Prolonged itching and scratching may increase the intensity of the itch, possibly leading to skin injury, infection and scarring.Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic.Many people find relief with self-care measures such as moisturizing daily, using gentle cleansers and bathing with lukewarm water. The following can affect any area of skin on the body:It’s important to see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis when the cause isn’t obvious because some of the causes of itching are serious, yet treatable, conditions.Once your healthcare provider has pinpointed the cause of your itchiness, you can be treated.
"Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.Sometimes the cause of the itching can't be determined.You may have itchy skin over certain small areas, such as on an arm or leg, or over your whole body. One of the most common skin disorders that causes a rash is atopic dermatitis (ay-TOP-ik dur-muh-TI-tis), also known as eczema. The possible causes for itchiness include internal illnesses and skin conditions.
Common treatments are medicated lotions, moist dressings and oral anti-itch medicines. Your healthcare provider will give you a physical examination and will ask you several questions about your symptoms, such as:Many skin conditions that are common can cause itchy skin. Itchy skin can occur without any other noticeable changes on the skin. Shingles. Instead it refers to any sort of inflammation and/or discoloration that distorts the skin's normal appearance. Repeated scratching can cause raised thick areas of skin that might bleed or become infected.If the condition persists for three months despite treatment, see a dermatologist to be evaluated for skin disease and an internist to be evaluated for other diseases.Sometimes itchiness lasts a long time and can be intense.
Rash is not a specific diagnosis.
Common rashes include eczema, poison ivy, hives, and athlete's foot. Long-term relief requires identifying and treating the cause of itchy skin. If the cause is a disease or infection, they will suggest the best course of treatment for the underlying problem. Several home remedies such as over-the-counter creams and moisturizers work well for itching.Other diseases can cause itching as well, especially those that affect the nerves. Shingles is a painful rash caused by a reactivation of the herpes zoster virus, the same … A doctor can find the underlying cause and provide treatments for relief. As you rub or scratch the area, it gets itchier. A genital rash typically refers to a spread of bumps, lesions, or irregular patches of skin on the genitals. Also known as pruritus (proo-RIE-tus), itchy skin can be caused or worsened by dry skin. Candida. It's common in older adults, as skin tends to become drier with age.A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only.
WebMD looks at the possible causes, from minor irritants to serious illnesses. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.Itchy skin is an uncomfortable, irritating sensation that makes you want to scratch.
See your doctor or a skin disease specialist (dermatologist) if the itching:Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Atopic dermatitis is an ongoing (chronic) condition that makes skin red and itchy. These include:The following common medicines often cause rashes and widespread itching:Some internal diseases that may be very serious cause itching. However, it’s best to check with your doctor to confirm a diagnosis and treatment.There are many reasons your skin could itch. And the more it itches, the more you scratch. When the cause is more superficial, you may receive a prescription for a cream that will help relieve the itching.See your healthcare provider if:Most itching is treatable and doesn’t indicate a serious problem. Try:You may need to undergo more tests if your healthcare provider can’t determine the cause of your itching from your answers and a physical exam.