Signs & Symptoms of Itchy Skin (Pruritus)

Itchy skin is commonly accompanied by the following symptoms: 

• Dry skin 
• Cracked skin 
• Redness 
• Blisters, bumps, or spots on the skin 
• Scaly or leathery patches 

Itchy skin can also commonly result in an itch-scratch cycle where the more you feel itchy, the more you scratch, which will only make your skin itchier. 

When To See A Doctor For Itchy Skin (Pruritus)?

If your itching is severe & persists, you should contact a skin specialist (dermatologist). You should also see a doctor if itchy skin affects your entire body, occurs suddenly & subsides frequently, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as a fever, sudden weight loss, & chills. 

Causes of Itchy Skin (Pruritus)

There are several reasons for itchy skin and these will determine how long your itchy skin will last & what kind of treatment you will require. 

• Itchy Skin due to Skin Conditions: You can develop pruritus as a result of several skin conditions including dry skin, eczema (dermatitis), skin burns, scars, or insect bites. In these cases, the itchy skin will abate after the underlying skin condition is treated. 

• Itchy Skin due to Medical Diseases: If you experience itchy skin on your entire body, it may be caused by a medical illness that must be treated right away. Liver disease & itchy skin occur together in many cases. Patients with liver disease often have higher levels of bile salt, which accumulate under the skin & cause pruritus. Other diseases that cause itchy skin include anemia, diabetes, kidney disease, lymphoma, thyroid, etc. 

• Itchy Skin due to nerve disorders: Several nerve disorders often cause itchy skin. These include pinched nerves, multiple sclerosis, & herpes zoster (shingles). 

• Itchy skin due to Allergic Reactions: In many causes of pruritus, an allergic reaction is the culprit. Substances such as chemicals, soaps, & wool can often cause skin irritation, itchy skin rashes, & severe itching. Several cosmetic products may also trigger allergic reactions in some people, resulting in pruritus. Allergic reactions can also be caused by the use of certain drugs such as opioids used in narcotic pain medications. 

• Itchy Skin due to Parasites: One can experience itching if they have skin parasites such as head & body lice, scabies, & pinworms. 

• Itchy Skin due to Pregnancy: A chemical & hormonal imbalance in the body can cause itchy skin in pregnant women. They may also experience itchiness on their abdomen as the skin stretches, triggering dryness & irritation. Itching during pregnancy is mostly harmless and is very common.