What is itching a symptom of

Most cases are caused by a skin irritation of some kind. You may notice a rash, bumps, or another kind of visible skin irritation. The causes of itchy skin without visible irritation are sometimes harder to identify and may be a sign of an underlying organ, neurological, or mental health condition that needs treatment. Dry skin is a common cause of itchy skin without a rash.

In most cases, dry skin is mild. It can result from environmental conditions, such as low humidity and hot or cold weather. In these cases, itchy skin can be treated and prevented with regular use of a moisturizer and a humidifier during drier times of the year. Also, avoid using strong soaps or cleansers that can dry your skin further. Causes of more severe cases of dry skin can be genetic or caused by an underlying disease and must be treated by a dermatologist.

Dry skin is more common as you age. It can also be brought on by certain skin conditions, such as eczema. However, some are not so easy to detect. A tick bite , for example, may be quite small. You may have to perform a full-body scan to find a tick after being in a tick-infested area. Here are some insects whose bite may cause you to itch:.

Most of the time, bug bites are nothing to worry about. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using an ice pack or hydrocortisone cream for the itch, or taking an oral antihistamine. However, if you have any serious symptoms, you should see a doctor or visit an emergency room. Serious symptoms include:. Many types of medication can cause itchiness without a rash on some or all parts of the body. Treatment of itchiness usually includes stopping use of the drug and replacing it with something else, or trying a lower dose.

Statins and some other cholesterol-lowering medications, such as niacin , may result in all-over skin itchiness, including on the face and throat. Statins may cause liver damage in some people, resulting in organ stress that leads to an itching sensation on the skin. Itchy skin can be a side effect of some blood pressure medications, such as amlodipine Norvasc.

This may be from an allergic reaction to the medicine or from underlying liver disease. Itchy skin is a common side effect of taking prescription opioids for pain relief.

There are several medications that may help with this, including nalbuphine and nalfurafine hydrochloride. Many other medications may cause itchiness by damaging organs and body systems.

This can happen when a medication is prescribed or used incorrectly. The thyroid is an important type of organ called a gland. This gland is located in your neck. It releases hormones that regulate your growth and metabolism. Having a thyroid disorder may cause itching without any rash. For most people, taking antihistamines along with treatment for their thyroid issues can help relieve itching. The kidneys work as filters for your blood, removing waste and water to produce urine.

If you have kidney disease, the best way to reduce itching is by sticking to your treatment plan with dialysis and any medications. The liver is also important for filtering blood in the body. As with the kidneys, when the liver is diseased, the body becomes less healthy overall. This can lead to conditions that cause itchy skin without a rash.

Conditions that may cause itching are varied and include liver disease , kidney failure, iron deficiency anemia , thyroid problems , and even certain cancers in rare cases leukemia, lymphoma. In these cases, itching will typically affect your whole body while your skin appears normal. If you think an underlying medical problem could be involved with your itching, call your doctor. Treatment of the underlying illness will improve the itching.

Khetarpal says. When skin is very dry, it may require a prescription ointment or cream, she says. Does it seem like the more you scratch, the more your skin itches? Usually, itchy skin is caused by dry skin. Learn more about vaccine availability. Advertising Policy.

The GP might arrange a blood test , or wipe a cotton bud over the area of itchy skin a swap , or gently scrape off some skin cells, so they can be tested. This can help find the cause of your itchy skin. Itchy skin has many possible causes. If you have other symptoms such as a rash or swelling this might help to find the cause. Itchy skin is also common during pregnancy or after the menopause. This is caused by hormonal changes and usually gets better over time.

In rare cases, itchy skin can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as thyroid, liver or kidney problems.