Itching is common and at least 10% of all people have itchy skin every day. Itching can occur all over the body or only in a few selected places. Sometimes itching is accompanied by pain, tingling or numbness. Itchy impulses start in the skin and travel with the nerves to the brain. Diseases of the skin, nerves and brain can therefore cause itching. When a rash on the skin itches, it is likely that there is a disease of the skin that is causing the itching. If, on the other hand, there is no rash, possibly only scratch marks on the skin, one should also think about diseases outside the skin as a cause.
It is most common that inflammation of the skin is the cause of itching, and examples of such diseases are eczema and psoriasis, and then the skin is typically red and slightly thickened. Hives (urticaria) is a common cause of itching and is characterized by flat blisters that come and go on the skin. Dry skin, scabies and infections can cause itching. Sometimes it is the nerves in or near the skin that cause itching, and shingles and brachioradial pruritus (itching of the arms) are examples of such diseases. Examples of non-skin diseases that cause itching are liver and kidney disease, medicines and pregnancy itch. Skin cancer can cause itching, but this is not typical.
The cause must be identified, and the treatment must be managed accordingly. There are few targeted drugs that relieve itching, apart from antihistamines for hives (urticaria). Moisturizers reduce itching in many people, regardless of the cause of the itching, and in case of inflammation of the skin, cortisone creams will often relieve the itching.
Our dermatologists help people of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, with everything from simple skin changes to serious conditions.
Our dermatologists help people of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, with everything from simple skin changes to serious conditions.
