Itchy skin: causes, treatment and when to see a GP

The NHS says itchy skin has many possible causes. Sometimes it is caused by dry, cracked or irritated skin. If you have other symptoms such as a rash or swelling this might help find the cause, but you should not try to diagnose yourself.

The NHS says there are simple things you can do to ease itching, which may also help stop it returning and avoid skin damage from scratching.

• Pat or tap your skin instead of scratching it.

• Hold something cool on your skin, such as a damp towel.

• Have cool or lukewarm baths or showers, and do not spend a long time in the bath or shower.

• Use an unperfumed moisturiser or emollient regularly.

• Keep your nails clean, short and smooth.

• Wear loose cotton or silk clothing, and avoid tight clothes or wool or synthetic fabrics.

• Use laundry liquid or powder for sensitive skin.

• Avoid perfumed soaps, deodorants or moisturisers.

The NHS says a pharmacist can tell you the best products for itchy skin. Antihistamines may help with some causes, and lotions and creams such as menthol creams help by cooling the skin. Tell the pharmacist where your skin is itchy and if you have other symptoms.

A GP might prescribe creams, lotions or tablets depending on what is causing the itching. They will look at your skin, ask about your symptoms and might arrange a blood test, which may help find the cause. They may refer you to a dermatologist.

The NHS says itching in pregnancy is common and can be caused by changes to hormone levels and skin stretching as your baby grows. It usually stops after you have had your baby. It is not usually caused by anything serious, but it can sometimes be a sign of a liver condition that needs treatment.

That condition is intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). The NHS says ICP can be serious and needs to be treated with medicine.

It says to get urgent medical help now if you are pregnant and have very itchy skin (for example, it keeps you awake at night), itchy palms of your hands or soles of your feet, or itching that is worse at night. Call your maternity unit; if you cannot contact them, call 111.

A pharmacist can suggest creams, lotions and antihistamines that are safe to use in pregnancy. Tell them you are pregnant. The NHS says not to have too much spicy food or caffeine, which can make skin feel more itchy.

The NHS says to see a GP if itchy skin is all over your body or severe. Less commonly, itchy skin can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as thyroid, liver or kidney problems, and a GP might arrange a blood test to look for the cause.

Itching that is worse at night with a raised rash or spots, especially between the fingers, may be scabies. The NHS says scabies causes intense itching, especially at night, and can take up to 8 weeks for the rash to appear.

The NHS says scabies is an itchy rash caused by mites, spread through close skin contact. It should be treated quickly: a pharmacist will recommend a cream or lotion applied over the whole body, repeated 7 days later, and everyone in your home needs to be treated at the same time.

The NHS says hives cause an itchy rash of raised bumps or patches that can appear anywhere on the body, and usually get better within a few days. You can often treat hives yourself.

The NHS says to see a GP if itchy skin:

• Is affecting your daily life.

• Does not get better with self-care or keeps coming back.

• Is caused by a new rash, lump or swelling that you are worried about.

• Is all over your body.

• Is severe.

• Happens during pregnancy.

Start with a pharmacist, then a GP. The NHS says the GP may refer you to a dermatologist. Private dermatology and allergy testing are available; share results with your GP so any underlying cause is followed up.