Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesTreatmentComplicationsDiagnosisWhen to Seek Medical Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Treatment
Complications
Diagnosis
When to Seek Medical Care
An itchy stomach or a rash on the abdomen can be a symptom of several different conditions, ranging fromallergiesandinsect bitesto bacterial infections and eczema.
For most people, an itchy stomach isn’t a cause for concern. If it doesn’t go away in a couple of weeks, however, it might be necessary to test for a larger issue, such as kidney disease or anautoimmune disorder.
This article covers the symptoms and possible causes of an itchy stomach and risk factors. It also discusses when to seek a diagnosis and what you can do at home.
Kittisak Jirasittichai / EyeEm / Getty Images
Symptoms of an Itchy Stomach
The most common symptoms of an itchy stomach include:
Other symptoms of an itchy stomach include dry, scaly, or peeling skin.
Causes of an Itchy Stomach
There are several reasons why your stomach might itch. The most common include:
Some less common causes of an itchy stomach include:
7 Causes of Itchy Bumps (That Aren’t Mosquito Bites)
Contact Dermatitis
Common Causes of Skin Irritation
Chronic Skin Conditions
If you have an itchy stomach that persists or continually reappears with other skin symptoms, the following skin disorders could be a cause:
What does a stress rash look like on the stomach?Stress can cause itchy hives to appear on the stomach and other parts of the abdomen from the neck down. These may look slightly raised and may be pink or red in color.
What does a stress rash look like on the stomach?
Stress can cause itchy hives to appear on the stomach and other parts of the abdomen from the neck down. These may look slightly raised and may be pink or red in color.
Infections
At times, a bacterial or viral infection can cause an itchy stomach. These might include:
Parasites like lice and scabies can also cause itching. These parasites can often cause rashes and blistering, along with intense itching.
Pregnancy
PUPPP(pruritic urticarial papulesandplaquesof pregnancy) is a rash that can occur during the third trimester of pregnancy or right after a person gives birth. This rash can cause intense itching.
Cancer or Cancer Treatments
Some types of cancer and cancer treatments, likechemotherapyandimmunotherapy, can cause itching and rashes.Pain medications, hormone treatments, and antinausea medications can also cause itching.
Thyroid Disease
Hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid, can cause itchiness.Hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid, can cause dry skin, which could also increase the likelihood of having an itchy stomach.
Kidney or Liver Disease
Chronic kidney disease can cause dry skin. This happens because of dehydration, hormone imbalances, and inflammation (the body’s response to foreign agents).
Itchy skin is also a symptom of chronic liver disease.This type of rash may appear as red patches of skin that spread, and the skin may feel rough and thick on or around the rash.
What Medications Can Cause an Itchy Stomach?
There are several common drugs that could be the cause of itchy skin. These medications include the following:
How to Relieve an Itchy Stomach at Home
There are several ways to care for an itchy stomach when it is not part of a larger disorder. These include:
Itchy Skin: When to Get Emergency CareIt’s important to seek emergency care for itchy skin in the following cases:A sudden rash that is spreading quickly, especially if breathing is affectedA fever with a rashA rash that blisters or is painfulIf a rash is infected, which might include pain and include yellow-green fluid or swelling
Itchy Skin: When to Get Emergency Care
It’s important to seek emergency care for itchy skin in the following cases:A sudden rash that is spreading quickly, especially if breathing is affectedA fever with a rashA rash that blisters or is painfulIf a rash is infected, which might include pain and include yellow-green fluid or swelling
It’s important to seek emergency care for itchy skin in the following cases:
Complications and Risk Factors Associated With An Itchy Stomach
If an itchy stomach is recurring and left untreated, complications from other underlying conditions causing it may occur. These may include:
Are There Tests to Diagnose the Cause of an Itchy Stomach?
