Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSensationTypesCausesWho Gets Itchy?SymptomsUnderlying ConditionsDiagnosisHome RemediesMedical TreatmentDurationWhen to Seek Medical Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Sensation
Types
Causes
Who Gets Itchy?
Symptoms
Underlying Conditions
Diagnosis
Home Remedies
Medical Treatment
Duration
When to Seek Medical Care
“Pruritus"is the medical term used to describe the feeling of itchy skin. There are many potential causes, ranging from skin conditions or rashes, such aseczema, to more serious systemic health issues, such asliver diseaseorkidney failure.
This article discusses the types, causes, and remedy options for pruritus.
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What Does Pruritus Feel Like?
Pruritus is a feeling ofitchinessor irritation on the skin that drives you to scratch the affected area. The sensation feels similar to pain, but it does not develop in precisely the same way. When people feel pain, their initial reflex is to withdraw, whereas pruritus drives them to scratch. Theitchsensation can feel tingly and uncomfortable.
Types of Pruritus
There are various types of pruritus according to cause, including:
How to Tell the Difference
What Causes Pruritus (Itchy Skin)?
There are many underlying causes of itchy skin, including:
The following are common causes of pruritus.
Common Causes and Treatments for Itching
Dehydration and Dry Skin
Dehydrationoccurs when the skin has lost a significant amount of its moisture, leading to dryness. When the skin lacks moisture and becomes excessively dry, an itch can develop.
Other Signs of Dehydrated and Dry SkinTo determine if dry skin is causing the itchy sensation, it’s essential to look for other signs of dry skin, including:Flaking or peeling skinA rough textureIncreased visibility of fine linesCracks in the skinRaw, irritated skin that could sting or burn
Other Signs of Dehydrated and Dry Skin
To determine if dry skin is causing the itchy sensation, it’s essential to look for other signs of dry skin, including:Flaking or peeling skinA rough textureIncreased visibility of fine linesCracks in the skinRaw, irritated skin that could sting or burn
To determine if dry skin is causing the itchy sensation, it’s essential to look for other signs of dry skin, including:
How to Treat Winter Itch
Eczema
Eczemais a group of inflammatory skin conditions that cause various symptoms, including itchiness. The itchiness that develops in eczema is often intense, making it challenging to avoid scratching. There are multiple types of eczema, all of which can lead to itching.
Other Signs of EczemaAlong with itchiness, if you have eczema, you may also develop:Dry skinRashesScaly patches of skinBlistersSkin infectionsInflammationDiscolored skinOozing or crustingA rough or leathery appearanceSwelling in the affected area
Other Signs of Eczema
Along with itchiness, if you have eczema, you may also develop:Dry skinRashesScaly patches of skinBlistersSkin infectionsInflammationDiscolored skinOozing or crustingA rough or leathery appearanceSwelling in the affected area
Along with itchiness, if you have eczema, you may also develop:
What Is Pruritic Dermatitis?
Allergies
Allergies can develop as a response to environmental triggers, includingpollen, pet dander, household dust,and mold, as well as tofoods, insect bites, plants, and ingredients in household or beauty products.
Other Signs of AllergiesItchiness in allergies can develop in many places, including the skin, nose, and eyes. Other signs you may be experiencing an allergic reaction include:Watery eyesSneezing and runny noseRashes or hivesGastrointestinal distress, including cramps, diarrhea, and bloatingRednessPainCoughFeeling as though your throat is closing, you can’t get a full breath, or your chest is tightWheezingFeeling faint or light-headed, or blacking outFeeling a sense of impending doom
Other Signs of Allergies
Itchiness in allergies can develop in many places, including the skin, nose, and eyes. Other signs you may be experiencing an allergic reaction include:Watery eyesSneezing and runny noseRashes or hivesGastrointestinal distress, including cramps, diarrhea, and bloatingRednessPainCoughFeeling as though your throat is closing, you can’t get a full breath, or your chest is tightWheezingFeeling faint or light-headed, or blacking outFeeling a sense of impending doom
Itchiness in allergies can develop in many places, including the skin, nose, and eyes. Other signs you may be experiencing an allergic reaction include:
Hives
Hives, or urticaria, is a skin reaction that develops into itchy welts. Many things can bring on hives, including:
Other Signs of HivesAside from the raised itchy bumps, the only other symptom associated with hives is blanching, which is when the center of a hive turns white when pressed.
Other Signs of Hives
Aside from the raised itchy bumps, the only other symptom associated with hives is blanching, which is when the center of a hive turns white when pressed.
Bug Bites
Bug bitesare a common source of pruritus. When a bug bites or stings you, it injects saliva or venom under the skin. The immune system detects the unfamiliar substance as a threat, causing it to release histamines. Histamines drive the itchiness after a bug bite.
