Itch Symptoms
Symptom Checker: Symptoms & Signs Index
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.
Main Articles on Itch
- (No articles currently available)
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 »
-
-
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 »
-
-
Hay Fever
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an irritation of the nose caused by pollen and is associated with the following allergic...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 »
-
-
-
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 »
-
-
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 »
-
-
-
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 »
Other Causes of Itch
Diffuse (Generalized) Itching:
Local Itching:
Medications (both Prescription and Non-prescription)
Examples of Medications for Itch
- (No articles currently available)
Symptoms & Signs A-Z List
|
|
 |
From WebMD
Skin Problems and Treatments Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
|