What’s Causing My Itch?
Because itching is so common and so varied in source, you should consult with your doctor if you have a persistent itch without a visible cause. If the itch is persistent and accompanied by a visible skin abnormality, it may require treatment by a dermatologist. The vast majority of itch has no serious cause and can be treated easily and quickly. That said, it is always important to note symptoms that accompany the itch, especially with persistent itch.
Common causes of itch include:
Dry Skin
Dry skin, or xerosis, is possibly the most common cause of itch without rash. Many people who have suffered sunburn report itch following prolonged exposure to UV radiation from the sun. This may be the body’s way of encouraging us to speed along the process of shedding the burned outer layers of skin. If you don’t see a red, irritated area or a dramatic change in the affected skin area, dry skin is likely the cause of your itch. This can be a result of a number of environmental factors, such as hot or cold weather, low humidity, long-term use of air conditioning or central heating, or washing or bathing too often.
What Can I Do?
Itch caused by dry skin can be treated with hydrating lotion or anti-itch creams and lotions that contain camphor, menthol, phenol, pramoxine (Caladryl, for example), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), or benzocaine.
Irritation or Allergic Reactions
Many of us have felt the itch that accompanies wearing a wool sweater or coat. Likewise, many people with itch are suffering from a reaction to chemicals in laundry detergents or fabric softeners, soaps, cosmetics or perfumes that are irritating the skin. Food allergies and drug reactions are also commonly associated with itch, and an unexplained itching after trying a new food may be an indication of an allergic reaction.
What Can I Do?
If you suspect that you’re having a topical reaction to a cosmetic, laundry detergent or other chemical, wash the affected area with a mild soap and gently pat dry. If you suspect that you are having a reaction to food or drug, contact your medical health provider. If your itching is accompanied by more serious symptoms, such as shortness of breath, seek medical help immediately.
Stress
One of the most common causes of itching is psychological - due to stress, anxiety or other emotional problems. Stress can be both the cause of itch, and it can aggravate itch from other sources.
What Can I Do?
To attack the cause of a stress-related itch, try stress-busting exercise routines or yoga, or find outlets for that stress. If the stress level is severe, consider making an appointment with a professional, who can help with coping mechanisms.
Skin Infections Or Infestations
Skin infections and infestations, which can be caused by a number of sources and occur in many areas of the body, are often the root of itch. Genital itching, which may be accompanied by a burning sensation or pain, in both men and women can occur as a result of genital infections or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Women may suffer from yeast infections, which cause vaginal itching, and fungal infections in the groin (tinea cruris), commonly called jock itch, can also be a source of itch. Skin infestations, through head lice and pubic lice, are also responsible for itching. Scabies is a highly contagious skin condition caused by an infestation of the itch mite Sarcoptes scabiei that is known to cause an intense itch that is particularly severe at night.
It's only natural to want to scratch those itches. If they aren't short lived, a trip to the doctor may be warranted.
What Can I Do?
If you suspect your itching is the result of a skin infection or infestation, make an appointment with your doctor or a dermatologist, who can offer specialized treatment for your particular issue.
Sinister Roots
While most causes of itch aren’t serious, itch can also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, which may or may not be serious. Liver and kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and other metabolic and hormone disorders list itch as a common symptom, as do some forms of cancer, such as lymphoma. Itching can also be a warning sign of a range of other diseases, such as cholestasis, or interruption of the bile flow, or polycythemia vera, a disease of the blood.
Brachioradial pruritus is a neurologic condition that results in intense itching of the upper extremities. It usually develops on the forearm over the head of the brachioradialis muscle, but it can occur anywhere on the upper extremities. This is often caused by a pinched nerve in the neck. Other nerve conditions that affect the nerves, including diabetes, shingles (herpes zoster), and multiple sclerosis (MS) can also trigger intense itching.
What Can I Do?
Make an appointment with your primary care physician if you have persistent itching that isn’t accompanied by a rash or obvious cause, and especially if you have other troubling symptoms. Your doctor will be able to review your symptoms, risk factors, and medical history to determine what tests may need to be performed to rule out a serious cause for your itch.
Our Moms Were Right: Rule Number One - Keep Your Hands Off
Regardless of the source of your itch, the best rule of thumb is to avoid scratching at all costs. You could worsen your condition or scratch the skin, which can lead to a bacterial infection. In an age where Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are becoming less a concern for hospital patients and more prevalent in the community at large, scratching at an irritating bug bite or patch of dry skin can lead to much more serious complications. If anti-itch creams don’t work, try icing the irritated area to minimize itch.