Itching

Alternative names:

pruritus

Definition:

A peculiar tingling or uneasy irritation of the skin which causes a desire to scratch the affected part.

Considerations:

Itching can be all over (generalized) or only in a particular location (localized).

There are many causes of itching ranging from the simple to the complex. Some groupings would include:
Localized itching

• skin irritation from insect bites and stings

Localized or generalized

• chemical irritation such as from poison ivy or stinging nettle
• environmental causes (drying, sunburn)
• hives (localized to general)
• parasites (body lice, head lice, pubic lice)

Generalized

• infectious diseases (chicken pox)
• allergic reactions
• liver disease with jaundice
• medication reactions

Not every rash itches, but if it does, try not to scratch it.

Common causes:

• insect bites
• dry skin
• contact dermatitis (poison ivy or poison oak)
• contact irritants (such as soaps, chemicals, or wool)
• atopic dermatitis
• rashes (may or may not itch)
• childhood infections (such as chicken pox or measles)
• aging skin
• allergy caused by food or drugs (antibiotics)
• superficial skin infections such as folliculitis and impetigo
• pregnancy
• hepatitis
• iron deficiency anemia
• parasites such as pinworm
• pityriasis rosea
• psoriasis
• seborrheic dermatitis
• skin infection
• urticaria
• drugs such as antibiotics (penicillin, sulfonamides), gold, griseofulvin, isoniazid, opiates, phenothiazines, or vitamin A

Note: There are other causes of itching. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as location, quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints.