Skin Health More Skin Conditions Why Does My Skin Itch? Most Common Causes By Ann Pietrangelo Ann Pietrangelo LinkedIn Twitter Ann Pietrangelo is a freelance writer, health reporter, and author. Learn about our editorial process Published on December 06, 2022 Medically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD Medically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD Casey Gallagher, MD, is board-certified in dermatology and works as a practicing dermatologist and clinical professor. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Conditions Medications Nervous System Conditions Psychological Conditions Serious Illnesses Other Causes Diagnosis When to See a Healthcare Provider Frequently Asked Questions Itching isn't pleasant, but most of the time it's a temporary annoyance you can ease with a gentle scratch. However, it's sometimes a sign of an underlying disease or allergic reaction. When that happens, it's important to see a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. This article will cover a variety of conditions that cause itching, also known as pruritus. Oscar Wong / Getty Images Conditions That Cause Itchy Rashes Following are some conditions that cause itchy rashes and key features that set them apart. Fungal Infections Ringworm, which has nothing to do with worms, is a common fungal skin infection. Ringworm has a distinctive ring-shaped rash. It may be red, raised, or scaly, and can develop on the skin, hair, or nails. Athlete's foot and jock itch are fungal infections that can cause itching and burning sensations. Vaginal candidiasis is a common fungal infection caused by yeast, a type of fungus. You might know it as a vaginal yeast infection. Other symptoms can include abnormal discharge, pain, and discomfort. Bacterial Infections Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection most common in children aged 2 to 5 years old, though anyone can get it. Impetigo tends to occur around the nose and mouth or arms and legs. Red, itchy sores leak clear fluid or pus for several days before forming a yellow crust. It heals without scarring. Folliculitis is another type of bacterial infection that can itch. Folliculitis may look like you've broken out in pimples, but it's an infection of the hair follicles. The red bumps can swell and ooze pus. Bug Bites Bug bites usually cause a noticeable bump or rash that itches. Mosquito bites are common but the itch doesn't usually last long. A prolonged itch may occur when you're bitten by: Bedbugs Lice Mites (scabies) Eczema Eczema, or dermatitis, is common, especially among babies and young children. An eczema rash may look blotchy, red, and flakey. It's most likely to appear on the face, elbows, knees, hands, or feet. Scratching can increase redness, itching, and swelling. Contact Dermatitis When you develop a rash because you touched something that triggers a skin immune response, you have contact dermatitis. One sign of contact dermatitis is that it appears at the point of contact. The itchy rash may be red or pink, flat or raised. A severe reaction can lead to blisters filled with clear fluid. Hives Hives affect 15%–25% of people at some point. You can develop hives due to an illness or allergic reaction but you may not be able to identify the cause. The telltale sign of hives are the raised, red bumps that pop up suddenly and itch intensely. There may be swelling beneath the skin. Hives usually resolve within 24 hours, though they can last longer. Psoriasis Psoriasis is an overproduction of skin cells. There are different types of psoriasis, with plaque psoriasis being the most common. Plaque psoriasis appears as thick, raised patches of varying sizes. These patches can develop anywhere but tend to form on the elbows, knees, lower back, or scalp. Some may have silver scales that itch. Scratching may cause the patches to get even thicker. Medications With Itchiness as a Side Effect Itchiness is a side effect of quite a few types of medicine. An allergic reaction to medication can involve both itching and a rash. ACE Inhibitors ACE inhibitors (angiotensin converting-enzyme inhibitors), such as Vasotec (inalapril) or Lotensin (benazepril), help control blood pressure. An allergic reaction can cause an itchy rash anywhere on the body. This can happen right away or years into treatment. Allopurinol Allopurinol, such as the brands Zyloprin or Caplenal, is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor. It's used to treat conditions such as gout, kidney stones, and high levels of uric acid from some cancer medications. Skin rash and itching can happen but are not common. Amiodarone Amiodarone, including the brand Pacerone, is used to treat abnormal heart rhythms. Rash is one potential side effect. Diuretics Diuretics help get rid of excess water in the body. Some people who take diuretics develop a rash in reaction to the drug. The rash usually appears on the legs in the form of purple skin eruptions. Estrogen Estrogen affects many parts of the body, including the skin. A rash can be a reaction to hormonal birth control pills. Hydroxyethyl Cellulose Hydroxyethyl cellulose is an ingredient in many personal care and medical products. An allergic reaction can cause itchiness, rash, and