Itchy skin (pruritus)

Overview

Scratching damages skin and makes itching worse.

Itching all over without a rash for weeks needs blood tests.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Itchy skin

Less common

• Dry, flaky skin
• Scratch marks

When to get medical care

Causes

Dry skin, allergies, skin conditions, illness.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Older adults
• Eczema

Possible complications

• Eczema

Diagnosis

A clinician looks at the skin.

Questions you may be asked

• New soaps, medicines, pets

The exam

Skin exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Blood tests: If no clear cause.

Treatment

Calm the itch.

Self-care

• Moisturize right after bathing
• Take short, lukewarm showers
• Use fragrance-free products
• Keep nails short
• Use cool compresses

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To prevent itching:

• Moisturize daily

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a dermatologist (skin doctor).

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Some skin medicines, like isotretinoin and retinoid creams, aren't safe in pregnancy.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Most itching is easily treated.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• Do I need blood tests?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Itchy skin (pruritus)