Why do i itch

Elsevier; Accessed Nov. Yosipovitch G, et al. Chronic pruritis. The New England Journal of Medicine. Gibson LE expert opinion.

Mayo Clinic. Fazio SB, et al. Pruritis: Etiology and patient evaluation. Eczema, atopic dermatitis, and noninfectious immunodeficiency disorders. Taylor, SC. Cosmetic applications. In: Treatments for Skin of Color. Kermott CA, et al. Poison ivy rash. Time; Related Associated Procedures Chest X-rays.

Skin cancer. For many people, the only sign of skin cancer is a new or changing spot on their skin. Sometimes, that spot also itches and can be the only reason a person notices the spot. How to get relief: See a board-certified dermatologist to find out if you have skin cancer.

If you have skin cancer, treating it can get rid of the itch. Warning sign of a disease inside your body. It can also be a sign of advanced kidney disease and often develops in people who are close to needing dialysis or currently receiving dialysis.

In these people, the itch can be widespread and especially intense on the back, arms, and legs. Itch is also common in people who have liver disease, such as hepatitis C, cirrhosis, or an obstructed bile duct.

When itch is a sign of liver disease, the itch often starts on the palms and soles and spreads to other parts of the body. How to get relief: Getting an accurate diagnosis and treatment may relieve the itch. A dermatologist often plays a key role in diagnosing these diseases because itch can be the only symptom. Allergic skin reaction. Our skin can develop an allergic reaction to many substances. One of the most common substances that can cause an allergic skin reaction is nickel, which is found in many products that we touch every day.

Products that contain nickel include cell phones, jewelry, eyeglass frames, zippers, and belt buckles. Other substances that can cause an allergic skin reaction include nail polish, fragrances, shampoos, latex, and cement. This can be challenging and often requires the help of a dermatologist or an allergist. Find out how board-certified dermatologists diagnose and treat these allergies at, Contact dermatitis: Diagnosis, treatment, and outcome. Reaction to a plant or marine life. Marine life - You can also get an itchy rash after being in water, such as an ocean, lake, or pond.

Sometimes, intensely itch welts hives and blisters also appear. Because it can take time for the itchy rash to appear, some people are unaware of the cause. If you go in the water often, pay attention. How to get relief: If you stay away from the plant or marine life that causes your skin to itch, the rash tends to go away on its own within a few days to a couple of weeks.

While dry skin is most apparent in the winter, aging also has an effect. As we get older, hormone levels change and skin becomes more thin and dry. However, caring for your skin and using moisturizers regularly can help offset these effects. Dry skin is the most common culprit for itch. Conditions that may cause itching are varied and include liver disease , kidney failure, iron deficiency anemia , thyroid problems , and even certain cancers in rare cases leukemia, lymphoma.

In these cases, itching will typically affect your whole body while your skin appears normal. If you think an underlying medical problem could be involved with your itching, call your doctor. Treatment of the underlying illness will improve the itching. Khetarpal says. When skin is very dry, it may require a prescription ointment or cream, she says.