There are many causes of itching. Itching may either be:
- localised (in a particular area), or
- generalised (affecting the whole body).
Itching can be a symptom of any of the following:
- skin disease,
- an allergy or skin reaction,
- a parasite infestation or insect bite,
- an infection,
- a systemic disease (disease that affects the whole body), such as diabetes, or
- hormonal changes, during pregnancy or the menopause.
Skin conditions
Skin conditions or diseases that cause itching include:
- dry skin,
- eczema or dermatitis,
- hives (urticaria),
- lichen planus,
- psoriasis,
- prickly heat (an itchy rash that appears in hot, humid weather) and
- sunburn.
For more information on any of these conditions, go to the individual topic in the A-Z index.
Allergies and skin reactions
Itching can be caused by exposure to an external factor, such as:
- cosmetics,
- dyes or coatings on fabrics,
- contact with certain metals (such as nickel), and
- some foods or medicines. An allergy to these can cause itchy red welts (hives) on the surface of the skin.
Itching can also result from contact with the juices of certain plants or stinging plants.
Parasites and insects
Itching can be caused by the following pests:
- the scabies mite (which causes scabies),
- head lice, pubic lice or body lice and
- insects that bite or sting. Bites or stings may cause localised itching and skin irritation.
Infections
Itching may also be a symptom of an infection, which may be:
- chickenpox or other viral infection,
- a tinea (fungal) infection, which can cause itching between the toes (athlete's foot), in the groin (jock itch) or on the body (ringworm), or
- a yeast infection such as thrush, which can cause itching around the genitals.
Fungal and yeast infections tend to cause itching in a particular area.
Systemic disease
Itching can be a symptom of many conditions, including:
- diabetes,
- thyroid disease (overactive or underactive thyroid),
- conditions affecting your liver, such as primary biliary cirrhosis, liver cancer and hepatitis,
- kidney failure,
- leukaemia,
- Hodgkin's disease, and
- iron-deficiency anaemia.
Pregnancy and the menopause
Itching can be caused by a change in hormones in women:
- Itching is common during pregnancy and is usually relieved after giving birth. However, if you experience itching after the first trimester (three months) of pregnancy, or if it keeps getting worse, see your GP, it might be abnormal (see the Diagnosis section).
- Itching is also a common symptom of the menopause.