An itchy stomach that does not subside after a couple of weeks could require a diagnosis. A healthcare provider might do the following to determine the cause of an itchy stomach:
Other ways to diagnose an itchy stomach might include:
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you have an itchy stomach, it’s advised to see a healthcare provider if:
Summary
Diagnosing an itchy stomach might include taking a small piece of skin for lab testing or taking tests to determine allergies. In more serious cases, a blood sample could be taken to test for an autoimmune disorder or thyroid disease. Taking care of an itchy stomach at home can include wearing dry and loose clothing, applying anti-itch creams, and taking antihistamines.
28 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 Dermatology Association.Rash 101 in adults: when to seek medical treatment.American Kidney Fund.Pruritus (itchy skin).National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Itching.National Eczema Association.Contact dermatitis.American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Hives.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Eczema.National Health Service.Atopic eczema.National Health Service.Psoriasis.American Journal of Managed Care.5 things about psoriasis and its complications.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry skin: Who gets and causes.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Ringworm and fungal nail infections basics.New York State Department of Health.Bacterial skin infections: Impetigo and MRSA.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About chickenpox.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How measles spread.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Scabies.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Body lice.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy.Cancer Research UK.Causes of itching.American Cancer Society.Itching.National Health Service.Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).National Health Service.Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).Hegade VS, Kendrick SF, Jones DE.Drug treatment of pruritus in liver diseases.Clin Med (Lond). 2015;15(4):351-357. doi:10.7861/clinmedicine.15-4-351Özlü E, Karadağ AS.Drug-induced acneiform eruptions. In:Acne and Acneiform Eruptions.IntechOpen; 2017. doi:10.5772/65634Weisshaar E, Szepietowski Jacek C, et al.European S2k guideline on chronic pruritus.Acta Derm Venereol.2019;99(5):469-505. doi:10.2340/00015555-3164Huang AH, Kaffenberger BH, Reich A, Szepietowski JC, Ständer S, Kwatra SG.Pruritus associated with commonly prescribed medications in a tertiary care center.Medicines (Basel). 2019;6(3):84. doi:10.3390/medicines6030084Lacouture ME, Sibaud V, Gerber PA, et al; ESMO Guidelines Committee.Prevention and management of dermatological toxicities related to anticancer agents: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines.Ann Oncol. 2021;32(2):157-170. doi:10.1016/j.annonc.2020.11.005Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About impetigo.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Clinical overview of measles.
28 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 Dermatology Association.Rash 101 in adults: when to seek medical treatment.American Kidney Fund.Pruritus (itchy skin).National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Itching.National Eczema Association.Contact dermatitis.American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Hives.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Eczema.National Health Service.Atopic eczema.National Health Service.Psoriasis.American Journal of Managed Care.5 things about psoriasis and its complications.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry skin: Who gets and causes.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Ringworm and fungal nail infections basics.New York State Department of Health.Bacterial skin infections: Impetigo and MRSA.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About chickenpox.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How measles spread.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Scabies.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Body lice.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy.Cancer Research UK.Causes of itching.American Cancer Society.Itching.National Health Service.Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).National Health Service.Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).Hegade VS, Kendrick SF, Jones DE.Drug treatment of pruritus in liver diseases.Clin Med (Lond). 2015;15(4):351-357. doi:10.7861/clinmedicine.15-4-351Özlü E, Karadağ AS.Drug-induced acneiform eruptions. In:Acne and Acneiform Eruptions.IntechOpen; 2017. doi:10.5772/65634Weisshaar E, Szepietowski Jacek C, et al.European S2k guideline on chronic pruritus.Acta Derm Venereol.2019;99(5):469-505. doi:10.2340/00015555-3164Huang AH, Kaffenberger BH, Reich A, Szepietowski JC, Ständer S, Kwatra SG.Pruritus associated with commonly prescribed medications in a tertiary care center.Medicines (Basel). 2019;6(3):84. doi:10.3390/medicines6030084Lacouture ME, Sibaud V, Gerber PA, et al; ESMO Guidelines Committee.Prevention and management of dermatological toxicities related to anticancer agents: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines.Ann Oncol. 2021;32(2):157-170. doi:10.1016/j.annonc.2020.11.005Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About impetigo.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Clinical overview of measles.
