Skin Itching: Main Causes of Itching All Over the Body

Skin itching is a sensation that makes your hand reach to scratch before your brain catches up. In most cases there is nothing serious behind it, and it goes away within a few weeks. But sometimes itching is the only visible signal of a problem inside the body, and then it is not the skin that needs to be dealt with.

What skin itching is and how it occurs

Itching, or pruritus, is an unpleasant sensation of irritation, burning and tingling in the skin or mucous membranes that causes an urgent need to rub or scratch the area. Sometimes it feels almost like pain, but it is a different sensation. The mechanism, at the level of description, is simple: nerve endings are irritated — by chemicals, bacteria, parasites, minor injuries such as a splinter. Then a feedback loop kicks in: after scratching, the itching intensifies. Heat makes it worse, cooling reduces it. More often one area itches, but itching all over the body also occurs.

Skin itching with and without a rash

A rash, hives or swelling alongside itching help in the search for a cause, but you should not make a diagnosis on your own. Itching without a rash also requires attention: if it is bothersome, it is better to discuss the symptoms with a doctor and not try to determine the cause by appearance.

Causes of itching all over the body

If the body itches, the overall picture helps to outline the range of causes:

• reactions to heat and to allergens: allergy, hives, heat rash;
• long-term skin conditions: dandruff, eczema, psoriasis;
• fungal infections: candidal infection, ringworm, foot mycosis;
• parasites and insects: scabies, head and pubic lice, helminths, bites;
• irritating substances, cosmetics, friction, irritation after shaving.

Pregnancy and the period after menopause are a separate chapter. During pregnancy, itching usually does not indicate anything bad, but it is necessary to be checked by a doctor or midwife: sometimes it is caused by intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. After menopause, itching is also a common companion and usually subsides over time.

Itching on the legs, arms, thighs and in the perineum

The causes of itching do not depend on the part of the body: the general list applies to any area — legs, arms, thighs, perineum, face. These are fungal infections, parasites, eczema, irritating substances, friction, irritation after shaving and hemorrhoids. Therefore, the cause is sought not by location, but by accompanying symptoms and circumstances.

Which internal diseases are accompanied by itching

Less often, itching turns out to be a sign of a more serious condition. Among the internal causes are diseases of the thyroid gland, liver and kidneys; during pregnancy — intrahepatic cholestasis. The skin itches in diabetes mellitus and herpes zoster: these are diseases that affect the nervous system. The list includes some types of cancer and antitumor treatment, lymphogranulomatosis. Therefore, persistent itching without an obvious cause is a reason for examination, not for a new cream.

How the cause is determined and when to see a doctor

The doctor examines the skin and asks about the symptoms. Then a blood test, which can help find the cause, and a referral to a dermatologist come into play. Treatment depends on the cause: creams, lotions, medications, and for some conditions — light therapy; if the cause is internal, treating the underlying disease helps. At the pharmacy, they may suggest products that relieve itching for some causes, but choosing blindly is a lottery.

You should see a doctor if itching affects daily life, does not go away after home care or returns, if it was caused by a new rash, a lump or swelling that is bothersome. Separate reasons are itching all over the body, severe itching and itching during pregnancy.

Skin itching by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance. 103 and 112 — for life-threatening conditions, for example, signs of a stroke or heart attack.

The material is for reference: it helps to describe your symptoms to a doctor, but does not replace a doctor's consultation.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer