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Itching Health Article

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Definition

Itching is a tingling or uneasy 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 a specific location (localized).

Common Causes

There are many causes of itching. The following may cause localized or generalized itching:

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

Generalized itching may be caused by:

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

Home Care

For persistent or severe itching, see your health care provider for a precise diagnosis and specific 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 skin damage 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 localized itchy areas.

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Reviewer Info: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, M.D., M.P.H., Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.; ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia, 07/21/2006