Itching: Common Causes and How to Get Relief

Itching is an irritating sensation that makes you want to scratch. It can feel like pain but is different. It may be in one area or all over, sometimes with a rash or hives.

Common causes

Itching is a symptom of many conditions:

• allergic reactions to food, insect bites, pollen and medicines;
• skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and dry skin;
• irritating chemicals, cosmetics and other substances;
• parasites: pinworms, scabies, head and body lice;
• pregnancy;
• liver, kidney or thyroid disease;
• some cancers and cancer treatments;
• diseases that affect the nerves, such as diabetes and shingles.

Relief

Most itching isn't serious. Try:

• cold compresses;
• moisturizing lotions;
• lukewarm or oatmeal baths;
• over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or antihistamines;
• avoiding scratching, irritating fabrics, and high heat and humidity.

When to see a provider

If itching is severe, lasts more than a few weeks, or has no obvious cause. You may need medicines or light therapy — and if an underlying disease is to blame, treating it may help.

Sources

Based on "Itching," MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine; a work of the United States government in the public domain.