Itching is an uncomfortable feeling on your skin that makes you want to scratch.
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Itching can be caused by many different skin problems
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Itching can also be caused by an allergic reaction or a disorder that affects your whole body
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You may itch in only one spot or all over depending on the cause
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Scratching can make itching worse and damage your skin
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Bathing less often, using lotions or creams, and using a humidifier at home or work may help you itch less
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Other treatments depend on the cause
What causes itching?
Itching is usually caused by skin problems, such as:
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Dry skin, especially in older people
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Rashes, such as eczema, sometimes called atopic dermatitis
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Bug bites
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Allergic reaction to things that touch the skin, such as poison ivy
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Skin infections caused by a fungus or parasite
Sometimes, itching is caused by problems inside your body, such as:
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Allergic reactions to certain foods or drugs
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Liver or gallbladder problems that make your eyes and skin yellow (jaundice)
When should I see a doctor about itching?
See a doctor right away if you have itching and any of these warning signs:
Call an ambulance or go to the emergency room right away if you have trouble breathing or feel faint. That could mean you're having a serious allergic reaction.
See a doctor in a week or so if you have:
What will happen at my doctor visit?
How do doctors treat itching?
Doctors treat the problem that causes you to itch. Doctors may also tell you to:
Antihistamine pills can make you sleepy, particularly if you're older. Be careful about using them if you have to drive or use power tools. On the other hand, antihistamines may help you sleep at night.
You can buy some creams for itching without a prescription. But talk to your doctor before you use them. Corticosteroid creams, such as hydrocortisone, can help some kinds of itching but are bad for others (for example, itching caused by a skin infection). Antihistamine creams and skin-numbing creams that contain benzocaine sometimes cause a skin reaction, so doctors usually don't want you to use those.
Drugs Mentioned In This Article
| Generic Name | Select Brand Names |
|---|---|
hydrocortisone |
CORTEF, SOLU-CORTEF |
benzocaine |
ANBESOL |
