Skin
Itching
Itching, known medically as pruritus, is most often caused by dry or irritated skin conditions, but persistent or widespread itching can occasionally point to an internal cause.
Education and reference only. This explains the common causes of itching and the warning signs that need urgent help, in plain language — it is not a diagnosis or a substitute for advice from a clinician. If you feel very unwell or are worried, seek medical help.
Quick answer
What is itching?
Itching is the urge to scratch, and it is one of the most common skin complaints. Much of the time it is caused by conditions affecting the skin itself, such as dryness, eczema, hives or an allergic reaction, and it improves once the trigger is removed or the skin condition is treated.
- Get urgent help: Sudden itching with swelling of the lips, face, tongue or throat, or with difficulty breathing, can be a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) — call 999. Itching with a rash that does not fade when pressed and feeling unwell needs urgent assessment.
- Self-care: To ease itchy skin, try to avoid scratching, as this damages the skin and worsens the itch — keeping nails short and patting or pressing the skin can help.
About itching
Itching is the urge to scratch, and it is one of the most common skin complaints. Much of the time it is caused by conditions affecting the skin itself, such as dryness, eczema, hives or an allergic reaction, and it improves once the trigger is removed or the skin condition is treated. Itching may be confined to one area or spread across the whole body. While scratching brings temporary relief, it can damage the skin and make the itch worse, creating a cycle that is hard to break. Most itching is not a sign of anything serious. However, widespread itching that has no obvious skin cause, especially when it comes with other symptoms such as yellowing of the skin, weight loss or night sweats, can occasionally reflect a problem elsewhere in the body and should be assessed. Sudden itching with swelling and breathing difficulty is a medical emergency.
When to get help
Call 999 or go to A&E if itching comes with any of these warning signs:
- Sudden itching with swelling of the lips, face, tongue or throat, or with difficulty breathing, can be a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) — call 999.
- Itching with a rash that does not fade when pressed and feeling unwell needs urgent assessment.
- A rapidly spreading, hot, painful red area of skin with fever can mean a skin infection and needs prompt care.
- Widespread itching with yellowing of the skin or eyes can suggest a liver problem and should be assessed.
- Persistent itching all over with significant weight loss or night sweats can rarely signal a more serious underlying condition — see a doctor.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor or pharmacist if your itching is persistent, severe enough to disturb your sleep, or not improving with simple measures and moisturisers. Seek advice if the itching is widespread and you cannot find an obvious skin cause, particularly if it comes with other symptoms such as tiredness, weight loss, or changes in your skin or eye colour. Itching that keeps returning, spreads to others in your household, or follows starting a new medicine is also worth discussing. A doctor can examine the skin, consider whether tests are needed, and recommend treatment for the underlying cause.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
What can cause it
Common causes of itching
Itching has many possible causes. Each links to a full, plain-language guide to that condition — what it is, how it's treated and when to seek help.
What helps
Self-care and what you can do
To ease itchy skin, try to avoid scratching, as this damages the skin and worsens the itch — keeping nails short and patting or pressing the skin can help. Regular use of a fragrance-free moisturiser keeps the skin hydrated, especially after bathing in lukewarm rather than hot water. Wearing loose, soft cotton clothing and avoiding harsh soaps, perfumed products and known irritants can reduce flare-ups. Keeping cool, as heat often makes itching worse, may also help. If you suspect a particular product, washing powder or material is to blame, stopping it can settle the symptoms. If itching is persistent, widespread, or accompanied by other symptoms, self-care alone is not enough and you should seek advice.
Answers
Itching: frequently asked questions
Why is my skin so itchy with no rash?
Itching without a visible rash is often due to dry skin, which responds well to regular moisturising. Occasionally, widespread itch without a rash can reflect an internal cause, so if it persists or comes with other symptoms, see a doctor.
How can I stop the urge to scratch?
Keeping the skin well moisturised, staying cool, wearing soft loose clothing and keeping your nails short all help. Patting or pressing the skin instead of scratching can break the itch-scratch cycle, which otherwise makes things worse.
When should I worry about itching?
Seek urgent help if itching comes with swelling of the face or throat or breathing difficulty. See a doctor if itching is widespread without a clear skin cause, or comes with yellow skin, weight loss or night sweats.
Can itching be caused by an allergy?
Yes. Contact with an irritant or allergen, certain foods, and some medicines can all cause itching, often with hives or a rash. If you can identify and avoid the trigger, the itch usually settles. Seek emergency help for any swelling or breathing problems.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE CKS: Itch — widespread.
- British Skin Foundation
Related symptoms
Tell us what you need. We'll route it to the right expert.
Request a proposal, book a scoping call, or speak to our team directly.