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’s common, and it’s more likely to happen with increasing 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 nonskin health conditions that can cause itchy skin. Other causes can include environmental exposures, certain food allergies, and specific products. We’ll cover common causes of pruritus in more detail.

Dry skin

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, like acne treatments and antidepressants 

• Age over 60 years

• Darker skin tones

• Smoking

Skin conditions

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

• Sensitive skin

• Skin cancer

• Allergic reactions, like contact dermatitis or dermatographia

• Eczema (atopic dermatitis)

• Poison ivy, sumac, and oak

• Hives

• Psoriasis

• Fungal infections, like jock itch or ringworm

• Insect bite reactions, like mosquito bites or lice

• Viral rashes, like shingles or chickenpox

Other health conditions

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

• Kidney disease

• Liver disease

• Diabetes

• Pregnancy

• Thyroid disease

• HIV

• Cancer

• Blood disorders, like hemochromatosis

• Autoimmune conditions, like Sjögren’s disease or multiple sclerosis

• Formication, or a skin crawling feeling

Medications

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

• 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 

• Heparin

• Opioid pain medications

• Cancer treatments, such as immunotherapy and radiation

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• Causes of dry skin: Learn how aging, medical conditions, and even personal hygiene habits can damage the skin barrier and cause dry skin.

• What is the skin barrier? It’s the outermost layer of your skin that holds in water and oils, and keeps out irritants and toxins. And there are ways to strengthen it.

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:

• Cow’s milk

• Eggs

• Peanuts

• Sesame

• Shellfish and fish

• Soy

• Tree nuts

• Wheat

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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 

What are the best treatments for itchy skin?

The best treatment depends on the cause. For example, there are specific treatments for psoriasis skin rashes. If your itching is due to an allergy, it’s best to identify it so you can avoid it as much as possible. Your healthcare team can help you figure out the cause of your itching if you’re struggling to make sense of it.

That said, there are some general tips for dealing with itchy skin.

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 primary care provider or dermatologist may recommend washing with gentle, hypoallergenic cleansers or taking oatmeal baths. You can help avoid skin irritation by shortening showers, using warm instead of hot water, and patting your skin gently when drying off.

Moisturizing creams and ointments

A healthcare professional 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 team 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)

Medications

Oral antihistamines can help relieve itchiness. Many antihistamines are available over the counter (OTC), such as fexofenadine (Allegra) and cetirizine (Zyrtec). But it’s important to note that some people experience intense itching after stopping Zyrtec. This is more likely after taking it for a long time. If this happens, ask a healthcare professional for guidance.

Other options include OTC anti-itch creams or steroid creams like hydrocortisone. If OTC medications aren’t enough, prescription medication might be helpful. These include creams, ointments, or oral medications such as prednisone.

Other at-home treatments for itchiness

Here are some other tips to consider for itchy skin:

• Don’t scratch, even though it may seem impossible. 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.

• You might also consider using a humidifier in your home, especially 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.

• In warmer months, use sunscreen and wear protective gear to prevent sun damage. This can also help to avoid itchy skin from a sunburn.

• Applying cold compresses can help soothe itchy areas of your skin. 

• 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 team if you have itchiness that won’t go away despite home remedies. Some redness or scaliness may be normal, but get help sooner if you have signs of infection in your skin. These signs might include:

• Skin color changes

• Warmth 

• Oozing

• Blistering 

• Rash

• Swelling 

• Pain

When to see a healthcare professional

Get medical attention if you have signs of infection or any of the following symptoms. These can indicate a more serious condition: 

• Fever

• Abdominal pain

• Nausea or vomiting

• Dizziness

• 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

You should also speak with a healthcare professional in these situations:

• If you’re pregnant and have itchy skin that you didn’t have before your pregnancy: 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: This may be a side effect from the medication. Talk with your healthcare team about whether you should continue the medication or try something else.

• If you think you have an allergy but can’t quite pin it down: It can be helpful for experts to help you figure out what’s going on and whether you need treatment.

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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:

Alex Eastman, PhD, RN

Alex Eastman, PhD, RN, is a California-based registered nurse and staff medical editor at GoodRx, where he focuses on clinical updates and Latino health.

Reviewed by:

Mandy Armitage, MD

Mandy Armitage, MD, has combined clinical medicine with her passion for education and content development for many years. She served as medical director for the health technology companies HealthLoop (now Get Well) and Doximity.

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