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 Dermatology Association.Rash 101 in adults: when to seek medical treatment.American Kidney Fund.Pruritus (itchy skin).National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Itching.National Eczema Association.Contact dermatitis.American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Hives.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Eczema.National Health Service.Atopic eczema.National Health Service.Psoriasis.American Journal of Managed Care.5 things about psoriasis and its complications.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry skin: Who gets and causes.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Ringworm and fungal nail infections basics.New York State Department of Health.Bacterial skin infections: Impetigo and MRSA.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About chickenpox.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How measles spread.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Scabies.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Body lice.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy.Cancer Research UK.Causes of itching.American Cancer Society.Itching.National Health Service.Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).National Health Service.Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).Hegade VS, Kendrick SF, Jones DE.Drug treatment of pruritus in liver diseases.Clin Med (Lond). 2015;15(4):351-357. doi:10.7861/clinmedicine.15-4-351Özlü E, Karadağ AS.Drug-induced acneiform eruptions. In:Acne and Acneiform Eruptions.IntechOpen; 2017. doi:10.5772/65634Weisshaar E, Szepietowski Jacek C, et al.European S2k guideline on chronic pruritus.Acta Derm Venereol.2019;99(5):469-505. doi:10.2340/00015555-3164Huang AH, Kaffenberger BH, Reich A, Szepietowski JC, Ständer S, Kwatra SG.Pruritus associated with commonly prescribed medications in a tertiary care center.Medicines (Basel). 2019;6(3):84. doi:10.3390/medicines6030084Lacouture ME, Sibaud V, Gerber PA, et al; ESMO Guidelines Committee.Prevention and management of dermatological toxicities related to anticancer agents: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines.Ann Oncol. 2021;32(2):157-170. doi:10.1016/j.annonc.2020.11.005Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About impetigo.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Clinical overview of measles.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Rash 101 in adults: when to seek medical treatment.
American Kidney Fund.Pruritus (itchy skin).
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Itching.
National Eczema Association.Contact dermatitis.
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Hives.
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Eczema.
National Health Service.Atopic eczema.
National Health Service.Psoriasis.
American Journal of Managed Care.5 things about psoriasis and its complications.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry skin: Who gets and causes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Ringworm and fungal nail infections basics.
New York State Department of Health.Bacterial skin infections: Impetigo and MRSA.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About chickenpox.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How measles spread.
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Scabies.
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Body lice.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy.
Cancer Research UK.Causes of itching.
American Cancer Society.Itching.
National Health Service.Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
National Health Service.Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).
Hegade VS, Kendrick SF, Jones DE.Drug treatment of pruritus in liver diseases.Clin Med (Lond). 2015;15(4):351-357. doi:10.7861/clinmedicine.15-4-351
Özlü E, Karadağ AS.Drug-induced acneiform eruptions. In:Acne and Acneiform Eruptions.IntechOpen; 2017. doi:10.5772/65634
Weisshaar E, Szepietowski Jacek C, et al.European S2k guideline on chronic pruritus.Acta Derm Venereol.2019;99(5):469-505. doi:10.2340/00015555-3164
Huang AH, Kaffenberger BH, Reich A, Szepietowski JC, Ständer S, Kwatra SG.Pruritus associated with commonly prescribed medications in a tertiary care center.Medicines (Basel). 2019;6(3):84. doi:10.3390/medicines6030084
Lacouture ME, Sibaud V, Gerber PA, et al; ESMO Guidelines Committee.Prevention and management of dermatological toxicities related to anticancer agents: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines.Ann Oncol. 2021;32(2):157-170. doi:10.1016/j.annonc.2020.11.005
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About impetigo.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Clinical overview of measles.
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