What Causes Itching Under Skin

What Causes Itching Under Skin – Medically Reviewed by Clare Wightman MS, PAC, Dermatology, Medical Research — By Mary Ellen Ellis — Updated March 14, 2022

Itchy skin can be caused by conditions such as eczema or dermatitis. Less commonly, it can occur due to more serious conditions, such as kidney failure and liver disease.

What Causes Itching Under Skin

Itchy skin, also known as pruritus, is an annoying and uncontrollable sensation that makes you want to scratch to relieve the feeling. Possible causes of itching include internal diseases and skin conditions.

Itchy Skin Causes

It is important to contact a doctor for itching if the cause is not clear. They can find the underlying cause and provide treatment for relief.

The possible causes are many and varied. Itching can be caused by something serious, such as:

Many common skin conditions can cause itchy skin. The following can affect any skin area on the body:

Some internal diseases can be very serious and cause itching. The following diseases can cause generalized itching, but the skin usually looks typical:

Itchy Red Spots On Skin

Some pregnant women experience itching during pregnancy. The National Health Service (NHS) says it usually occurs in the stomach. Sometimes this is due to an existing condition, such as eczema, that is made worse by pregnancy.

A red rash with scaly skin and dead skin between the toes due to tinea pedis (athlete’s foot) Zay Nyi Nyi/Shutterstock

Tick ​​bites on the bottom of the legs cause red bumps and scbbing. Angela Hampton Picture Library / Alamy Stock Photo

Created by Samuel Freire da Silva, M.D. in honor of Teacher and Professor Delso Bringel Calheiros. Image obtained from Dermatology Atlas

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This condition may be considered a medical emergency in the event of a serious reaction. Immediate care may be needed.

It is important to contact your doctor for a diagnosis when the cause is not clear, because some causes of itching are serious, but treatable conditions.

Your doctor will give you a physical exam and ask you several questions about your symptoms, including:

You may need more tests if your doctor can’t determine the cause of your rash from your answers to the physical exam.

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When or if your doctor determines the cause of your itching, the cause of your itching can be treated. They may also recommend topical medications to reduce your itching. If the cause is an illness or infection, your doctor will recommend the best treatment for the underlying problem.

When the cause is more superficial, you may receive a prescription for a cream that will help relieve itching.

Treatment options for itchy skin can vary depending on the cause. Oral medications, topical medications, lifestyle changes, and other natural remedies may be helpful.

In addition to using oral or topical medications, some lifestyle changes can also help relieve itchy skin caused by:

Dry And Itchy Skin

Most rashes are treatable and do not indicate a serious problem. However, it is best to see your doctor to confirm the diagnosis and treatment.

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Our experts are constantly monitoring the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Puritus is a persistent, uncontrollable itch. The exact cause of pruritus can be difficult to pinpoint because it can affect anyone with any skin type. Some people are more susceptible to this disease, such as those with seasonal allergies (hay fever, asthma and eczema), pregnant women, diabetics, people with HIV/AIDS, and the elderly (x).

Itching is an uncomfortable sensation under the skin that causes the urge to scratch (x). At any given time, 8-9 percent of the population experiences an itchy skin attack that lasts 2-3 weeks. It is considered chronic, however, when it lasts longer than 6 weeks (x). Itching can be localized in a specific area of ​​the body or general (x).

Itchy Red Bumps On Skin

Many diseases are related to itchy skin, however, not all of them are skin diseases. These include psoriasis, internal diseases such as kidney failure or liver disease, neurological diseases such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis, psychiatric diseases such as obsessive compulsive disorder, allergic reactions and pregnancy (x). In some cases, pruritus cannot be completely cured but can be managed through things like medication, topical treatments and avoiding skin irritation.

Pruritus is mainly characterized by very dry and uncontrollable skin, which leads to severe itching. Dry skin, medically known as xerosis, can be a cause as well as a symptom of pruritus. When the skin becomes dry, it is an indication that it will become itchy (x).

