Why Is My Skin So Itchy?

Itchy skin, known as “pruritus,” is a common complaint. Chronic itch refers to itchy skin that lasts for 6 weeks or longer. It affects up to 1% of the world’s population, and it’s more likely to happen in people over 65 years of age. Up to 78% of older adults have experienced chronic itch. 

Although it can be uncomfortable, itchy skin usually isn’t a sign of something severe. So you can often treat it at home. But in some scenarios, itchy skin may be a sign of a more serious medical condition. We’ll cover common causes of itchy skin as well as how to treat it at home and recognize the signs that itchy skin might be more severe. 

What are the most common causes of itchiness?

There are several skin conditions and other non-skin health conditions that can cause itchy skin. Other causes can include environmental exposures, certain food allergies, and specific products. We’ll cover common causes in more detail.

Skin conditions

Dry skin is the most common cause of itchy skin. There are several causes and risk factors for dry skin:

• Cold, dry air

• Sunburn

• Indoor heat

• Repeated and frequent exposure to water, like handwashing or a job that involves working in water

• Certain medications

• Age over 65

• Darker skin tones

• Cigarette use

Besides dry skin, other skin conditions that cause itchiness include:

• Sensitive skin

• Skin cancer

• Contact dermatitis

• Eczema, also known as “atopic dermatitis”

• Poison ivy, sumac, and oak

• Hives

• Psoriasis

• Fungal infections, like seborrheic dermatitis or ringworm

• Insect bite reactions, like mosquito bites or lice

• Viral rashes, like shingles, or chickenpox

• Allergic reactions, like dermatographia

Other health conditions

Although it’s less common, there are some medical conditions that can cause itchy skin. People with the following health conditions are more likely to experience itchy skin: 

• Kidney disease

• Liver disease

• Diabetes 

• Pregnancy

• Thyroid disease

• HIV and AIDS

• Cancer

• Other blood disorders

• Nerve conditions, like multiple sclerosis or a stroke

Medications

Medications can cause itchiness, especially in older people. Here are just a few examples:

• Heparin

• Some antibiotics, including sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (Bactrim), macrolides, and penicillins

• Statins (cholesterol-lowering medications)

• Some blood pressure medications, including calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, and beta blockers 

• Opioid pain medications

• Cancer treatments, such as radiation and chemotherapy 

Allergies

Allergies from your environment can also cause itchy skin. These may include:

• Pet dander

• Pollen

• Air pollution

• Dust

• Mold

Certain food allergies may also cause itchy skin. These are the most common food allergens:

• Gluten

• Dairy

• Eggs

• Seafood

• Shellfish

• Nuts

Diet is linked to itchy skin more in childhood than in adulthood. Usually food-related itchy skin comes with eczema, a dry rash. This rash can sometimes be red, white, or gray — depending on your skin tone. If you know you have a certain food allergy, you should avoid that trigger. But if you aren’t sure what foods may be causing itchy skin and rash, you can talk to your healthcare provider about possible food allergy testing. 

Household irritants

Several products can cause itchiness, either through skin irritation or an allergic reaction. These include:

• Nickel

• Perfumes

• Soaps and detergents

• Cleaning products

• Latex 

How can I treat my itchy skin?

Itchy skin is uncomfortable and can impact your quality of life. It also can affect nighttime sleep. People with itchy or dry skin tend to scratch more. When you scratch more, you’re likely to break the surface of your skin. This can lead to other skin reactions or infection. That’s why it’s important to try to treat itchy skin before infection or other problems occur. 

Gentle washing

When possible, try to avoid harsh scrubbing and soaps. If you must use soap, try to choose a fragrance-free, mild bodywash. Your healthcare provider may recommend washing your body and face with gentle, hypoallergenic cleansers. You can help avoid skin irritation by shortening warm showers and patting your skin gently when drying off. 

Moisturizing creams and ointments

Your healthcare provider might recommend products with certain ingredients, such as: 

• Emollients

• Hyaluronic acid

• Glycerin

• Ceramides

These products work well to treat dry skin by softening dry skin and locking in moisture. You should massage moisturizers into your skin several times per day, or as often as your healthcare provider recommends. It’s best to use moisturizing creams and ointments right after you shower or take a bath — and after washing your hands. This makes sure the cream or ointment stays on the skin and prevents water from washing it off.

Avoid fragrances and irritants 

There are certain ingredients that may cause more irritation and itching. If you have sensitive skin, it’s best to avoid products that include:

• Preservatives (like methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone)

• Metals (such as nickel)

• Hair dyes (like paraphenylendiamine)

What medications help itchiness?

Oral antihistamines can help relieve itchiness. Many antihistamines are available over the counter (OTC). Depending on the cause of your itchiness, your healthcare provider might recommend OTC anti-itch creams or steroid creams like hydrocortisone. If these aren’t enough, your provider may suggest prescription medications. These include creams, ointments, or oral medications such as prednisone. 

What else can I do?

When you’re feeling itchy, it can seem impossible to not scratch. But avoiding scratching is one of the best things you can do for your skin. That’s because scratching can lead to skin breakage and infection.

In general, it’s always important to use sunscreen and wear protective gear to prevent sun damage. This can also help to avoid itchy skin from a sunburn.

You might also consider using a humidifier in your home, especially at night in the winter when the heat often kicks up. This will help keep your skin hydrated, even in dry air. If your job involves water or you’re often in cold weather, try to wear gloves when possible.

You can also try applying cold compresses to the areas of your skin that are itchy. Looser fitting, cotton clothing can help your skin breathe and make you feel more comfortable. 

How do I know if my itchiness is a sign of something serious?

Contact your healthcare provider if you have itchiness that won’t go away despite home remedies. Some redness or scaliness may be normal, but connect with your healthcare provider sooner if you have signs of infection in your skin.These signs might include:

• Skin color changes

• Oozing

• Blistering 

• Rash

• Swelling 

• Pain

Contact your healthcare provider if you have itchiness along with the following symptoms, which can be a sign of a more serious condition: 

• Fever

• Abdominal pain

• Nausea or vomiting

• Cough, wheezing, or shortness of breath

• Any swelling in the face, throat, or tongue

• Yellowing of the skin, eyes, palms, or soles of the feet

If you’re pregnant and experiencing itchy skin that you didn’t have before your pregnancy, talk to your provider. Itchy skin while pregnant could be a sign of something more serious like infection or liver disease.

If your skin is suddenly itchy after starting a new medication or treatment, it may be a side effect from the medication. Talk to your provider about whether you should continue the medication or try something else. 

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Melody B. Jones, NP

Melody Jones, NP, has over a decade of experience as a nurse practitioner. She works in a multi-specialty practice in Atlanta, Georgia, and is a part of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

Edited by:

Sophie Vergnaud, MD

Sophie Vergnaud, MD, is the Senior Medical Director for GoodRx Health. An experienced and dedicated pulmonologist and hospitalist, she spent a decade practicing and teaching clinical medicine at academic hospitals throughout London before transitioning to a career in health education and health technology.

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