hives. Opioids Itching is a very common side effect of pain medications known as opioids. Simvastatin Simvastatin, such as Zocor or Vytorin, helps lower cholesterol, as well as the risk of heart attack and stroke. One potential side effect is itchy, red skin. Acetaminophen Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer. Side effects can include itching, rash, hives, and peeling or blistering skin. Ibuprofen Ibuprofen, sold over the counter as Advil or Motrin, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain, fever, and inflammation. Side effects include rash, itching, and hives. Naproxen Sodium Naproxen, such as Aleve, is another NSAID that can cause itching, rash, and hives. Nervous System Conditions that Cause Itchiness When you have a neurological itch, it may feel like a skin problem, but it's actually a nerve problem. Shingles The varicella-zoster virus causes chicken pox and shingles. The most common symptom of chicken pox is an itchy rash that progresses into blisters before scabbing over. After recovery from chicken pox, the virus remains dormant in the nervous system. It can reactivate years later as shingles. Shingles can cause neurological problems and serious complications. The hallmark feature of shingles is the painful, itchy rash that usually occurs on one side of the body, typically the torso or face. Itching can outlast the rash. Multiple Sclerosis Itching and a pins-and-needles sensation are common symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). It's a neurological misfire rather than a skin problem. Scratching won't ease the itch and too much scratching can lead to skin problems. Stroke It's not unusual to experience strange sensations following a stroke. These can include itching, pins and needles, or the feeling that something is running over your skin. Brain Tumor A brain tumor can cause generalized itching. This could be due to an allergic reaction to tumor-specific antigens or pressure on certain parts of the brain. Nerve Damage Damage to nerves in the peripheral system, spinal cord, or brain can lead to neuropathic itch. Psychological Conditions That Cause Itchiness When psychological factors trigger or aggravate itching, it's called psychogenic itch. Intense scratching can damage the skin and lead to skin problems. Skin problems and psychiatric problems often coexist. Depression Research suggests there's a link between depression and itch. People who score high on a depression scale also score higher for itch intensity than those who score lower on depression scales. Anxiety As with depression, anxiety can be a consequence of itch and an aggravating factor for itching and scratching. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Itching is common in people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Intrusive thoughts can lead to compulsive scratching and skin-picking behavior. Psychosis A rare type of psychosis involves the false belief of being infested with parasites or insects. This can lead to excessive scratching and skin picking, resulting in lesions and other skin problems. Trichotillomania Trichotillomania is a condition in which you have an overwhelming urge to pull out your own hair. In some cases, this urge may start with a tingle or itch just under the scalp or skin. Serious Illnesses That Cause Itchiness In some cases, itching is a symptom of a serious illness or advanced disease. Kidney Disease Dry skin and itching are symptoms of advanced kidney disease. A type of rash associated with end-stage kidney disease causes small, dome-shaped bumps that are extremely itchy. Vigorous scratching can lead to sores and bleeding skin. Liver Disease Itching is a common symptom of chronic liver disease. Scratching doesn't offer relief, which can impact mental health. Thyroid Problems Hives, itchy rash, and itchy skin without a rash are all symptoms of thyroid problems. In fact, you might be at higher risk of developing thyroid disease if you have an existing skin disease such as: Hives Vitiligo Alopecia areata Cancer Certain cancers, such as basal cell skin cancer, can cause itching. Basal cell cancers usually start on the skin that gets more sun exposure, such as the face, head, and neck. It can present as raised red patches that itch, flat pale areas, or small pink growths. A key sign of basal cell cancer is that these areas are easily injured and slow to heal. Itchy breast skin can be a sign of inflammatory breast cancer. Inflammatory breast cancer rarely involves a breast lump. In addition to itching, symptoms can include pitting of the skin, rash, and an inverted nipple. Diabetes Diabetes can cause itching for several reasons. If your circulation is poor, itching is likely to occur on the lower legs. Diabetes can also leave you vulnerable to other things that cause itching, such as: Dry skin Bacterial infection Fungal infection Iron Deficiency Dry, itchy skin can be a symptom of iron deficiency.I t can also cause brittle hair and nails. HIV About 90% of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have skin changes or symptoms at some point, including: General rash from skin sensitivitiesShinglesLesions caused by viral infectionsReactions to medications Other Causes of Itchiness That Aren’t Related to a