If pruritus is not treated, very dry or itchy skin that is usually itchy can actually begin to tear, forming sores and open sores. Cracks and tears in the skin can occur all over the body (x).

Uncontrollable itching caused by pruritus can cause insomnia. If this happens, consult a doctor for further advice (x).

Common Skin Rashes

Although the symptoms of pruritus are very simple, the cause is not. Many factors can cause the urge to scratch, from external irritation to serious internal diseases. Sometimes finding the underlying cause of pruritus requires a thorough evaluation. Causes are divided into four categories (x):

Allergies are a common cause of pruritus and can be caused by reactions to certain pollens, foods and substances. They cause the release of histamine and other chemicals in the body that can cause severe itching (x).

Dry skin, or xerosis, can occur for a variety of reasons including normal aging, inflammatory skin diseases, use of harsh soaps or detergents, dry weather conditions and bathing too often. It can also be caused by conditions such as diabetes (x).

Bug bites are common and can cause redness and swelling around the bite area. Parasites such as pinworms, lice or scabies are also common causes of persistent itching (x).

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Psoriasis is not fully understood but is an immune-mediated condition in which skin cells grow rapidly. This causes sores and rashes that can itch (x).

Chickenpox and measles, two highly contagious viral infections commonly associated with childhood, can cause temporary pruritus. Measles produces a rash all over the body that usually starts on the face and spreads down to the legs. Chickenpox produces hundreds of itchy blisters that start on the chest and back and spread to other parts of the body. The itching associated with this viral infection lasts for several days to a week and subsides when the person recovers (x, x). Other viruses, such as HIV, shingles, and hepatitis C can also cause excessive itching (x, x).

About 20 percent of pregnant women experience pruritus. Although in most cases it is caused by dry skin, there may be other, more serious causes. One of these causes is intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) which causes changes in the flow of bile from the liver. This condition usually begins in the second or third trimester. Disruption of bile flow causes skin lesions and severe itching, especially at night. If left untreated, ICP can cause damage to the developing fetus (x).

Liver conditions including cirrhosis, cholestasis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and drug-induced liver damage often cause pruritus. This type of rash is usually worse at night. It can also be made worse by heat, hormonal changes, or contact with fur. Kidney failure can also be an underlying cause of pruritus (x).

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Other causes of pruritus include exposure to harsh chemicals, certain medications, some cancers, thyroid dysfunction and psychiatric illness (x).

Many different things can cause someone to itch so there is no one treatment that works for all situations. Identifying and addressing the underlying cause of pruritus can not only help relieve itching, but is also important for maintaining overall health and well-being. However, there are some palliative medications that can help alleviate some of the discomfort.

Studies show that skin products containing peppermint oil, when used topically, can help relieve liver, kidney, and pruritus associated with diabetes. Since liver dysfunction can cause pruritus during pregnancy, research suggests topical peppermint oil can help in these cases as well (x, x). However, it is important to note that experts do not currently agree on the safety of using peppermint oil during the first trimester of pregnancy as it can cause uterine contractions (x). Peppermint contains a high amount of menthol which cools the skin and reduces itching by reducing the amount of histamine (x).

Topical application products containing aloe vera are an old remedy to relieve dry skin, eczema and skin inflammation. Studies show it also helps in healing skin wounds and preventing skin ulcers. Aloe moisturizes the skin and provides antimicrobial protection. Some people are allergic to aloe vera, however, which can cause worsening pruritus (x).

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Skin moisturizers are an effective way to keep dry skin healthy. It helps maintain the skin’s ability to be an effective barrier against things that can cause itchiness such as allergens, irritants and pathogens. Research has not identified a specific type of moisturizer that is most effective. However, perfumes tend to provide more skin protection than lotions or gels. Products with additives such as corticosteroids, vitamin D3 or antihistamines

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