Itching

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Allergic reactions

Head lice

Skin layers

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You may be asked the following questions:

• How long have you had this itch?
• Does it itch all the time?
• Does it seem to get worse, and has it spread?
• What do you think caused this itch?
• Have you ever had this kind of itch before? What caused it then?
• Did you recently come in contact with any irritating substance?
• Do you have any allergies or sensitivities?
• What medications are you taking?
• Have you started using any new product recently? What was it?
• Have you used any new soaps, fabric softeners, perfumes, deodorants, fabrics such as wool, or chemicals?
• Have you been around animals?
• Have you eaten shellfish or nuts recently?
• Have you had insect bites recently?
• Do you use lotions on your skin?
• Have you been in the sun recently?
• What part of your body itches?
• Is it all over your body (generalized itch)?
• Is the itch limited to a specific area? What area?
• What does the skin that itches look like?
• Is there a rash? If so, are there blisters or scales?
• Are you being treated for other medical conditions?
• What other symptoms do you have?

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If there is no infection or skin lesion, tests to find the cause may include:

• Blood tests
• Skin biopsies
• X-rays

Your health care provider may prescribe medications such as topical corticosteroids, antihistamines, or tranquilizers.

Review Date: 07/23/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).