Of all the pesky and uncomfortable things that can happen to your body, itching definitely ranks pretty high on the list. And when you have itchy skin all over? Talk about annoying (and inconvenient). Itchiness might first make you think you have a skin condition, such as eczema or psoriasis. But here are some of the possible reasons you’re feeling itchy all over your body — plus, what you can do to fix it.
1. Dry Skin
One of the most common causes of itchy skin, especially during the cold and dry winter months, is dry skin. If your skin is dry, you may notice it’s especially rough to the touch and may even be flaky or scaly. The lack of moisture in the skin can lead to itching, according to Marisa Garshick, MD, a dermatologist at Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery in New York.
How to Fix It
While you can’t change the weather, you can change certain lifestyle habits that may be contributing to dry skin. For example, try taking warm (not hot) showers that last no longer than 10 minutes. Dr. Garshick also says that applying moisturizer to the skin immediately after a shower can help lock in moisture.
Keep this in mind, though: “In some cases, dry skin can be associated with atopic dermatitis, so it’s important to make an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist if you’re not finding relief through at-home care alone,” Garshick advises.
2. Allergic Reaction
Commonly, an allergic reaction presents as a skin rash and an uncontrollable itch, says Aanand Geria, MD, a dermatologist in Verona, New Jersey. Sometimes, though, allergic reactions can cause itchiness without a rash. “Substances such as nickel, fragrances, or latex can be common causes of such reactions and appear in many products we use daily,” he explains.
How to Fix It
To relieve the type of itch associated with an allergic skin reaction, Dr. Geria recommends making an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist who can help you determine the root cause of the skin reaction and prevent it from recurring.
In the meantime, take note of any new products you’ve started using that might affect your skin, such as laundry detergent, body wash, or lotion. Stop using the new product to see if the itchiness goes away — if it does, you may be allergic to one or more of its ingredients.
3. Eczema
Eczema is an inflammatory condition that causes itchy skin that can sometimes be dry and scaly and cause rashes or blisters, according to the National Eczema Association. It can first appear in childhood or start in adulthood, usually when someone is in their 20s or over age 50.
Mild eczema typically causes small areas of dry, itchy skin, but in more severe cases, eczema can spread all over the body and cause constant itchiness, according to the National Health Service. If you have lighter skin, the itchy or scaly skin often looks red. But if you have darker skin, the affected skin can appear as dark brown, purple, or gray.
How to Fix It
There is no cure for eczema, but symptoms can usually be managed with at-home remedies such as bathing and moisturizing regularly, managing stress, and avoiding your flare-up triggers. It’s also worth noting that eczema usually occurs in a cycle, with periods when symptoms are better followed by flare-ups, when they get worse. Over-the-counter eczema creams can help, as can anti-itch lotions. But if these products don’t control the itch, you should see a dermatologist to discuss prescription options.
4. Skin Infection
Some skin infections can cause itching all over the body. Nemours Kids Health says chickenpox can cause red spots that cause itching all over the body. Cleveland Clinic adds that fungal infections on the skin, like ringworm, can cause rashes and itchiness. Mayo Clinic also lists scabies as a possible cause of itchy skin and rashes, which can occur due to mites.
How to Fix It
In the cases of skin infections, the itching will go away once you clear the infection. Each infection may require its own specific treatment. So if you suspect you have a skin infection, see your healthcare provider. They can diagnose your exact condition and prescribe the proper treatment.
5. Anemia
Anemia is usually associated with symptoms like weakness and fatigue. But you can also get itchy skin all over with or without a rash. While healthcare providers don’t know exactly why people with iron-deficiency anemia can develop a rash, one theory is that low iron levels cause thin skin and water loss, leading to itching, Cleveland Clinic notes.
If you do get a visible rash, it can look like tiny red or purple dots under your skin called petechiae. While they can get bumpy and form patches if you scratch, they usually aren’t painful and are treatable.
How to Fix It
To treat itchy skin from anemia, your healthcare provider may prescribe topical corticosteroids or antihistamines. To completely get rid of an anemia rash, though, you need to treat the anemia. According to Mayo Clinic, iron supplements and dietary changes are the most common treatment options for anemia.
6. Overactive Thyroid
One of the lesser-known (but common) symptoms of hyperthyroidism — or overactive thyroid — is itching. With hyperthyroidism, your thyroid gland makes too much of the thyroid hormone, Garshick says. “Hyperthyroidism can cause dry skin, which can lead to itching as well as an associated rash or changes in the skin.”
