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Itching

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Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Head lice
Head lice
Allergic reactions
Allergic reactions
Skin layers
Skin layers

Alternative Names    Return to top

Pruritus

Definition    Return to top

Itching is a tingling or uneasy irritation of the skin that makes you want to scratch the affected area.

Considerations    Return to top

Itching may occur all over the whole body (generalized) or only in a specific location (localized).

Causes    Return to top

There are many causes of itching. The following may cause localized or generalized itching:

Generalized itching may be caused by:

Home Care    Return to top

For persistent or severe itching, see your health care provider for a precise diagnosis and specific treatment instructions.

In the meantime, you can take some steps to help deal with the itch:

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your provider if itching is associated with other unexplained symptoms, is severe, prolonged, or cannot be easily explained.

Most itching does not require medical evaluation. Try to rule out the obvious causes of itching.

It is sometimes easy for a parent to discern the cause of a child's itching. Usually a simple visual examination will help you identify any bites, stings, rashes, dry skin, or irritation. Often the cause of itching is fairly obvious, such as a mosquito bite.

Recurrent itching without obvious cause, total body itching, and recurrent hives are all indications that the itching should be evaluated as soon as possible. Such itching may be a symptom of an underlying disease or possibly serious condition.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit    Return to top

Your health care provider will obtain your medical history and perform a physical examination.

Medical history questions documenting itching may include the following:

If there is no localized infection or skin lesion, diagnostic studies such as blood tests, skin biopsies, or x-rays will focus on finding a systemic (whole body) cause.

Prescribed medications may include topical corticosteroids, antihistamines, or tranquilizers.

Update Date: 7/21/2006

Updated by: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, M.D., M.P.H., Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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