Itching

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Allergic reactions

Head lice

Skin layers

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

Pruritus

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

There are many causes of itching, including:

• Aging skin
• Atopic dermatitis
• Contact dermatitis (poison ivy or poison oak)
• Contact irritants (such as soaps, chemicals, or wool)
• Dry skin
• Hives
• Insect bites and stings
• Parasites such as pinworm, body lice, head lice, and pubic lice
• Pityriasis rosea
• Psoriasis
• Rashes (may or may not itch)
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Sunburn
• Superficial skin infections such as folliculitis and impetigo

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Generalized itching may be caused by:

• Allergic reactions
• Childhood infections (such as chickenpox or measles)
• Hepatitis
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease with jaundice
• Pregnancy
• Reactions to medications and substances such as antibiotics (penicillin, sulfonamides), gold, griseofulvin, isoniazid, opiates, phenothiazines, or vitamin A

Review Date: 08/22/2008
Reviewed By: Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.