Itchy skin

Itchy skin can be unpleasant, but it's not usually a sign of anything serious. You can usually treat it yourself, and it should get better in a few weeks.

Itchy skin can show up on any part of your body. It may be generalised, which means it affects your whole body, or localised, which means it only affects one specific area.

Sometimes you may also have a rash or a spot along with the itchy skin.

A pharmacist can help if you have itchy skin. Tell them where your skin itches and whether you have any other symptoms.

The pharmacist will suggest the best products for your itchy skin. They may also be able to tell you if you need to see a doctor.

See a doctor if you have itchy skin that:

• is affecting your daily life
• doesn't get better with self care or keeps coming back
• is caused by a new rash, lump or swelling that you're worried about
• is all over your body
• is severe
• happens during pregnancy

Your doctor will start by asking about your symptoms. For example, they may want to know if anything makes the itch worse, or if it comes and goes. They'll also look at your skin for any visible signs.

Depending on what's causing the itch, they may prescribe lotions, creams and medicines to help reduce it.

They may also arrange a blood test to help find the cause of your itchy skin.

Your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist, which is a doctor who specialises in skin problems. The dermatologist will examine your symptoms further and may recommend specific treatments.

How itchy skin is treated depends on what's causing it. The aim is to ease the itching and lower the risk of skin damage from scratching.

If you have itchy skin, some common treatments are:

• a moisturiser or emollient, for dry or flaky skin
• a cream with menthol, to cool the skin and prevent itching
• a mild steroid cream, for inflamed areas
• antihistamines, for an allergic reaction (these may not be suitable for everyone)

If the itching is in a hairy area such as your scalp, lotions are available for this. That means you don't have to use sticky creams.

Itchy skin can have many different causes. These include:

• skin conditions, like eczema, psoriasis, hives, dandruff or lichen planus
• allergies, for example an allergy to cosmetics, plants or certain foods
• skin reactions, like hives or heat rash
• parasites or insects living on the skin, like head lice, pubic lice or scabies
• bites and stings
• infections, like chickenpox, ringworm, athlete's foot or vaginal thrush
• hormonal changes during pregnancy or the menopause

You should not try to self diagnose if you have itchy skin.

Itchy skin usually gets better within a short time. There are a few things you can do to ease the itching, and to stop scratching from damaging your skin.

• try patting or tapping the itchy area instead of scratching it
• hold a cold towel over the affected area to cool it down
• use unperfumed moisturising lotions and emollients after a bath or shower
• use a mild laundry powder or liquid made for sensitive skin
• keep your nails clean, short and smooth
• bathe or shower less often, if you can
• use cool or lukewarm water for showers and baths, not hot water
• wear loose cotton or silk clothing whenever you can
• wear cotton gloves at night so you don't damage your skin by scratching in your sleep
• wear cool, light and loose bedclothes

• do not wear tight clothes or clothes that irritate your skin, like wool and some man-made fabrics
• do not use perfumed soap, shower gel or deodorants
• do not spend a long time in the bath or shower