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Itching

Pruritus

Itching is a tingling or irritation of the skin that makes you want to scratch the area. Itching may occur all over the body or only in one location.

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Allergic reactions
Head lice
Skin layers

Causes

There are many causes of itching, including:

Generalized itching may be caused by:

Home Care

For itching that does not go away or is severe, see your health care provider.

In the meantime, you can take steps to help deal with the itch:

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if you have itching that:

Also contact your provider if you have other, unexplained symptoms.

With most itching, you do not need to see a provider. Look for an obvious cause of itching at home.

It is sometimes easy for a parent to find the cause of a child's itching. Looking closely at the skin will help you identify any bites, stings, rashes, dry skin, or irritation.

Have the itching checked out as soon as possible if it keeps returning and does not have a clear cause, you have itching all over your body, or you have hives that keep returning. Unexplained itching may be a symptom of a disease that could be serious.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

Your provider will examine you. You'll also be asked about the itching. Questions may include when it began, how long it has lasted, and whether you have it all the time or only at certain times. You may also be asked about medicines you take, whether you have allergies, or if you have been ill recently.

Related Information

Insect bites and stings
Contact dermatitis
Sunburn
Hives
Body lice
Head lice
Pubic lice
Chickenpox
Allergic reactions

References

Dinulos JGH. Urticaria, angioedema, and pruritus. In: Dinulos JGH, ed. Habif's Clinical Dermatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 6.

Legat FJ, Weisshaar E, Fleischer AB, Bernhard JD, Cropley TG. Pruritus and dysesthesia. In: Bolognia JL, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L, eds. Dermatology. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 6.

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Review Date: 7/25/2022  

Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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