Condition Dry skin can certainly feel itchy. Anyone can develop dry skin, but the occurrence increases with age. After age 65, skin tends to be thinner and have less moisture. Some other reasons for itchy skin are sunburn and sun blisters. Diagnosis A healthcare provider can sometimes make a diagnosis based on symptoms, a physical exam, and a medical history. That may be the case if you just started a new medication or have a distinctive rash. Otherwise, your provider will assess your health to determine the next steps. This may involve visiting a specialist such as a: Dermatologist Neurologist Endocrinologist Psychiatrist When to See a Healthcare Provider You don't have to visit a healthcare provider for a minor, temporary itch, but do see one if: You have other symptoms, such as unexplained rash or blisters, fever, or fatigueYou've just started taking a new medicationYou still itch after treatmentItching is affecting your quality of life Summary Most of the time, itching is a temporary inconvenience. Chronic itching, on the other hand, can affect your quality of life. There are many causes of itching, from a simple mosquito bite to advanced liver disease. If you have a chronic itch, it's worth seeing a healthcare provider to find out why. A Word From Verywell When it comes to health problems, you may think that itching isn't all that serious. That's often the case. But intense itching can interfere with just about every aspect of your life. That doesn't mean you have to endure it in silence. Many things that cause itching are treatable. Frequently Asked Questions What diseases cause very itchy skin? Diabetes, kidney disease, and liver disease are among the conditions that can cause itchy skin. Learn More: 10 Rare Skin Diseases What is the most common cause of itchiness? The cause is not always known, but it's likely that dry skin, rashes, and insect bites account for a large share. Learn More: Causes of Itchy Skin and Treatment Options When should I be worried about itchy skin? If you have unexplained, intense itching with or without other symptoms, it's worth contacting a healthcare provider. Learn More: A Guide to Which Rashes You Should Worry About 36 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Ringworm. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaginal candidiasis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Impetigo: All you need to know. University Hospitals. Common bacterial skin infections. Medline Plus. Eczema. Yale Medicine. Allergic contact dermatitis. Kanani A, Betschel SD, Warrington R. Urticaria and angioedema. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2018;14(S2):59. doi:10.1186/s13223-018-0288-z American Academy of Dermatology Association. Psoriasis: Signs and symptoms. BSACI. Skin allergy. MedlinePlus. Allopurinol. MedlinePlus. Amiodarone. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Drug rashes. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Eczema types: dyshidrotic eczema causes. Memorial Sloan Kettering Medical Center. Hydroxypropyl cellulose. Nguyen E, Lim G, Ross SE. Evaluation of therapies for peripheral and neuraxial opioid-induced pruritus based on molecular and cellular discoveries. Anesthesiology. 2021;135(2):350-365. doi:10.1097/ALN.0000000000003844 MedlinePlus. Simvastatin. MedlinePlus. Acetaminophen. MedlinePlus. Ibuprofen. MedlinePlus. Naproxen. American Academy of Dermatology Association. How to care for children with chickenpox. National MS Society. Pain & itching. The Stroke Association. Physical effects of a stroke. Ju T, Yosipovitch G. Neuropathic pruritus associated with brain disorders. Itch. 2020;5(3):e37-e37. doi:10.1097/itx.0000000000000037 Pereira MP, Wiegmann H, Agelopoulos K, Ständer S. Neuropathic itch: routes to clinical diagnosis. Front Med. 2021;8:641746. doi:10.3389/fmed.2021.641746 Misery L, Dutray S, Chastaing M, Schollhammer M, Consoli SG, Consoli SM. Psychogenic itch. Transl Psychiatry. 2018;8(1):52. doi:10.1038/s41398-018-0097-7 Yosipovitch G, Samuel LS. Neuropathic and psychogenic itch. Dermatol Ther. 2008;21(1):32-41. doi:10.1111/j.1529-8019.2008.00167.x Nemours Kids Health. Trichotillomania. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Kidney disease: 11 ways it can affect your skin. Bhalerao A, Mannu GS. Management of pruritus in chronic liver disease. Dermatology Research and Practice. 2015;2015:1-5. doi:10.1155/2015/295891 American Academy of Dermatology Association. Thyroid disease: A checklist of skin, hair, and nail changes. American Cancer Society. Basal and squamous cell skin cancer symptoms. American Cancer Society. Inflammatory breast cancer. American Diabetes Association. Diabetes and skin complications. Saini S, Jain A, Agarwal S, Yadav D. Iron deficiency and pruritus: A cross-sectional analysis to assess its association and relationship. Indian J Dermatol. 2021;66(6):705. doi:10.4103/ijd.ijd_326_21 UC San Diego Health. HIV-related skin and complexion conditions. American Academy of Dermatology Association. 10 Reasons your skin itches uncontrollably and how to get relief. By Ann Pietrangelo Ann Pietrangelo is a freelance writer, health reporter, and author of two books about her personal health experiences. 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