Itching

Itching (pruritus) is a sensation that makes you want to scratch. It's usually a symptom of something else — a skin condition, an allergy, an infection, or rarely a disease of internal organs. In India's climate, itching is extremely common, often driven by fungal and parasitic skin conditions.

Common causes

• Dry skin — common, especially in winter and in air-conditioned spaces
• Skin infections — fungal (ringworm, candida), bacterial, or viral
• Scabies — intensely itchy, often worse at night; common in India
• Lice — head, body, or pubic lice
• Allergies — to soap, detergent, jewellery, medicines, food, insect stings
• Skin conditions — eczema, psoriasis, hives (urticaria)
• Insect bites — mosquito, bed bug, flea
• Heat rash — common in hot, humid weather
• Internal causes — liver disease, kidney disease, thyroid problems, pregnancy, some cancers, diabetes
• Medicines — certain drugs can cause generalised itch

When to see a doctor

• Severe, persistent, or spreading itching
• Itch that disturbs sleep
• Itch with a rash, blistering, or skin changes
• Itch all over without any visible skin changes (may suggest an internal cause)
• Signs of infection — spreading redness, pus, fever
• Yellowing of skin or eyes, unexplained weight loss, fatigue

Self-care

• Moisturise regularly — even greasy-feeling creams work well
• Lukewarm (not hot) showers; mild unscented soap
• Avoid scratching — use a cool cloth or tap the area instead
• Keep nails short — especially in children
• Identify and remove triggers (new detergent, jewellery)
• Over-the-counter antihistamines for allergy-related itch
• Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream for localised itching (short-term)

Itch that has a specific cause — scabies, fungal infection, lice — won't settle with moisturisers alone and needs targeted treatment. A doctor can usually work out the cause from examination.