(itching) Itching is an irritating sensation that makes you want to scratch your skin. Sometimes it can feel like pain, but it is different. Often, you feel itchy in one area in your body, but sometimes you may feel itching all over. Along with the itching, you may also have a rash or hives. Itching is a symptom of many health conditions. Some common causes are: Allergic reactions to food, insect bites, pollen, and medicines; Skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin; Irritating chemicals, cosmetics, and other substances; Parasites such as pinworms, scabies, head and body lice; Pregnancy; Liver, kidney, or thyroid diseases; Certain cancers or cancer treatments; Diseases that can affect the nervous system, such as diabetes and shingles. Most itching is not serious. To feel better, you could try: Applying cold compresses; Using moisturizing lotions; Taking lukewarm or oatmeal baths; Using over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or antihistamines; Avoiding scratching, wearing irritating fabrics, and exposure to high heat and humidity. Contact your health care provider if your itching is severe, does not go away after a few weeks, or does not have an apparent cause. You may need other treatments, such as medicines or light therapy. If you have an underlying disease that is causing the itching, treating that disease may help.

An intense itching sensation that produces the urge to rub or scratch the skin to obtain relief.

An intense itching sensation.

(pruritis) Intense itching sensation that produces the urge to rub or scratch the skin to obtain relief.

Itching.

Itching. Severe itching may be a side effect of some cancer treatments and a symptom of some types of cancers.

Pruritus is an itch or a sensation that makes a person want to scratch. This term refers to an abnormally increased disposition to experience pruritus.

(pruritic disorder) A skin disorder characterized by an intense itching sensation.

(itching sensation) An irritating feeling that produces the desire to scratch.

A disorder characterized by an intense itching sensation.

Itching is a symptom that can cause significant discomfort and is one of the most common reasons for consultation with a dermatologist. Itching leads to scratching, which can cause inflammation, skin degradation, and possible secondary infection. The skin can become lichenified, scaly, and excoriated.

Itchy skin is an uncomfortable, irritating sensation that makes you want to scratch. Also known as pruritus (proo-RIE-tus), itchy skin can be caused or worsened by dry skin. It's common in older adults, as skin tends to become drier with age.

Itching, a stimulation of free nerve endings, usually at the junction of the dermis and epidermis of the skin, that evokes a desire to scratch. It has been suggested that an itch is a subthreshold sensation of pain; however, although both itch and pain sensations share common nerve pathways, they...