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Itchy
My skin is dry
Itching
Skin peeling
Itch
Dry flaky skin
Itchy skin
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
What is Pruritus?
Pruritus is the sensation of itchy skin. Causes vary greatly from dry skin, infections, skin conditions, allergies, and other internal diseases.
Typical Symptoms of Pruritus
- Itchy skin
- Family history of Asthma, Eczema, Allergic rhinitis or Allergic conjunctivitis
- Dry skin that gets worse or cracks in the winter months
- Skin rashes with tiny bumps
- Itchy skin that gets worse at night
- Multiple areas of skin redness or red spots
- Welts appear when skin is scratched or rubbed
- Thick, leathery skin
Diagnostic Questions for Pruritus
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
- Do you have itchy skin?
- Does anyone in your family have a history of asthma, allergies, or hay fever?
- Does your dry skin worsen or crack during winter?
- Do you have a skin rash with tiny bumps?
- Does your skin get itchier at night?
Treatment of Pruritus
Mild cases that are tolerable can be managed at home with good moisturizing. If pruritus is accompanied by other symptoms or doesn't improve, prescription creams, ointments, and oral medications can help. Treatment of the underlying cause of the itch is necessary.
Reviewed By:
Sarita Nori, MD (Dermatology)
Dr. Sarita Nori was drawn to dermatology because of the intersection of science and medicine that is at the heart of dermatology. She feels this is what really allows her to help her patients. “There is a lot of problem-solving in dermatology and I like that,” she explains. “It’s also a profession where you can help people quickly and really make a difference in their lives.” | Some of the typical skin problems that Dr. Nori treats include skin cancers, psoriasis, acne, eczema, rashes, and contact dermatitis. Dr Nori believes in using all possible avenues of treatment, such as biologics, especially in patients with chronic diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. “These medications can work superbly, and they are really life-changing for many patients.” | Dr. Nori feels it’s important for patients to have a good understanding of the disease or condition that is affecting them. “I like to educate my patients on their problem and have them really understand it so they can take the best course of action. Patients always do better when they understand their skin condition, and how to treat it.”
Yukiko Ueda, MD (Dermatology)
Dr. Ueda graduated from the Niigata University School of Medicine and trained at the University of Tokyo Medical School. She is currently a clinical assistant professor at the Department of Dermatology, Jichi Medical University, and holds several posts in the dermatology departments at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Komagome Hospital, University of Tokyo, and the Medical Center of Japan Red Cross Society.
Content updated on Sep 4, 2024
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
- The skin is itchy and has scratches
- Skin itching that worsens at night
- Itch is mild
- Scratching the skin
- Nighttime itch is worse
- Persistent, mild itch
- A scratch
- Itch improves during the day
- Itch is minor
See full list
Symptoms Related to Pruritus
Diseases Related to Pruritus
FAQs
Q.
Why Are My Palms So Itchy at Night? (Causes Without a Rash)
A.
There are several factors to consider. Without a visible rash, nighttime itchy palms are most often due to dry skin, product irritation, stress, or nerve and hormonal changes, but they can sometimes point to liver, kidney, thyroid, or blood disorders, including pregnancy-related cholestasis. See below for specific triggers, simple at-home steps that help tonight, and the red flags that should prompt care, such as persistent or worsening itch, pregnancy, tingling or numbness, jaundice, dark urine or pale stools, swelling, or other new symptoms.
References:
* Yosipovitch G, et al. Cholestatic pruritus: update in pathophysiology and treatment. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017 Dec;77(6):1128-1135. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2017.07.031. Epub 2017 Aug 22. PMID: 28844577.
* Mettang T, Kremer AE. Uremic Pruritus. Kidney Int. 2019 Feb;95(2):297-305. doi: 10.1016/j.kint.2018.09.020. Epub 2018 Nov 1. PMID: 30392765.
* Patel KR, et al. Pruritus of Systemic Disease. Dermatol Clin. 2019 Feb;37(1):63-82. doi: 10.1016/j.det.2018.08.006. Epub 2018 Oct 12. PMID: 30709493.
* Oaklander AL, et al. Mechanisms and Management of Chronic Itch. N Engl J Med. 2019 Mar 21;380(12):1157-1165. doi: 10.1056/NEJMra1807460. PMID: 30893539.
* Murota H, et al. Psychodermatology and Pruritus. Curr Probl Dermatol. 2016;50:122-132. doi: 10.1159/000446261. Epub 2016 Sep 26. PMID: 27698544.
Q.
Itch Won't Stop? Why Your Skin is Inflamed + Calamine Lotion Medical Next Steps
A.
