Itchy Skin (Pruritus) - Possible Causes, Treatment & Prevention

What Is itchy skin?  

Itchy skin, medically termed pruritus, is a skin condition characterized by an irritable, uncomfortable sensation (an itch) that makes you want to scratch your skin. itchy skin rash can occur on any part of your body. It is most often a result of dry skin, in which case moisturizing the skin can provide relief. However, it can also be caused by a medical condition or illness.  

Symptoms  

Itchy skin is commonly accompanied by the following symptoms:  

• Dry skin  

• Cracked skin  

• Redness  

• Blisters, bumps, or spots on the skin  

• Scaly or leathery patches  

Itchy skin can also commonly result in an itch-scratch cycle where the more you feel itchy, the more your scratch, which will only make your skin itchier.  

When To See A Doctor For Itchy Skin?  

If your itching is severe and persists, you should contact a skin specialist (dermatologist). You should also see a doctor if itchy skin affects your entire body, occurs suddenly and subsides frequently, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as a fever, sudden weight loss, and chills.  

Causes  

There are several reasons for itchy skin and these will determine how long your itchy skin will last and what kind of treatment you will require.  

• Itchy skin due to skin conditions: You can develop pruritus as a result of several skin conditions including dry skin, eczema (dermatitis), skin burns, scars, or insect bites. In these cases, the itchy skin will abate after the underlying skin condition is treated.  

• Itchy skin due to medical diseases: If you experience itchy skin on your entire body, it may be caused by a medical illness that must be treated right away. Liver disease and itchy skin occur together in many cases. Patients with liver disease often have higher levels of bile salt, which accumulate under the skin and cause pruritus. Other diseases that cause itchy skin include anemia, diabetes, kidney disease, lymphoma, thyroid, etc.  

• Itchy skin due to nerve disorders: Several nerve disorders often cause itchy skin. These include pinched nerves, multiple sclerosis, and herpes zoster (shingles).  

• Itchy skin due to allergic reactions: In many causes of pruritus, an allergic reaction is the culprit. Substances such as chemicals, soaps, and wool can often cause skin irritation, itchy skin rashes, and severe itching. Several cosmetic products may also trigger allergic reactions in some people, resulting in pruritus. Allergic reactions can also be caused by the use of certain drugs such as opioids used in narcotic pain medications.  

• Itchy skin due to parasites: One can experience itching if they have skin parasites such as head and body lice, scabies, and pinworms.  

• Itchy skin due to pregnancy: A chemical and hormonal imbalance in the body can cause itchy skin in pregnant women. They may also experience itchiness on their abdomen as the skin stretches, triggering dryness and irritation. Itching during pregnancy is mostly harmless and is very common.