Medically reviewed by Dr. A.M. van Coevorden, dermatologist
Itchy skinOne symptom, many possible causes.
Itch is a sensation in the skin that makes you want to scratch or rub. It is not a disease but a symptom, with many possible causes: from dry skin, the most common one, to skin conditions such as eczema, hives or scabies. Sometimes nothing is visible on the skin. Itch is usually harmless and easy to relieve yourself; if it persists or other symptoms appear, an assessment is wise.
Reply within 12 to 48 hours · no referral needed · from € 39
What is itch?
Itch arises because nerve endings in the skin signal to the brain that something is going on: irritation, inflammation or a disturbed skin barrier. Sometimes you can see something on the itchy spot, such as redness, bumps or scales; sometimes there is nothing to see. Itching may affect one area or cover the whole body, last briefly or persist for weeks. Persistent itch in particular can seriously disrupt daily life: it demands attention and keeps you from sleeping.
Where does itch come from?
The most common cause is dry skin, for instance from frequent soap use, long or hot showers, dry air or getting older. Many skin conditions also cause itch, such as eczema, hives, psoriasis, scabies and fungal infections. External triggers can be the cause too: insect bites, stinging nettles, oak processionary caterpillars in early summer, or contact with substances your skin is sensitive to, such as perfume or detergent. Sometimes the skin itches with nothing to see; medicines, pregnancy or an internal cause can then play a role. Heat and stress often make itch worse.
Please note
Is the itch at its worst at night, and do housemates have it too? Scabies is one possible cause, so have your skin assessed; scabies does not clear by itself and is very treatable.
What can you do yourself?
Apply a rich, neutral cream without perfume daily; with dry skin that is often enough by itself. Keep showers short and use lukewarm water, use little soap and pat the skin dry. Wear airy cotton clothing and wash with a perfume-free detergent. For acute itch, cooling helps: a cold compress or a cooling gel. Keep your nails short so scratching does less damage, and try pressing or cooling instead of scratching when it itches.
Scratching relieves only briefly and then makes the itch worse: the skin gets damaged, itches more, and a scratch-itch cycle develops that keeps the symptoms going.
When to see a dermatologist or doctor?
Not sure whether this needs a look? Have a dermatologist assess it: you get an answer within 12 to 48 hours, no referral needed. In an emergency, contact your GP straight away or call 112.
Have your itch assessed if it lasts longer than two weeks, disrupts your sleep or daily life, or if self-care doesn't help. If you can see a rash on the skin, a dermatologist can recognise the picture and treat it specifically; with an online consultation, include sharp photos of the affected areas. Does your whole body itch with nothing to see, and are you also tired, turning yellow or losing weight without reason? Then see your GP: an internal cause needs to be ruled out first.
Please note
Are you pregnant and experiencing severe itching, especially on your palms or soles? Always report that to your midwife or doctor straight away.
Have a dermatologist look at your skin
Upload photos and answer a few questions. A BIG-registered dermatologist replies within 12 to 48 hours, no referral needed, from € 39.
If more is needed, the dermatologist refers you to a medical specialist.
Want to know what a dermatologist does, when you can see one and how quickly that can happen? Read more about the dermatologist.
Frequently asked questions
What causes itching without a rash?
The most common cause is dry skin, which can itch without anything visible. Medicines, pregnancy or an internal cause can also play a role. If itching without a rash lasts longer than two weeks, see your GP.
What helps quickly against itching?
Cooling works fastest: a cold compress or a cooling gel. For the longer term, a rich, neutral cream without perfume helps, especially when dry skin is the cause. Press or cool when it itches instead of scratching.
Why shouldn't I scratch?
Scratching relieves only briefly. It then damages the skin, which starts to itch more, creating a scratch-itch cycle. Scratch wounds can also become infected and leave scars. Short nails and cooling limit the damage.
When should you see a GP about itching?
If the itch lasts longer than two weeks, disrupts your sleep or daily life, covers your whole body without visible abnormalities, or comes with tiredness, turning yellow, weight loss or fever. If you are pregnant with severe itching, always report it straight away.
What can a dermatologist do about itching?
The dermatologist recognises from the picture which skin condition is causing the itch, such as eczema, hives, psoriasis or scabies, and treats it specifically. With persistent itch without a clear cause, the dermatologist can also advise on itch-relieving treatment.
Sources and more information
Related skin conditions
Dry skin
The most common cause of itch: skin that lacks moisture and feels tight.
Eczema
Red, scaly and itchy patches that come and go in flare-ups.
Hives
Itchy bumps or welts that appear suddenly and move around.
Anal itching
Itching around the anus caused by irritation, eczema, fungus, haemorrhoids or worms.
Skin tips from a dermatologist?
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