Persistent itch usually means your skin is inflamed from causes like contact dermatitis, eczema, heat rash, insect bites, hives, infections, or even internal conditions; calamine lotion can soothe and dry mild rashes such as poison ivy, bites, or heat rash but is not a cure-all. If itching lasts more than two weeks, is severe or widespread, lacks a rash, or comes with warning signs like fever, pus, yellowing skin, weight loss, or face or throat swelling, seek medical care for a skin exam, labs, and targeted treatment; there are several factors to consider, so see the complete guidance below.
References:
* Yosipovitch G, et al. Mechanisms of chronic pruritus. *Nat Rev Neurol*. 2018 Jan;14(1):50-60. PMID: 29213123.
* Mettang T, et al. Treating chronic pruritus: Current and emerging options. *Dermatol Ther*. 2017 Jul;30(4):e12476. PMID: 28421689.
* Yosipovitch G, et al. Topical treatments for pruritus. *J Am Acad Dermatol*. 2018 Apr;78(4):815-822. PMID: 29548446.
* Al-Daghri N. The Itch-Scratch Cycle: A Review of the Mechanisms and Therapeutic Approaches. *J Clin Med*. 2023 Jul 21;12(14):4853. PMID: 37510790.
* Misery L, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Topical Treatments for Chronic Pruritus: A Systematic Review. *Acta Derm Venereol*. 2021 May 26;101(5):adv00473. PMID: 33930472.
Q.
Can’t Stop Itching? Why Your Skin Is Reacting & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
There are several factors to consider, from dry skin and common rashes to allergies, nerve issues, stress, and even internal illnesses; proven next steps include rich fragrance free moisturizers, brief lukewarm showers with gentle cleansers, targeted anti itch treatments, minimizing scratching, and tracking triggers. Get prompt care for severe or unexplained itch or if you have yellowing skin or eyes, fever, swelling, breathing trouble, weight loss, night sweats, or infection signs; see below for important red flags, tests for chronic itch, and special guidance for pregnancy, children, and older adults that can change your next steps.
References:
* Lieu, T., & Tey, H. L. (2023). Chronic Pruritus: A Review of Current Understanding and Management. *Dermatology and Therapy*, *13*(2), 335-349. DOI: 10.1007/s13555-023-00892-9. PMID: 36720760.
* Ständer, S. (2021). New insights into the neurobiology of pruritus. *Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology*, *147*(4), 1184-1191. DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2021.02.016. PMID: 33714652.
* Weisshaar, E., & Ständer, S. (2020). Pruritus and Systemic Diseases: Itch in the Context of Internal Disorders. *Clinics in Dermatology*, *38*(3), 256-267. DOI: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2020.01.006. PMID: 32573295.
* Pereira, M. P., & Ständer, S. (2022). Chronic Pruritus: A Comprehensive Review of Diagnostics and Therapeutics. *Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology*, *62*(1), 1-17. DOI: 10.1007/s12016-020-08836-8. PMID: 33382098.
* Krajewski, A. C., & Ständer, S. (2022). The Use of Topical and Systemic Therapies for the Treatment of Chronic Pruritus. *Dermatologic Clinics*, *40*(2), 221-235. DOI: 10.1016/j.det.2022.01.004. PMID: 35367098.
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Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
Song J, Xian D, Yang L, Xiong X, Lai R, Zhong J. Pruritus: Progress toward Pathogenesis and Treatment. Biomed Res Int. 2018 Apr 11;2018:9625936. doi: 10.1155/2018/9625936. PMID: 29850592; PMCID: PMC5925168.
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2018/9625936/Chung BY, Um JY, Kim JC, Kang SY, Park CW, Kim HO. Pathophysiology and Treatment of Pruritus in Elderly. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Dec 26;22(1):174. doi: 10.3390/ijms22010174. PMID: 33375325; PMCID: PMC7795219.
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/22/1/174Nowak DA, Yeung J. Diagnosis and treatment of pruritus. Can Fam Physician. 2017 Dec;63(12):918-924. Erratum in: Can Fam Physician. 2018 Feb;64(2):92. PMID: 29237630; PMCID: PMC5729138.
https://www.cfp.ca/content/63/12/918.longWeisshaar E, Szepietowski JC, Dalgard FJ, Garcovich S, Gieler U, Giménez-Arnau AM, Lambert J, Leslie T, Mettang T, Misery L, Şavk E, Streit M, Tschachler E, Wallengren J, Ständer S. European S2k Guideline on Chronic Pruritus. Acta Derm Venereol. 2019 Apr 1;99(5):469-506. doi: 10.2340/00015555-3164. PMID: 30931482.
https://medicaljournalssweden.se/actadv/article/view/3172