Other Signs of a Bug BiteIf you didn’t witness the bug bite when it happened and are unsure what’s causing the itch, look for other signs of a bite or sting, including:Swelling and inflammation at the bite sitePain at the bite siteA small and swollen lumpRedness at the site
Other Signs of a Bug Bite
If you didn’t witness the bug bite when it happened and are unsure what’s causing the itch, look for other signs of a bite or sting, including:Swelling and inflammation at the bite sitePain at the bite siteA small and swollen lumpRedness at the site
If you didn’t witness the bug bite when it happened and are unsure what’s causing the itch, look for other signs of a bite or sting, including:
Psychological
Psychological itching, also known as psychogenic itch, occurs when the itch is the only symptom and there is no direct or noticeable underlying cause. The cause of psychogenic itch is poorly understood, and research continues to look for ways to identify why it occurs.
However, it has been associated with various mood disorders, including:
How Common Is Psychogenic Itch?Research on the prevalence of psychogenic itch is scarce, but one study looked at outpatients complaining of itch and found that 6.5% of the cases were psychological in nature.
How Common Is Psychogenic Itch?
Research on the prevalence of psychogenic itch is scarce, but one study looked at outpatients complaining of itch and found that 6.5% of the cases were psychological in nature.
All-Over Itchy Skin (Without) Rash
Vitamin Deficiency
The body needs an adequate amount of nutrients for it to function properly. When you don’t get enough through diet or supplementation, you may develop a deficiency.Vitamin deficiencies, including of the following, can lead to itchy skin:
These vitamin deficiencies are connected to increased dry skin, which can cause pruritus.
Other Causes
There are many other causes of itchy skin aside from the ones mentioned above. They include:
What Is Cholestatic Pruritus?
Who Does Pruritus Affect?
Pruritus is common and affects every person on the planet at some point in their lives. It does not discriminate, and people of all ages, ethnic groups, and socioeconomic groups can develop pruritus.
Symptoms of Pruritus
Itchiness is considered a symptom in and of itself, but other sensations may also occur, including:
When Does Pruritus Flare Up the Worst?While you can experience itchiness at any time and on any part of the body, it is typically worse at night, during times of high stress, and in extreme temperatures.
When Does Pruritus Flare Up the Worst?
While you can experience itchiness at any time and on any part of the body, it is typically worse at night, during times of high stress, and in extreme temperatures.
Why Is My Whole Body Itchy at Night?
Is Pruritus a Sign of an Underlying Condition?
While many causes of pruritus cause little to no harm to your overall health, it can be a sign of an underlying and more severe health condition. Some disorders that often present with itching are:
Looking for Signs of Underlying Disease
Itchy Skin as a Cancer Warning Sign
How Is Itchy Skin Diagnosed?
To diagnose itchy skin, a healthcare provider will first look at the skin to see if there is any physical evidence to support why the itch developed. They may also ask questions to better understand the ailment, such as where the itch is located, how long it’s been there, whether it comes and goes, and how severe it is.
If there are no signs of skin diseases or other outward conditions that cause itch, a healthcare provider will ask about any other symptoms you’re experiencing. After they have a general idea of what may be going on, they will order tests to check for an underlying cause.
Some testing approaches include:
Once the diagnosis is made, medical treatment can begin if required. In some cases, at-home remedies are enough to help calm the itch, relieving the irritating sensation.
Home Remedies for Itchy Skin
There are various effective home remedies available for itchy skin. They can help to relieve the symptoms while you wait for a proper diagnosis or after being diagnosed with a benign cause.
They include:
Over-the-Counter Medicated At-Home OptionsYou can buy anti-itch corticosteroid cream or allergy medications at your local pharmacy to help with itch. Calamine lotion and aloe may also help to reduce the sensation at home.
Over-the-Counter Medicated At-Home Options
You can buy anti-itch corticosteroid cream or allergy medications at your local pharmacy to help with itch. Calamine lotion and aloe may also help to reduce the sensation at home.
The Best Anti-Itch Creams to Soothe Everything from Bug Bites to Eczema
Medical Treatment for Pruritus
Medical treatment for pruritus will depend on what is causing it. Several therapies may be given to help combat the symptom of itch in various diseases and disorders. They include:
Oral vs. Topical TreatmentsThe drugs mentioned above can, in some cases, be prescribed as topical agents, as is the case with antifungals, corticosteroids, and antibiotics. Other topical options include scabicide for scabies, pediculicide for lice, and anesthetics for rashes, hives, scabies, and insect bites or stings.A healthcare provider will decide whether you need an oral or topical solution based on your health, health history, response to medication, and underlying cause.
