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Letter I

Itchy skin

Also known as: Pruritus, Skin itch

Itchy skin symptom guide: what it can mean, possible causes, and when to seek care. Educational only.

Overview

Itchy skin can come from dryness, allergy, infection, or liver disease. Scratching can invite infection. Severe night itch or itch with jaundice deserves evaluation.

Possible causes

  • Dry skin
  • Allergy
  • Rash / infection
  • Medicines
  • Liver problems (less often)

When to see a doctor

See a clinic if itching blocks sleep, rash spreads, the face swells, or eyes look yellow.

Related conditions