Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsConditionsMedicationsNervous System ConditionsPsychological ConditionsSerious IllnessesOther CausesDiagnosisWhen to See a Healthcare ProviderFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Conditions
Medications
Nervous System Conditions
Psychological Conditions
Serious Illnesses
Other Causes
Diagnosis
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Frequently Asked Questions
Itching isn’t pleasant, but most of the time it’s a temporary annoyance you can ease with a gentle scratch. However, it’s sometimes a sign of an underlying disease or allergic reaction. When that happens, it’s important to see a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
This article will cover a variety of conditions that cause itching, also known aspruritus.
Oscar Wong / Getty Images
Conditions That Cause Itchy Rashes
Fungal Infections
Ringworm, which has nothing to do with worms, is a common fungal skin infection.
Ringworm has a distinctive ring-shaped rash. It may be red, raised, or scaly, and can develop on the skin, hair, or nails.
Athlete’s footandjock itchare fungal infections that can cause itching and burning sensations.
Why Is My Skin So Itchy?
Bacterial Infections
Impetigois a bacterial skin infection most common in children aged 2 to 5 years old, though anyone can get it.
Impetigo tends to occur around the nose and mouth or arms and legs. Red, itchy sores leak clear fluid or pus for several days before forming a yellow crust. It heals without scarring.
Folliculitisis another type of bacterial infection that can itch.
Folliculitis may look like you’ve broken out in pimples, but it’s an infection of the hair follicles.The red bumps can swell and ooze pus.
Bug Bites
Eczema
Eczema, or dermatitis, is common, especially among babies and young children.
An eczema rash may look blotchy, red, and flakey. It’s most likely to appear on the face, elbows, knees, hands, or feet. Scratching can increase redness, itching, and swelling.
Contact Dermatitis
When you develop a rash because you touched something that triggers a skin immune response, you havecontact dermatitis.
One sign of contact dermatitis is that it appears at the point of contact. The itchy rash may be red or pink, flat or raised. A severe reaction can lead to blisters filled with clear fluid.
Hives
Hivesaffect 15%–25% of people at some point.You can develop hives due to an illness or allergic reaction but you may not be able to identify the cause.
The telltale sign of hives are the raised, red bumps that pop up suddenly and itch intensely. There may be swelling beneath the skin. Hives usually resolve within 24 hours, though they can last longer.
Psoriasis
Psoriasisis an overproduction of skin cells. There are different types of psoriasis, with plaque psoriasis being the most common.
Plaque psoriasis appears as thick, raised patches of varying sizes. These patches can develop anywhere but tend to form on the elbows, knees, lower back, or scalp. Some may have silver scales that itch. Scratching may cause the patches to get even thicker.
Medications With Itchiness as a Side Effect
Itchiness is a side effect of quite a few types of medicine. An allergic reaction to medication can involve both itching and a rash.
All-Over Itchy Skin (Without) Rash
ACE Inhibitors
ACE inhibitors(angiotensin converting-enzyme inhibitors), such as Vasotec (inalapril) or Lotensin (benazepril), help control blood pressure. An allergic reaction can cause an itchy rash anywhere on the body. This can happen right away or years into treatment.
Viral Exanthem Rash in Children and Adults
Allopurinol
Allopurinol, such as the brands Zyloprin or Caplenal, is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor. It’s used to treat conditions such as gout, kidney stones, and high levels of uric acid from some cancer medications. Skin rash and itching can happen but are not common.
Amiodarone
Amiodarone, including the brand Pacerone, is used to treat abnormal heart rhythms. Rash is one potential side effect.
Diuretics
Diureticshelp get rid of excess water in the body. Some people who take diuretics develop a rash in reaction to the drug. The rash usually appears on the legs in the form of purple skin eruptions.
Estrogen
Estrogen affects many parts of the body, including the skin. A rash can be a reaction tohormonal birth controlpills.
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose
Hydroxyethyl celluloseis an ingredient in many personal care and medical products. Anallergic reactioncan cause itchiness, rash, and hives.
Opioids
Itching is a very common side effect of pain medications known asopioids.
Simvastatin
Simvastatin, such as Zocor or Vytorin, helps lower cholesterol, as well as the risk of heart attack and stroke. One potential side effect is itchy, red skin.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer. Side effects can include itching, rash, hives, and peeling or blistering skin.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen, sold over the counter as Advil or Motrin, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain, fever, and inflammation. Side effects include rash, itching, and hives.
Naproxen Sodium
Naproxen, such as Aleve, is another NSAID that can cause itching, rash, and hives.
Nervous System Conditions that Cause Itchiness
When you have aneurological itch, it may feel like a skin problem, but it’s actually a nerve problem.
Shingles
Thevaricella-zoster viruscauses chicken pox and shingles. The most common symptom of chicken pox is an itchy rash that progresses into blisters before scabbing over.