Oral vs. Topical Treatments
The drugs mentioned above can, in some cases, be prescribed as topical agents, as is the case with antifungals, corticosteroids, and antibiotics. Other topical options include scabicide for scabies, pediculicide for lice, and anesthetics for rashes, hives, scabies, and insect bites or stings.A healthcare provider will decide whether you need an oral or topical solution based on your health, health history, response to medication, and underlying cause.
The drugs mentioned above can, in some cases, be prescribed as topical agents, as is the case with antifungals, corticosteroids, and antibiotics. Other topical options include scabicide for scabies, pediculicide for lice, and anesthetics for rashes, hives, scabies, and insect bites or stings.
A healthcare provider will decide whether you need an oral or topical solution based on your health, health history, response to medication, and underlying cause.
How Long Does Pruritus Last?
Typically, pruritus shouldn’t last longer than a few weeks. If it does, you will likely need to see a healthcare provider to address the issue.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
If you have severe pruritus that interrupts your ability to perform daily tasks, you should see a healthcare provider. They will help to determine the cause and set up a treatment plan.
You should also see a healthcare provider if:
Summary
Pruritus is an irritating itchy sensation that can occur in everyone. It can develop for many reasons, some of which are benign and some of which are more serious and could indicate the presence of an undiagnosed disease or condition.
To ensure itchy skin is treated appropriately, healthcare providers will perform a physical exam, collect any other symptoms of health complaints, and perform specific tests, such as a blood test or skin biopsy. In many cases, the cause is benign and can be treated at home using natural or over-the-counter remedies such as calamine lotion or an ice pack.
Treatments will vary if something more serious is causing the itch. If you experience itchiness that doesn’t subside with home remedies or develops alongside other symptoms, you should see your healthcare provider for support and appropriate treatment.
18 SourcesVerywell 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.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.What makes us itch?MedlinePlus.Itching.NHS Inform.Causes of itchy skin.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry skin: Signs and symptoms.National Eczema Association.What is eczema?Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.What is an allergy?American College of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology.Hives (urticaria).Columbia University Irving Medical Center.How to stop bug bites from itching.UK National Health Service.Insect bites and stings.Misery L, Dutray S, Chastaing M, Schollhammer M, Consoli SG, Consoli SM.Psychogenic itch.Transl Psychiatry.2018 Mar 1;8(1):52. doi:10.1038/s41398-018-0097-7Kremer AE, Mettang T.Pruritus bei systemischen Erkrankungen : Häufiges und Seltenes [Pruritus in systemic diseases : Common and rare etiologies].Internist (Berl).2019 Aug;60(8):814-820. German. doi:10.1007/s00108-019-0637-0American Kidney Fund.Pruritus (itchy skin).Lavery MJ, Stull C, Kinney MO, Yosipovitch G.Nocturnal pruritus: The battle for a peaceful night’s sleep.Int J Mol Sci. 2016;17(3):425. doi:10.3390/ijms17030425Podder I, Mondal H, Kroumpouzos G.Nocturnal pruritus and sleep disturbance associated with dermatologic disorders in adult patients.Int J Womens Dermatol. 2021;7(4):403-410. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2021.02.010.American Academy of Dermatology Association.10 reasons your skin itches uncontrollably and how to get relief.Nowak DA, Yeung J.Diagnosis and treatment of pruritus.Can Fam Physician.2017 Dec;63(12):918-924.Song J, Xian D, Yang L, Xiong X, Lai R, Zhong J.Pruritus: Progress toward pathogenesis and treatment.BioMed Research International. 2018;2018:1-12. doi:10.1155/2018/9625936Stull C, Lavery MJ, Yosipovitch G.Advances in therapeutic strategies for the treatment of pruritus.Expert Opin Pharmacother.2016;17(5):671-87. doi:10.1517/14656566.2016.1127355
18 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.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.What makes us itch?MedlinePlus.Itching.NHS Inform.Causes of itchy skin.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry skin: Signs and symptoms.National Eczema Association.What is eczema?Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.What is an allergy?American College of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology.Hives (urticaria).Columbia University Irving Medical Center.How to stop bug bites from itching.UK National Health Service.Insect bites and stings.Misery L, Dutray S, Chastaing M, Schollhammer M, Consoli SG, Consoli SM.Psychogenic itch.Transl Psychiatry.2018 Mar 1;8(1):52. doi:10.1038/s41398-018-0097-7Kremer AE, Mettang T.Pruritus bei systemischen Erkrankungen : Häufiges und Seltenes [Pruritus in systemic diseases : Common and rare etiologies].Internist (Berl).2019 Aug;60(8):814-820. German. doi:10.1007/s00108-019-0637-0American Kidney Fund.Pruritus (itchy skin).Lavery MJ, Stull C, Kinney MO, Yosipovitch G.Nocturnal pruritus: The battle for a peaceful night’s sleep.Int J Mol Sci. 2016;17(3):425. doi:10.3390/ijms17030425Podder I, Mondal H, Kroumpouzos G.Nocturnal pruritus and sleep disturbance associated with dermatologic disorders in adult patients.Int J Womens Dermatol. 2021;7(4):403-410. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2021.02.010.American Academy of Dermatology Association.10 reasons your skin itches uncontrollably and how to get relief.Nowak DA, Yeung J.Diagnosis and treatment of pruritus.Can Fam Physician.2017 Dec;63(12):918-924.Song J, Xian D, Yang L, Xiong X, Lai R, Zhong J.Pruritus: Progress toward pathogenesis and treatment.BioMed Research International. 2018;2018:1-12. doi:10.1155/2018/9625936Stull C, Lavery MJ, Yosipovitch G.Advances in therapeutic strategies for the treatment of pruritus.Expert Opin Pharmacother.2016;17(5):671-87. doi:10.1517/14656566.2016.1127355
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.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.What makes us itch?MedlinePlus.Itching.NHS Inform.Causes of itchy skin.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry skin: Signs and symptoms.National Eczema Association.What is eczema?Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.What is an allergy?American College of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology.Hives (urticaria).Columbia University Irving Medical Center.How to stop bug bites from itching.UK National Health Service.Insect bites and stings.Misery L, Dutray S, Chastaing M, Schollhammer M, Consoli SG, Consoli SM.Psychogenic itch.Transl Psychiatry.2018 Mar 1;8(1):52. doi:10.1038/s41398-018-0097-7Kremer AE, Mettang T.Pruritus bei systemischen Erkrankungen : Häufiges und Seltenes [Pruritus in systemic diseases : Common and rare etiologies].Internist (Berl).2019 Aug;60(8):814-820. German. doi:10.1007/s00108-019-0637-0American Kidney Fund.Pruritus (itchy skin).Lavery MJ, Stull C, Kinney MO, Yosipovitch G.Nocturnal pruritus: The battle for a peaceful night’s sleep.Int J Mol Sci. 2016;17(3):425. doi:10.3390/ijms17030425Podder I, Mondal H, Kroumpouzos G.Nocturnal pruritus and sleep disturbance associated with dermatologic disorders in adult patients.Int J Womens Dermatol. 2021;7(4):403-410. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2021.02.010.American Academy of Dermatology Association.10 reasons your skin itches uncontrollably and how to get relief.Nowak DA, Yeung J.Diagnosis and treatment of pruritus.Can Fam Physician.2017 Dec;63(12):918-924.Song J, Xian D, Yang L, Xiong X, Lai R, Zhong J.Pruritus: Progress toward pathogenesis and treatment.BioMed Research International. 2018;2018:1-12. doi:10.1155/2018/9625936Stull C, Lavery MJ, Yosipovitch G.Advances in therapeutic strategies for the treatment of pruritus.Expert Opin Pharmacother.2016;17(5):671-87. doi:10.1517/14656566.2016.1127355
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NHS Inform.Causes of itchy skin.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry skin: Signs and symptoms.
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Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.What is an allergy?
American College of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology.Hives (urticaria).
Columbia University Irving Medical Center.How to stop bug bites from itching.
UK National Health Service.Insect bites and stings.
Misery L, Dutray S, Chastaing M, Schollhammer M, Consoli SG, Consoli SM.Psychogenic itch.Transl Psychiatry.2018 Mar 1;8(1):52. doi:10.1038/s41398-018-0097-7
Kremer AE, Mettang T.Pruritus bei systemischen Erkrankungen : Häufiges und Seltenes [Pruritus in systemic diseases : Common and rare etiologies].Internist (Berl).2019 Aug;60(8):814-820. German. doi:10.1007/s00108-019-0637-0
American Kidney Fund.Pruritus (itchy skin).
Podder I, Mondal H, Kroumpouzos G.Nocturnal pruritus and sleep disturbance associated with dermatologic disorders in adult patients.Int J Womens Dermatol. 2021;7(4):403-410. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2021.02.010.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.10 reasons your skin itches uncontrollably and how to get relief.
Nowak DA, Yeung J.Diagnosis and treatment of pruritus.Can Fam Physician.2017 Dec;63(12):918-924.
Song J, Xian D, Yang L, Xiong X, Lai R, Zhong J.Pruritus: Progress toward pathogenesis and treatment.BioMed Research International. 2018;2018:1-12. doi:10.1155/2018/9625936
Stull C, Lavery MJ, Yosipovitch G.Advances in therapeutic strategies for the treatment of pruritus.Expert Opin Pharmacother.2016;17(5):671-87. doi:10.1517/14656566.2016.1127355
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