Itching

Update of a Patient Note originally published in August 1997.

Download this Patient Note in PDF format (101K file)

Most of the time, if you've got an itch, you scratch it and it goes away. Itching from such short-lived causes as mosquito bites or wearing a wool shirt is easily relieved, while itching from conditions such as eczema or shingles can last for years. Whether it's momentary or long-lasting, itching is annoying and, occasionally, is a symptom of an underlying problem.

What are some causes of itching?
Itching, which is a symptom rather than a disease in itself, can result from many different conditions. Dry skin, insect bites, rashes from a wide variety of allergic reactions, hives, poison ivy, vaginal yeast infections, hemorrhoids, psoriasis, dandruff, shingles, and lice or scabies are common causes.

Occasionally, itching that doesn't go away is an early sign of disease, such as hepatitis, kidney disease, various blood disorders (for example, lack of iron), or a malignant tumor. Generalized itching often accompanies AIDS, thyroid or parathyroid disease, iron deficiency, pregnancy, and multiple sclerosis.

Sometimes, medications are to blame. The most common offenders are body-building steroids, hormone replacement therapy for women, birth control pills, antibiotics, narcotics, cancer chemotherapies, and aspirin and medications related to aspirin.

Stress and emotional factors, exercise, and environmental conditions, such as high heat and humidity, can also lead to an urge to scratch.

How can I make the itching stop?
If the itchy area of your skin is oozing, you can apply a compress that has been soaked in cool water (or water with baking soda, white vinegar, or Epsom salts added) for 10 to 15 minutes several times a day until the skin stops oozing. Don't apply creams, ointments, lotions, talcum powder, or cornstarch to an oozing wound.

If it isn't oozing, you can apply a topical moisturizer, such as Lubriderm, Nivea, or Eucerin. Using a vibrator on the area may help reduce the itch.

What kind of drugs can stop the itching?
Over-the-counter drugs help stop the itch in some cases, but they are often ineffective, have side effects, and may even make the problem worse. Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine hydrochloride (for example, Benadryl) or chlorpheniramine maleate (for example, Aller-Chlor), decrease symptoms in some cases. However, these drugs can lead to drowsiness and interfere with coordination, which pose a problem when driving a car or trying to concentrate at work or school. Other over-the-counter drugs that may be of some benefit include the generally less effective but nondrowsy antihistamines, such as loratadine (for example, Claritin), and cimetidine (for example, Tagamet). At times, even aspirin may help. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone preparations generally fail to provide improvement. Capsaicin (for example, Capsin) doesn't work well and often worsens the situation.

An ever-increasing array of prescription oral and topical medicines can provide major improvement. Your doctor will decide whether one of these drugs might work well for you. Included in the current list of options are tranquilizers and antidepressants, bile-acid sequestrants, light-based therapies, electric stimulators, and acupuncture or acupressure.

How to ditch the itch Do Keep showering or bathing to a minimum. Shower rather than bathe. Use lukewarm rather than hot water when showering or bathing. Use a minimum of soap and apply only where needed. Wear loose-fitting cotton clothes. Apply ice enclosed in a plastic bag or a soda can from the refrigerator to the affected area. Keep your house relatively cool. Don't Scrub or use washcloths. Scratch, rub, or pick at the skin, because this can make itching worse. Apply alcohol, heating pads, or salves with multiple active ingredients (check the label). Consume hot beverages, spicy foods, or alcoholic drinks. Wear tight-fitting clothes made of scratchy fabrics, such as wool or mohair. Take part in physical activities that cause excessive perspiration, such as running, bicycling, tennis, or gardening.

This information is not a substitute for medical treatment.

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