After recovery fromchicken pox, the virus remains dormant in the nervous system. It can reactivate years later asshingles. Shingles can cause neurological problems and seriouscomplications.
The hallmark feature of shingles is the painful, itchy rash that usually occurs on one side of the body, typically the torso or face. Itching can outlast the rash.
Multiple Sclerosis
Itchingand a pins-and-needles sensation are common symptoms ofmultiple sclerosis (MS).It’s a neurological misfire rather than a skin problem. Scratching won’t ease the itch and too much scratching can lead to skin problems.
Stroke
It’s not unusual to experience strange sensations following astroke. These can include itching, pins and needles, or the feeling that something is running over your skin.
Brain Tumor
Abrain tumorcan cause generalized itching. This could be due to an allergic reaction totumor-specific antigensor pressure on certain parts of the brain.
Nerve Damage
Damage to nerves in theperipheralsystem, spinal cord, or brain can lead to neuropathic itch.
Psychological Conditions That Cause Itchiness
When psychological factors trigger or aggravate itching, it’s called psychogenic itch. Intense scratching can damage the skin and lead to skin problems. Skin problems and psychiatric problems often coexist.
Depression
Research suggests there’s a link betweendepressionand itch. People who score high on a depression scale also score higher for itch intensity than those who score lower on depression scales.
Anxiety
As with depression,anxietycan be a consequence of itch and an aggravating factor for itching and scratching.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Itching is common in people withobsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).Intrusive thoughts can lead to compulsive scratching and skin-picking behavior.
Psychosis
A rare type of psychosis involves the false belief of being infested with parasites or insects.This can lead to excessive scratching and skin picking, resulting in lesions and other skin problems.
Trichotillomania
Trichotillomaniais a condition in which you have an overwhelming urge to pull out your own hair. In some cases, this urge may start with a tingle or itch just under the scalp or skin.
Serious Illnesses That Cause Itchiness
In some cases, itching is a symptom of a serious illness or advanced disease.
Kidney Disease
Dry skin and itching are symptoms of advancedkidney disease. A type of rash associated with end-stage kidney disease causes small, dome-shaped bumps that are extremely itchy.Vigorous scratching can lead to sores and bleeding skin.
Liver Disease
Itching is a common symptom of chronicliver disease. Scratching doesn’t offer relief, which can impact mental health.
Thyroid Problems
Hives, itchy rash, and itchy skin without a rash are all symptoms ofthyroid problems. In fact, you might be at higher risk of developing thyroid disease if you have an existing skin disease such as:
Cancer
Certain cancers, such asbasal cell skin cancer, can cause itching.
Basal cell cancers usually start on the skin that gets more sun exposure, such as the face, head, and neck. It can present as raised red patches that itch, flat pale areas, or small pink growths. A key sign of basal cell cancer is that these areas are easily injured and slow to heal.
Itchy breast skin can be a sign ofinflammatory breast cancer.
Inflammatory breast cancer rarely involves a breast lump. In addition to itching, symptoms can include pitting of the skin, rash, and an inverted nipple.
Diabetes
Diabetescan cause itching for several reasons. If your circulation is poor, itching is likely to occur on the lower legs. Diabetes can also leave you vulnerable to other things that cause itching, such as:
Iron Deficiency
Dry, itchy skin can be a symptom ofiron deficiency.I t can also cause brittle hair and nails.
HIV
About 90% of people living withhuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV)have skin changes or symptoms at some point, including:
Other Causes of Itchiness That Aren’t Related to a Condition
Dry skin can certainly feel itchy. Anyone can develop dry skin, but the occurrence increases with age. After age 65, skin tends to be thinner and have less moisture.Some other reasons for itchy skin aresunburnandsun blisters.
A healthcare provider can sometimes make a diagnosis based on symptoms, a physical exam, and a medical history. That may be the case if you just started a new medication or have a distinctive rash.
Otherwise, your provider will assess your health to determine the next steps. This may involve visiting a specialist such as a:
You don’t have to visit a healthcare provider for a minor, temporary itch, but do see one if:
Summary
Most of the time, itching is a temporary inconvenience. Chronic itching, on the other hand, can affect your quality of life. There are many causes of itching, from a simple mosquito bite to advanced liver disease. If you have a chronic itch, it’s worth seeing a healthcare provider to find out why.
A Word From Verywell
When it comes to health problems, you may think that itching isn’t all that serious. That’s often the case. But intense itching can interfere with just about every aspect of your life. That doesn’t mean you have to endure it in silence. Many things that cause itching are treatable.
