Medical Encyclopedia

 

Medical Encyclopedia

Other encyclopedia topics:  A-Ag  Ah-Ap  Aq-Az  B-Bk  Bl-Bz  C-Cg  Ch-Co  Cp-Cz  D-Di  Dj-Dz  E-Ep  Eq-Ez  F  G  H-Hf  Hg-Hz  I-In  Io-Iz  J  K  L-Ln  Lo-Lz  M-Mf  Mg-Mz  N  O  P-Pl  Pm-Pz  Q  R  S-Sh  Si-Sp  Sq-Sz  T-Tn  To-Tz  U  V  W  X  Y  Z  0-9 

Itching

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Head lice
Head lice
Allergic reactions
Allergic reactions
Skin layers
Skin layers

Alternative Names    Return to top

Pruritus

Definition    Return to top

Itching is a tingling or irritation of the skin that makes you want to scratch the affected area.

Considerations    Return to top

Itching may occur all over the whole body (generalized) or only in one location (localized).

Causes    Return to top

There are many causes of itching, including:

Generalized itching may be caused by:

Home Care    Return to top

For persistent or severe itching, see your health care provider for a diagnosis and treatment instructions.

In the meantime, you can take some steps to help deal with the itch:

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your provider if itching:

Most itching does not require medical evaluation. Look for an obvious cause of itching at home.

It is sometimes easy for a parent to find the cause of a child's itching. Looking closely at the skin will help you identify any bites, stings, rashes, dry skin, or irritation. Often the cause of itching is fairly obvious, such as a mosquito bite.

Have the itching checked out as soon as possible if it keeps returning and does not have an obvious cause, you have total body itching, or you have hives that keep returning. Unexplained itching may be a symptom of a disease that could be serious.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit    Return to top

Your health care provider will take your medical history and do a physical examination.

You may be asked the following questions:

If there is no infection or skin lesion, tests to find the cause may include:

Your health care provider may prescribe medications such as topical corticosteroids, antihistamines, or tranquilizers.

References    Return to top

Moses S. Pruritus. In: Rakel P, Bope ET, eds. Conn's Current Therapy 2008. 60th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders;2008:chap 10.

Morelli JG. Eczematous Disorders. In: Kliegman RM, Jenson HP, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 654.

Update Date: 8/22/2008

Updated by: Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M. Logo

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2009, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.