provider.
Summary
Itch is an irritation of the skin that can lead to red, raw, or painful skin if scratched too hard. While a lot of itching can be mild and go away with the use of moisturizer, it could also indicate that you have an underlying health disorder. In many cases, excessive itching indicates a skin disorder, but it can also be caused by something more serious, like diabetes, cancer, or liver disease.
Treatments for itch vary because many things can cause the symptom to develop. If you want to find the proper treatment for your excessive irritation, you will need to see your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.
A Word From Verywell
Itching is annoying and difficult to cope with. The good news is that an itch isn’t always a cause for concern and can be remedied at home if it’s not severe. However, if you experience any serious symptoms along with excessive itching, reach out to a healthcare provider. They will help determine the cause of your itch, start you on treatment, and rid you of that annoying sensation.
Increased thirstFrequent urinationItching that doesn’t go away and is persistentIntolerance to high or low temperaturesMood changes or other psychological changesWeight lossHeadachesPainFatigueAppetite lossNight sweatsA general feeling of not being well
