It's quite common to find that after you have scratched an itch that it becomes more persistent (itchier) and you get into a cycle of itching and scratching. You can also use a mild soap or a non-soap cleanser to prevent itchy skin. Make sure you have quick showers and don’t have the water too hot.ĭrinking lots of water to keep well hydrated and using a humidifier in dry weather can help. To prevent itchy skin, use moisturiser after a shower or bath, while your skin is still damp. Your pharmacist may be able to recommend some products which can help with itchy skin. Reducing stress and considering meditation, yoga, hypnosis or exercise can be helpful.Avoid fabrics which irritate your skin like wool or scratchy fabrics. Try to wear loose cotton clothing which can help prevent you overheating and making the itch worse.You can buy cooling moisturisers that contain menthol to soothe the itch. Use moisturiser all over the skin at least 2 times a day, and more often if the skin feels dry.Do not use any soaps, shower gels or foam bath products as they can dry the skin and make the itching worse.Do not rub or use the towel to scratch yourself. After a bath or shower gently pat yourself dry with a clean towel.A cool bath or shower may help provide short-term relief, but excessive showering or bathing may make it worse.Keep your nails short to prevent breaking the skin if you do scratch.The more you scratch, the more the skin will itch. If you have itchy skin, here are some things that may help: Your doctor may need to take a skin biopsy, blood, urine or stool (poo) samples, or order some radiology tests to diagnose the cause. The treatment of itchy skin depends on what is causing it. It is always a good idea to see a doctor if your baby develops a rash.įIND A HEALTH SERVICE - The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.ĪSK YOUR DOCTOR - Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist. you develop severe itching while you are pregnant.you or your child have trouble breathing.It is very important to let them know about the medications/supplements, drugs or herbal medicines you may have taken. See your doctor if you are very itchy and there is no rash. In older adults, itchy skin can sometimes be the sign of a serious medical problem such as kidney failure, liver disease, a blood disorder, over or underactive thyroid, HIV, advanced cancer, a condition that affects the nervous system, or a mental health disorder.ĬHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS - Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help. Itchy skin can sometimes be caused by certain medications, recreational drugs or herbal supplements. The whole of the body may be affected, including the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. It can cause generalised (all over) itching of the skin, usually without a rash. Obstetric cholestasis: This is an uncommon condition which usually occurs in the last four months of pregnancy. The patches are often on the scalp, knees, elbows, belly button and between the buttocks. Psoriasis: Psoriasis causes thick red, scaly patches on the skin. These usually appear between the fingers and toes, on the insides of the wrists, in the armpits, around the tummy and groin or on the buttocks. There will be red lumps and threadlike tracks on the skin. Scabies: Scabies is an extremely itchy skin rash caused by small mites. Eczema is common in children and often runs in families who have conditions like allergies, hay fever or asthma. The patches are usually on the cheeks, elbow creases and behind the knees. Heat rash, also called miliaria or prickly heat, is very common in babies.Įczema: Eczema causes itchy, red, scaly patches on the skin. Heat rash: Heat rash looks like little pink or red spots or blisters. The rash will last from a few hours to 24 hours and then disappear with no scarring. The rash is often on the chest, abdomen or back, but it can appear anywhere. Hives: Hives or urticaria is a raised, bumpy red or skin coloured rash that is very itchy. The area may be inflamed, painful and swollen. Insect bite: There will usually be a bump or blister around the bite. Sometimes the skin can crack, which can be painful. Dry skin looks flaky and rough but it is not usually very itchy or red. What causes itchy skin?ĭry skin: Skin can become dry and itchy in hot or cold, dry weather, or from using soap. But sometimes it can be caused by a serious medical condition. Itching may occur on a small part of the body, for example around the area of an insect bite, or it can affect the whole body such as an allergic reaction. It can occur anywhere on the body and can be very frustrating and uncomfortable. Itchy skin, also known as pruritis, is a common irritation of the skin that makes you want to scratch the itchy area.
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