Frequently Asked QuestionsDiabetes, kidney disease, and liver disease are among the conditions that can cause itchy skin.Learn More10 Rare Skin DiseasesThe cause is not always known, but it’s likely that dry skin, rashes, and insect bites account for a large share.Learn MoreCauses of Itchy Skin and Treatment OptionsIf you have unexplained, intense itching with or without other symptoms, it’s worth contacting a healthcare provider.Learn MoreA Guide to Which Rashes You Should Worry About
Diabetes, kidney disease, and liver disease are among the conditions that can cause itchy skin.Learn More10 Rare Skin Diseases
Diabetes, kidney disease, and liver disease are among the conditions that can cause itchy skin.
Learn More10 Rare Skin Diseases
The cause is not always known, but it’s likely that dry skin, rashes, and insect bites account for a large share.Learn MoreCauses of Itchy Skin and Treatment Options
The cause is not always known, but it’s likely that dry skin, rashes, and insect bites account for a large share.
Learn MoreCauses of Itchy Skin and Treatment Options
If you have unexplained, intense itching with or without other symptoms, it’s worth contacting a healthcare provider.Learn MoreA Guide to Which Rashes You Should Worry About
If you have unexplained, intense itching with or without other symptoms, it’s worth contacting a healthcare provider.
Learn MoreA Guide to Which Rashes You Should Worry About
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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.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Ringworm and fungal nail infections basics.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Candidiasis basics.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About impetigo.University Hospitals.Common bacterial skin infections.MedlinePlus.Eczema.Yale Medicine.Allergic contact dermatitis.Kanani A, Betschel SD, Warrington R.Urticaria and angioedema.Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2018;14(S2):59. doi:10.1186/s13223-018-0288-zAmerican Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis: Signs and symptoms.BSACI.Skin allergy.MedlinePlus.Allopurinol.MedlinePlus.Amiodarone.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Drug rashes.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: Dyshidrotic eczema causes.Memorial Sloan Kettering Medical Center.Hydroxypropyl cellulose.Nguyen E, Lim G, Ross SE.Evaluation of therapies for peripheral and neuraxial opioid-induced pruritus based on molecular and cellular discoveries.Anesthesiology.2021;135(2):350-365. doi:10.1097/ALN.0000000000003844MedlinePlus.Simvastatin.MedlinePlus.Acetaminophen.MedlinePlus.Ibuprofen.MedlinePlus.Naproxen.American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to care for children with chickenpox.National MS Society.Pain & itching.The Stroke Association.Physical effects of a stroke.Ju T, Yosipovitch G.Neuropathic pruritus associated with brain disorders.Itch. 2020;5(3):e37-e37. doi:10.1097/itx.0000000000000037Pereira MP, Wiegmann H, Agelopoulos K, Ständer S.Neuropathic itch: Routes to clinical diagnosis.Front Med.2021;8:641746. doi:10.3389/fmed.2021.641746Misery L, Dutray S, Chastaing M, Schollhammer M, Consoli SG, Consoli SM.Psychogenic itch.Transl Psychiatry.2018;8(1):52. doi:10.1038/s41398-018-0097-7Yosipovitch G, Samuel LS.Neuropathic and psychogenic itch.Dermatol Ther.2008;21(1):32-41. doi:10.1111/j.1529-8019.2008.00167.xNemours Kids Health.Trichotillomania.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Kidney disease: 11 ways it can affect your skin.Bhalerao A, Mannu GS.Management of pruritus in chronic liver disease.Dermatology Research and Practice.2015;2015:1-5. doi:10.1155/2015/295891American Academy of Dermatology Association.Thyroid disease: A checklist of skin, hair, and nail changes.American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of basal and squamous cell skin cancers.American Cancer Society.Inflammatory breast cancer.American Diabetes Association.Diabetes and skin complications.Saini S, Jain A, Agarwal S, Yadav D.Iron deficiency and pruritus: A cross-sectional analysis to assess its association and relationship.Indian J Dermatol.2021;66(6):705. doi:10.4103/ijd.ijd_326_21UC San Diego Health.HIV-related skin and complexion conditions.American Academy of Dermatology Association.10 reasons your skin itches uncontrollably and how to get relief.
