Itchy skin (2024)

Itchy skin is not usually a sign of anything serious. You can often treat it yourself and it will usually go away after a few weeks.

How to treat itchy skin yourself

Sometimes itching is caused by dry, cracked or irritated skin. There are simple things you can do to help ease the itching.

These things may also help stop itchy skin returning and avoid skin damage from scratching.

Do

Don’t

  • do not wear tight clothes, or clothes made from wool or synthetic fabrics

  • do not spend a long time in the bath or shower

  • do not use perfumed soaps, deodorants or moisturisers

A pharmacist can help with itchy skin

A pharmacist can tell you what the best products are for itchy skin. For example, medicines called antihistamines may help with some causes of itching.

They can also recommend lotions and creams, such as menthol creams that help by cooling the skin.

Tell the pharmacist where your skin is itchy and if you have any other symptoms.

A pharmacist might also be able to tell you:

  • what you can do to treat it yourself
  • if you need to see a GP

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if itchy skin:

  • is affecting your daily life
  • does not get better with self care or keeps coming back
  • is caused by a new rash, lump or swelling that you're worried about
  • is all over your body
  • is severe
  • happens during pregnancy

Treatment from a GP

A GP might prescribe creams, lotions or tablets, depending on what's causing the itching.

They will look at your skin and ask about your symptoms.

They might arrange a blood test, which may help find the cause of your itchy skin.

The GP may also refer you to see a doctor who specialises in skin problems (dermatologist).

Causes of itchy skin

Itchy skin has many possible causes. If you have other symptoms (such as a rash or swelling) this might help to find the cause.

But do not try to diagnose yourself. See a GP if you're worried.

Possible causes of itchy skin
Possible causes Common skin conditions
Possible causes

Skin reactions to heat or something you're allergic to

Common skin conditions

Allergies, hives, heat rash (prickly heat)

Possible causes

Long-term skin conditions

Common skin conditions

Dandruff, eczema, psoriasis

Possible causes

Fungal skin infections

Common skin conditions

Thrush, ringworm, athlete's foot

Possible causes

Parasites or insects living on the skin

Common skin conditions

Scabies, head lice, pubic lice

Itchy skin is common during pregnancy.

It’s usually nothing to worry about but it’s important to check with a GP or midwife because it can sometimes be caused by a liver condition called intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP).

Itchy skin is also common after the menopause. It usually gets better over time.

Less commonly, itchy skin can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as thyroid, liver or kidney problems.

Page last reviewed: 19 July 2023
Next review due: 19 July 2026

Itchy skin (2024)

FAQs

What is itchy skin a symptom of? ›

Examples include dry skin (xerosis), eczema (dermatitis), psoriasis, scabies, parasites, burns, scars, insect bites and hives. Internal diseases. Itching on the whole body might be a symptom of an underlying illness, such as liver disease, kidney disease, anemia, diabetes, thyroid problems and certain cancers.

How can I stop itching all over my body? ›

Use creams, lotions or gels that soothe and cool the skin.

Short-term use of nonprescription corticosteroid cream may offer short-term relief of itchy, inflamed skin. Or try calamine lotion or creams with menthol (Sarna, others), camphor, capsaicin, or a topical anesthetic, such as pramoxine (adults only).

What deficiency causes skin itching? ›

Itchy skin due to vitamin A deficiency

Without vitamin A , the skin will be dry, itchy, scaly and the surface will be very rough. To supplement vitamin A, you can increase foods such as egg yolks, animal liver, orange and yellow vegetables such as carrots, tomatoes, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and papaya.

Why is my body so itchy without a rash? ›

A persistent itch with no rash may be caused by dry skin; systemic, neurological, or mental health disorders; some types of cancer; and many types of medications. Treatments vary by cause.

What part of the body itches with liver problems? ›

Some people with liver disease experience skin itching all over their body or in specific areas, like the feet or arms. Itchiness is not a symptom of liver disease on its own, though. Liver disease is a condition affecting your liver's ability to function.

Should I be worried about my itchy skin? ›

Itchy skin is usually not serious. But sometimes it can be caused by a serious medical condition. If you are unsure about a rash or itch, see your doctor.

What is the best itch relief? ›

How to relieve itchy skin
  • Apply a cold, wet cloth or ice pack to the skin that itches. Do this for about five to 10 minutes or until the itch subsides.
  • Take an oatmeal bath. ...
  • Moisturize your skin. ...
  • Apply topical anesthetics that contain pramoxine.
  • Apply cooling agents, such as menthol or calamine.

What part of the body itches with kidney problems? ›

But it can also only affect one part of the body, usually the face, back, and the arm with a vascular access. CKD-aP is known to be made worse by extreme hot or cold temperatures, stress, physical activity, and showering.

What does diabetic itching feel like? ›

What Does Diabetic Itching Feel Like? If you have diabetes, itching can be intense. It's an irritating feeling that makes it hard not to scratch. You can itch anywhere, but if you have nerve damage (neuropathy) associated with diabetes, your lower legs may itch.

What organ problems cause itchy skin? ›

Long-standing itch can be a sign of several diseases, including:
  • Blood disease.
  • Diabetes.
  • Kidney disease.
  • Liver disease.
  • HIV.
  • Overactive thyroid gland.

Is there a vitamin that stops itching? ›

Vitamin D. Studies have concluded that people who suffer from eczema and other similar skin conditions tend to have lower levels of vitamin D than the rest of the population. Taking a vitamin D supplement therefore increases your levels, helping to reduce the severity of itchy skin.

What medicine is good for itchy skin? ›

What anti-itch creams treat pruritus?
  • Hydrocortisone: A drug that stops swelling and inflammation.
  • Antihistamines: A drug that relieves symptoms from an allergic reaction.
  • Capsaicin: A drug that treats minor aches and pain.
  • Aloe vera: A substance extracted from a plant that soothes irritated skin.

How do I stop uncontrollable itching? ›

What stops severe itching?
  1. Cool compresses and cold packs. When you have itchy skin, you want to scratch it, but scratching can damage your skin and cause tiny wounds. ...
  2. Lukewarm baths. ...
  3. Fragrance-free cream. ...
  4. Loose cotton clothing. ...
  5. Colloidal oatmeal bath and cream. ...
  6. Anti-itch cream. ...
  7. Gel creams. ...
  8. Antihistamine medications.

What makes your skin itch when there's nothing there? ›

Your skin often itches because it's dry, or because something that touches it is irritating it. It's also a symptom of skin diseases and infections. It can be a reaction to a medication, or connected to being pregnant.

Which tablet is best for skin itching? ›

Antihistamines (allergy pills): These include Benadryl, Zyrtec (cetirizine), Claritin (loratadine), prescription Clarinex (desloratadine), Allegra (fexofenadine). Anti-itch creams: Topical corticosteroids may be helpful for small itchy areas. like those from bug bites. 7 They also may relieve eczema symptoms.

What virus causes itchy skin? ›

Viral infection rashes can include mononucleosis, chickenpox, shingles, and more. Viral rashes can cause symptoms such as stinging, itching, and pain. Home remedies and medical treatments may help.

Can dehydration cause itchy skin? ›

Dehydrated skin is a symptom of dehydration throughout the body. It can result in patches of rough, scaly, or itchy skin. In this article, we look at the common symptoms and causes of dehydrated skin. We also outline treatments and suggest when to seek guidance from a healthcare professional.

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