How to Fix It
If you have itchy skin that may be caused by an overactive thyroid, moisturizing creams and anti-itch lotions are your best bet, Garshick says. She also recommends talking with your healthcare provider or, ideally, an endocrinologist who specializes in treating thyroid disorders to make sure you’re taking the right medications to keep your thyroid in check.
7. Kidney Disease
Kidney disease means your kidneys are damaged and can’t filter blood the way they should, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. While fatigue, frequent urination, and swelling are common symptoms, so is dry and itchy skin.
“Generally with chronic kidney disease, there can be findings associated with full-body itching which is not fully understood,” Garshick says. “That said, it is important to care for the skin to minimize dryness and use gentle products on the skin.”
How to Fix It
If you have chronic kidney disease and are experiencing itchy skin, you can talk to your healthcare provider about medication options that specifically address itching, Garshick says. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved an injectable medication called difelikefalin (Korsuva) a few years ago, which was created to help treat moderate-to-severe itching associated with chronic kidney disease.
8. Nervous System Disorder
Although rare, itching all over without a rash may be an early indicator of a nervous system disorder like Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis (MS), according to Raman Madan, MD, a dermatologist at Northwell Health. “In these conditions, the itch is caused by stimulation of nerve endings,” he says. “When they are overly sensitive, they can cause an itch.”
In addition to itching, Parkinson’s disease can cause other skin issues like oily skin and inflamed (red) skin, says the Parkinson’s Foundation. Other early symptoms include hand tremors, lack of facial expressions, soft or slurred speech, and stiff or slow movements, according to Mayo Clinic.
Symptoms of MS, on the other hand, can vary widely from person to person. Mayo Clinic says that symptoms like tingling, numbness or weakness in the limbs, lack of coordination, unsteady gait, blurry or double vision, vertigo, fatigue, and slurred speech are possible with MS.
How to Fix It
There are many different courses of treatment for nerve disorders like Parkinson’s disease, including medication, deep brain stimulation, and MRI-guided ultrasounds. Talk with your healthcare provider if you are experiencing itchiness all over your body along with any of the other symptoms mentioned above. These can be early warning signs of a nerve disorder, and they can order the proper tests to get you an accurate diagnosis and recommend treatment options.
9. Side Effects of Medication
Some medications can cause itchy skin, including over-the-counter aspirin (Bayer), prescription-strength opioids, and even some antidepressant medications like fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft), according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association.
How to Fix It
If you’re experiencing itching that you think might be due to a certain medication you’re taking, especially if the onset began shortly after you started taking this medication, speak to your healthcare provider. They may be able to prescribe you an alternative medication that minimizes skin-related side effects.
10. Diabetes
While the most common symptoms associated with diabetes are frequent urination and thirst, there are many signs, including itchy skin without a rash. This increased itchiness is due to elevated blood sugar, which can cause the skin to dry out more easily, says Eric Bricker, MD, an internal medicine physician.
How to Fix It
If you have diabetes and are dealing with itchy skin, moisturizing is a great first step to protect the skin barrier and maintain adequate moisture levels, Garshick says. Additionally, she recommends using calamine lotion to cut down on itching. If these over-the-counter solutions do not work, consider asking your healthcare provider about a prescription steroid cream or other treatment options that can improve your symptoms.
11. Liver Condition
Cholestasis is a condition in which bile from the liver becomes slowed or blocked, according to MedlinePlus. A variety of conditions can lead to cholestasis, including liver disease, pancreatitis, tumors or cysts, lymphoma, or viral hepatitis (a type of liver infection). In addition to itching, symptoms might include dark urine, pale or clay-colored stools, nausea or vomiting, pain in the upper right abdomen, and yellow skin or eyes.
Cholestasis can also occur during pregnancy, usually in the third trimester, according to the American Pregnancy Association. It typically causes itchy palms and feet, but some people may have all-over body itching with no rash. Certain things can put you at a higher risk for cholestasis of pregnancy, including carrying multiples, past liver damage, and a family history of cholestasis.
How to Fix It
Cholestasis is a serious condition, so you should see your healthcare provider as soon as possible to get tested for the condition. If you’re pregnant, you’ll need to be monitored closely, and your provider may prescribe medication to help with your liver function. In some cases, the baby may need to be delivered early to avoid complications. Fortunately, the condition typically disappears within a few days of delivery.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Given that dry skin is one of the most common causes of itching, first try to relieve your symptoms with an over-the-counter skin moisturizer or steroid cream like hydrocortisone. If neither of these solutions resolves the itching, seeing your healthcare provider is a great next step.
“Going to see a primary care physician for appropriate health screenings, like for hypertension and diabetes, is also a great time to bring up concerns regarding itching with your doctor,” Dr. Bricker says.
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