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.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Ringworm and fungal nail infections basics.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Candidiasis basics.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About impetigo.University Hospitals.Common bacterial skin infections.MedlinePlus.Eczema.Yale Medicine.Allergic contact dermatitis.Kanani A, Betschel SD, Warrington R.Urticaria and angioedema.Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2018;14(S2):59. doi:10.1186/s13223-018-0288-zAmerican Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis: Signs and symptoms.BSACI.Skin allergy.MedlinePlus.Allopurinol.MedlinePlus.Amiodarone.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Drug rashes.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: Dyshidrotic eczema causes.Memorial Sloan Kettering Medical Center.Hydroxypropyl cellulose.Nguyen E, Lim G, Ross SE.Evaluation of therapies for peripheral and neuraxial opioid-induced pruritus based on molecular and cellular discoveries.Anesthesiology.2021;135(2):350-365. doi:10.1097/ALN.0000000000003844MedlinePlus.Simvastatin.MedlinePlus.Acetaminophen.MedlinePlus.Ibuprofen.MedlinePlus.Naproxen.American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to care for children with chickenpox.National MS Society.Pain & itching.The Stroke Association.Physical effects of a stroke.Ju T, Yosipovitch G.Neuropathic pruritus associated with brain disorders.Itch. 2020;5(3):e37-e37. doi:10.1097/itx.0000000000000037Pereira MP, Wiegmann H, Agelopoulos K, Ständer S.Neuropathic itch: Routes to clinical diagnosis.Front Med.2021;8:641746. doi:10.3389/fmed.2021.641746Misery L, Dutray S, Chastaing M, Schollhammer M, Consoli SG, Consoli SM.Psychogenic itch.Transl Psychiatry.2018;8(1):52. doi:10.1038/s41398-018-0097-7Yosipovitch G, Samuel LS.Neuropathic and psychogenic itch.Dermatol Ther.2008;21(1):32-41. doi:10.1111/j.1529-8019.2008.00167.xNemours Kids Health.Trichotillomania.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Kidney disease: 11 ways it can affect your skin.Bhalerao A, Mannu GS.Management of pruritus in chronic liver disease.Dermatology Research and Practice.2015;2015:1-5. doi:10.1155/2015/295891American Academy of Dermatology Association.Thyroid disease: A checklist of skin, hair, and nail changes.American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of basal and squamous cell skin cancers.American Cancer Society.Inflammatory breast cancer.American Diabetes Association.Diabetes and skin complications.Saini S, Jain A, Agarwal S, Yadav D.Iron deficiency and pruritus: A cross-sectional analysis to assess its association and relationship.Indian J Dermatol.2021;66(6):705. doi:10.4103/ijd.ijd_326_21UC San Diego Health.HIV-related skin and complexion conditions.American Academy of Dermatology Association.10 reasons your skin itches uncontrollably and how to get relief.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Ringworm and fungal nail infections basics.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Candidiasis basics.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About impetigo.
University Hospitals.Common bacterial skin infections.
MedlinePlus.Eczema.
Yale Medicine.Allergic contact dermatitis.
Kanani A, Betschel SD, Warrington R.Urticaria and angioedema.Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2018;14(S2):59. doi:10.1186/s13223-018-0288-z
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis: Signs and symptoms.
BSACI.Skin allergy.
MedlinePlus.Allopurinol.
MedlinePlus.Amiodarone.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Drug rashes.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: Dyshidrotic eczema causes.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Medical Center.Hydroxypropyl cellulose.
Nguyen E, Lim G, Ross SE.Evaluation of therapies for peripheral and neuraxial opioid-induced pruritus based on molecular and cellular discoveries.Anesthesiology.2021;135(2):350-365. doi:10.1097/ALN.0000000000003844
MedlinePlus.Simvastatin.
MedlinePlus.Acetaminophen.
MedlinePlus.Ibuprofen.
MedlinePlus.Naproxen.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to care for children with chickenpox.
National MS Society.Pain & itching.
The Stroke Association.Physical effects of a stroke.
Ju T, Yosipovitch G.Neuropathic pruritus associated with brain disorders.Itch. 2020;5(3):e37-e37. doi:10.1097/itx.0000000000000037
Pereira MP, Wiegmann H, Agelopoulos K, Ständer S.Neuropathic itch: Routes to clinical diagnosis.Front Med.2021;8:641746. doi:10.3389/fmed.2021.641746
Misery L, Dutray S, Chastaing M, Schollhammer M, Consoli SG, Consoli SM.Psychogenic itch.Transl Psychiatry.2018;8(1):52. doi:10.1038/s41398-018-0097-7
Yosipovitch G, Samuel LS.Neuropathic and psychogenic itch.Dermatol Ther.2008;21(1):32-41. doi:10.1111/j.1529-8019.2008.00167.x
Nemours Kids Health.Trichotillomania.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Kidney disease: 11 ways it can affect your skin.
Bhalerao A, Mannu GS.Management of pruritus in chronic liver disease.Dermatology Research and Practice.2015;2015:1-5. doi:10.1155/2015/295891
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Thyroid disease: A checklist of skin, hair, and nail changes.
American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of basal and squamous cell skin cancers.
American Cancer Society.Inflammatory breast cancer.
American Diabetes Association.Diabetes and skin complications.
Saini S, Jain A, Agarwal S, Yadav D.Iron deficiency and pruritus: A cross-sectional analysis to assess its association and relationship.Indian J Dermatol.2021;66(6):705. doi:10.4103/ijd.ijd_326_21
UC San Diego Health.HIV-related skin and complexion conditions.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.10 reasons your skin itches uncontrollably and how to get relief.
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