Itching skin

Just talking or reading about itching can make some people start to itch. Many causes of itching skin are obvious such as insect bites, sunburn, or poison ivy. This kind of itching usually goes away by itself in a few days. Itching created by fungus infections, like athlete's foot and "jock itch," can be treated with antifungal powders and creams.

Itching can be a symptom of an allergic reaction to something in the environment or to a medication or drug. Itching may occur with or without a rash or other changes in the skin.

When there is no rash, generalized itching over the entire body can be caused by an illness, the environment, or psychological problems. With illness, itching may be a symptom of kidney, liver, or thyroid disease, diabetes, and lymphatic cancer. Environmental conditions, such as dry or very humid climates, can cause excessive dry skin that may produce itching. Psychological problems like anxiety, severe depression, and other emotional stress can cause a persistent itch that disappears when the problem is under control.

Scratching usually relieves the itch. Excessive scratching is not good, It can cause more irritation, as well as swelling. If the scratching produces a break in the skin, it could lead to an active infection of the skin.

For relief from itching try any of these measures:

• apply ice or press the hands firmly on the itching area
• keep the itchy area wet and cool. An ice-soaked compress works well
• try a colloidal oatmeal bath product, such as Aveeno
• use calamine lotion, especially on poison ivy, sumac, or oak rashes
• apply an over-the-counter 1 percent hydrocortisone ointment or cream to small itchy areas (But be careful. Using hydrocortisone repeatedly can cause dermatitis and actually make itching worse.)
• try an over-the-counter oral antihistamine, like Benadryl or Chlor-Trimeton according to package instructions
• keep fingernails short and wear gloves at night to keep from injuring the skin by scratching
• wear loose-fitting cotton clothing; avoid wearing scratchy, wool, and acrylic fabrics and
• avoid excessive heat and sweating

Seek medical evaluation if self-care does not bring relief in a week or so or if the symptoms get worse.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File SKIN4981.rf2 VRS# 4981 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1999-2003 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.