Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesTreatmentComplicationsDiagnosisWhen to See a Healthcare ProviderFrequently Asked Questions

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Symptoms

Causes

Treatment

Complications

Diagnosis

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Frequently Asked Questions

Feeling itchy or having an itch is a sensation of irritation on the skin that prompts you to scratch. The itch can have many different causes, from dry skin to underlying health issues.

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:

Itch and PainIn most cases, itching shouldn’t hurt. However, the sensation can feel similar to pain. If a person scratches the area too aggressively, the skin can become red, raw, and painful.

Itch and Pain

In most cases, itching shouldn’t hurt. However, the sensation can feel similar to pain. If a person scratches the area too aggressively, the skin can become red, raw, and painful.

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:

Itch as a Warning SignSometimes the itch you’re experiencing is alerting you to an underlying health disorder. People with chronic or extreme itchiness are more likely to have another health condition contributing to it.

Itch as a Warning Sign

Sometimes the itch you’re experiencing is alerting you to an underlying health disorder. People with chronic or extreme itchiness are more likely to have another health condition contributing to it.

Itchy Skin as a Cancer Warning Sign

What Medications Can Cause Itch?

Certain medications are known to cause itchy skin. One such medication used forcancer treatments, known as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors, are closely associated with chronic itchiness.

Other medications that can cause itch include:

Should I Stop Taking Medication If It Causes Itch?You should never stop any prescribed medication without speaking to your healthcare provider, even if it causes an unwanted symptom such as itching. They will be able to work with you to find additional treatments to prevent the itch or prescribe a new drug that can provide the same results with fewer side effects.

Should I Stop Taking Medication If It Causes Itch?

You should never stop any prescribed medication without speaking to your healthcare provider, even if it causes an unwanted symptom such as itching. They will be able to work with you to find additional treatments to prevent the itch or prescribe a new drug that can provide the same results with fewer side effects.

How to Treat Itch

When to Try At-Home Remedies

Underlying health disorders will require more extensive treatments, which can include:

Causes and Treatments for Itchy Skin (Pruritus)

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:

Will I Have to Undergo All These Tests?

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:

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.

Is Dry Skin a Red Flag Symptom?

Summary

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.

Common Causes and Treatments for Itching

Red flag symptoms are symptoms that alert you to a more serious underlying health disorder. They include: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 wellLearn MoreItchiness as a Symptom of Multiple Sclerosis

Red flag symptoms are symptoms that alert you to a more serious underlying health disorder. They include: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

Red flag symptoms are symptoms that alert you to a more serious underlying health disorder. They include:

Learn MoreItchiness as a Symptom of Multiple Sclerosis

Learn More10 Rare Skin Diseases

Treating itchy skin at home is easy but should only be done after speaking to your healthcare provider in more severe cases. To treat itchy skin at home, you can try moisturizing daily, using anti-itch creams, and applying a cold compress to the area.Learn MoreThe 8 Best Lotions for Eczema 2022

Treating itchy skin at home is easy but should only be done after speaking to your healthcare provider in more severe cases. To treat itchy skin at home, you can try moisturizing daily, using anti-itch creams, and applying a cold compress to the area.

Learn MoreThe 8 Best Lotions for Eczema 2022

10 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

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Volberding PA.HIV treatment and prevention: An overview of recommendations from the IAS-USA antiretroviral guidelines panel.Top Antivir Med.2017 Feb/Mar;25(1):17-24.

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