Medical Health Encyclopedia

Itching

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W Y

Head lice Allergic reactions Skin layers

Overview Treatment

Itching

Definition:

Itching is a peculiar tingling or uneasy irritation of the skin that causes a desire to scratch the affected area.

Alternative Names:
Pruritus

Text Continues Below

---

Considerations:

Itching may be over the whole body (generalized), or only in a particular location (localized). There are many causes of itching, ranging from the simple to the complex.

Insect bites and stings may cause localized itching and skin irritation.

Either localized or generalized itching may be caused by:

• Chemical irritation, such as from poison ivy or stinging nettle
• Environmental causes such as sunburn
• Hives
• Parasites (body lice, head lice, pubic lice)

Generalized itching may be caused by:

• Infectious diseases (chicken pox)
• Allergic reactions
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease with jaundice
• Reactions to medications

Common Causes:

• Insect bites
• Dry skin
• Contact dermatitis (poison ivy or poison oak)
• Contact irritants (such as soaps, chemicals, or wool)
• Atopic dermatitis
• Rashes (may or may not itch)
• Childhood infections (such as chicken pox or measles)
• Aging skin
• Allergy caused by food or drugs (antibiotics)
• Superficial skin infections such as folliculitis and impetigo
• Pregnancy
• Hepatitis
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Parasites such as pinworm
• Pityriasis rosea
• Psoriasis
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Urticaria
• Drugs such as antibiotics (penicillin, sulfonamides), gold, griseofulvin, isoniazid, opiates, phenothiazines, or vitamin A

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.