Itch (Itching or Pruritus) Index by MedicineNet.com

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Featured: Itch (Itching or Pruritus) Main Article

Itching can be a common problem. Itches can be localized or generalized. There are many causes of itching to include: infection (jock itch, vaginal itch), disease (hyperthyroidism, liver or kidney), reactions to drugs, and skin infestations (pubic or body lice). Treatment for itching varies depending on the cause of the itch.

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Pictures, Images, Illustrations & Quizzes

Chickenpox Quiz: Test Your Medical IQ How is chickenpox related to shingles? Take the Chickenpox Quiz to assess your IQ of this itchy, blistering childhood skin...learn more »
Picture of Bee, Wasp, Hornet, Yellow Jacket Stings Although many different types of insects in the United States are able to inflict a poisonous bite or sting (meaning they are...learn more »
Picture of Nummular Eczema Coin-shaped patches of irritated skin-most common on the arms, back, buttocks, and lower legs that may be crusted, scaling, and...learn more »
Picture of Eczema A particular type of inflammatory reaction of the skin in which there are typically vesicles (tiny blister-like raised areas) in...learn more »
Picture of Allergic Contact Dermatitis A red, itchy, weepy reaction where the skin has come into contact with a substance that the immune system recognizes as foreign....learn more »
Atopic Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) Quiz: Test Your Skin Disorders IQ Does dry, itchy, flaky, scaly, red, inflamed skin sound familiar to you? Take the Atopic Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) Quiz to learn...learn more »

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Related Diseases & Conditions

Ringworm The term "ringworm" or "ringworms" refers to fungal infections that are on the surface of the skin. A physical examination of...learn more »
Chiggers Chiggers are a mite belonging to the Trombiculidae family. Chiggers are most commonly found in: grassy fields, gardens,...learn more »
Scabies Scabies are itch mites that burrow under the skin and produce intense itching that's usually worse at night. Symptoms of scabies...learn more »
Rash The word "rash" means an outbreak of red bumps on the body. The way people use this term, "a rash" can refer to many different...learn more »
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In This Article
Poison Ivy Article
- Poison ivy, oak, and sumac facts
- What are poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac?
- What causes a poison ivy, oak, or sumac rash?
- What are risk factors for poison ivy, oak, or sumac rash?
- What are symptoms and signs of a poison ivy, oak, or sumac rash?
- What types of doctors treat poison ivy, oak, and sumac rash?
- How do physicians diagnose poison ivy, oak, and sumac rashes?
- Are there any home remedies for a poison ivy, oak, or sumac rash?
- What is the treatment for a poison ivy, oak, or sumac rash?
- What is the prognosis of a poison ivy, oak, or sumac rash?
- Is it possible to prevent a poison ivy, oak, or sumac rash?
Anal Itching Anal itching is the irritation of the skin at the exit of the rectum, known as the anus, accompanied by the desire to scratch....learn more »
In This Article
Anal Itching Article
- Anal itching definition and facts
- What is anal itching?
- What causes anal itching?
- What are additional symptoms associated with anal itching?
- What kind of doctor treats anal itching?
- How is the cause of anal itching diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for anal itching?
- Local anesthetics
- Vasoconstrictors
- Protectants
- Astringents
- Antiseptics
- Keratolytics
- Analgesics
- Corticosteroids
- What if anal itching persists?