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February 10, 2012

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Itch Symptoms

Symptom Checker: Symptoms & Signs Index

Terms related to Itch:

Itching
Itchy
Pruritic
Pruritis

Itching is a symptom we have all experienced but cannot easily describe or define. It is a peculiarly uncomfortable skin sensation. That much is certain. It may feel as if something is crawling on (or in) your skin. Itching can be diffuse (generalized) or localized -- all over or confined to a specific spot -- and there are many causes of diffuse and localized itching. Perhaps the best definition of itching is by the response it evokes -- it is a feeling that makes you want to scratch.

Medically, itching is known as pruritus. Something that is itchy is said to be pruritic.

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Causes of Itch

Allergy An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. ...learn more »
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 »
Anaphylaxis Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that affects a number of different areas of the body at one time, and can be fatal....learn more »
Athlete's Foot Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a skin infection caused by the ringworm fungus. Symptoms include itching, burning, cracking,...learn more »
Atopic Dermatitis Eczema is a general term for many types dermatitis (skin inflammation). Atopic dermatitis is the most common of the many types of...learn more »
Chickenpox (Varicella) Chickenpox (chicken pox) is a contagious childhood disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Symptoms have an incubation...learn more »
Cosmetic Allergies Fragrances and preservatives in cosmetics may cause allergic reactions in some people. Symptoms include redness, itching, and...learn more »
Eye Allergy Eye allergy (or allergic eye disease) are typically associated with hay fever and atopic dermatitis. Medications and cosmetics...learn more »
Food Allergy The most common food allergies are to eggs, nuts, milk, peanuts, fish, shellfish, strawberries and tomatoes. Symptoms and signs...learn more »
Genital Herpes In Women Genital herpes, a viral infection by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), is transmitted during sexual contact with the mucous-covered...learn more »
Hay Fever Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an irritation of the nose caused by pollen and is associated with the following allergic...learn more »
Head Lice Infestation (Pediculosis) Head lice infection is called pediculosis. Lice are parasites that feed on blood and can be found on the scalp and hair of...learn more »
Heat Rash Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating. It can occur at any age and it appears as a rash that itches or...learn more »
Hemorrhoids Hemorrhoid is an enlarged vein in the walls of the anus and sometimes around the rectum, usually caused by untreated...learn more »
Hives Hives, also called urticaria, is a raised, itchy area of skin that is usually a sign of an allergic reaction. The allergy may be...learn more »
Hodgkin's Disease Hodgkin's disease is a cancer of the lymphatic system with symptoms that include unexplained, recurring fevers, unexplained...learn more »
Inflammatory Breast Cancer Inflammatory breast cancer is an accelerated form of breast cancer that is not usually detected by mammogram or ultrasound....learn more »
Insect Sting Allergies The majority of stinging insects in the United States are from Bees, Yellow Jackets, Hornets, Wasps and Fire Ants. Severity of...learn more »
Itching Itching can be a common problem. Itches can be localized or generalized. There are many causes of itching to include: infection...learn more »
Jaundice Jaundice is a yellowish staining of the skin and whites of the eyes (sclerae) with bilirubin, the pigment found in bile. Jaundice...learn more »
Jock Itch Jock itch is an itchy red rash that appears in the groin area. The rash may be caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. People...learn more »
Kidney Failure Kidney failure can occur from an acute event or a chronic condition or disease. Prerenal kidney failure is caused by blood loss,...learn more »
Leukemia Leukemia is a type of cancer of the blood cells in which the growth and development of the blood cells are abnormal. Strictly...learn more »
Molluscum Contagiosum Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection caused by the poxvirus. Molluscum contagiosum appears as small tan or pink bumps on any...learn more »
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic system, a vital part of the body's immune system. Symptoms include swollen...learn more »
Pancreatic Cancer Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor of the pancreas. Pancreatic cancer has been called a "silent" disease because early...learn more »
Poison Ivy Poison ivy, oak, and sumac are plants that cause an itchy skin rash and skin inflamation when contacted directly. This poison can...learn more »
Pregnancy Planning Pregnancy planning is important to help prevent exposure of the mother and fetus to potentially harmful medications and...learn more »
Psoriasis Psoriasis is a long-term skin condition that may cause large plaques of red, raised skin, flakes of dry skin, and skin scales....learn more »
Rabies Rabies is a potentially fatal viral infection. Rabies symptoms include fever, headache, myalgia, and can progress to more serious...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 »
Retinal Detachment Retinal detachment is the separation of the retina from its attachments to the underlying eye tissue. Symptoms of retinal...learn more »
Ringworm The term "ringworm" or "ringworms" refers to fungal infections that are on the surface of the skin. A physical examination of...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 »
Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Men (STDs in Men) Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are infections that are transmitted during any type of sexual exposure, including...learn more »
Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Women (STDs) Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are infections that are transmitted during any type of sexual exposure, including...learn more »
Shingles Shingles (herpes zoster) is a skin rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Under certain circumstances, such as...learn more »
Ticks Ticks are known transmitters of disease to humans and animals. Tick-borne diseases include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted...learn more »
Vaginitis Vaginitis is any type of vaginal infection or inflammation. The six most common types of vaginitis are Candida (yeast...learn more »
Yeast Infection Yeast vaginitis is a yeast infection of the vagina. Symptoms include itching, burning, soreness, pain during intercourse and...learn more »