Itch

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What is itch?

Itch (pruritus) is a symptom that can be caused by a large number of conditions. For example, skin disorders such as eczema and illnesses such as jaundice can cause a generalised itch. Itch of the anus (pruritus ani) and itch of the vulva (pruritus vulvae) are common and have various causes. See separate leaflets called Pruritus Ani and Pruritus Vulvae for details. However, in many cases no cause is found for an itch. This article deals only with itch that is not due to any underlying skin or medical condition. This is called itch of unknown cause.

If no cause for an itch is obvious, then your doctor may advise that you have some tests to see if there is an underlying cause for the itch. However, in may cases, the tests are normal and the cause remains a mystery.

One possible factor is that some people with itch of unknown cause, their skin may be dryer than average which may contribute to the itch. Itch of unknown cause is most common in older people whose skin tends to be dryer than younger people. Itch tends to be worse at night and may be made worse by bathing. Any part of the skin may be affected.

• Keep the nails short to limit any damage done to the skin by scratching. As much as possible try not to scratch. It is thought that scratching can make itch worse and an 'itch-scratch' vicious cycle may develop with regular scratching. (That is, you itch more because you scratch, so you scratch more because you itch more....and so on.)
• Keep cool as much as possible.
• Avoid irritants such as soaps, bubble bath, detergents and any other things that seem to irritate. For example, woollen clothes. Cotton clothes are usually preferable.
• Dry skin may be making the itch worse. Moisturisers (Emollients) are useful to keep the skin supple and moist. They can be applied once a day or several times a day if your skin becomes very dry. Water and soap dry out the skin as they wash away the natural skin oils. Therefore, the most important time to use moisturisers is after a bath or shower. Moisturisers work by providing a replacement for these body oils and keeping the skin moist. Numerous moisturisers are available as creams, ointments and bath/shower additives. It may be worth trying out a few to see which is the most suitable.
• Antihistamine medication is sometimes tried. Antihistamines are useful for some skin conditions that cause itch such as urticaria. A trial of medication may be worth a try. However, they do not help with all types of itch. For itch of 'unknown cause' they may have little effect. Some antihistamines also tend to make you drowsy. However, these type of antihistamines may be worth trying at bedtime if itch is troublesome at night. Your doctor or pharmacist can advise.

The amount of discomfort from itch can vary from person to person and from time to time in the same person. A referral to a skin specialist may be advised if the problem persists or is severe.

© EMIS and PIP 2005   Updated: September 2005   PRODIGY Validated

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.

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