Last medical review and update: September 10, 2026
What is itching?
Itching is a sensation that creates an urge to scratch the skin. It can be limited to a single area or affect a large part of the body. Itching that lasts longer than six weeks is defined as chronic pruritus.
Itching is not a disease in itself. While it can be a symptom of skin diseases, it can also occur in some people without any apparent skin condition. In cases of persistent or unexplained itching, the goal is not just to reduce the symptom, but to identify the underlying cause.
What are the causes of itching?
Dry skin
Especially during winter months, in older adults, in those who take frequent, hot showers, or in those who use cleansers that disrupt the skin barrier, dryness alone can cause significant itching.
Systemic diseases
In cases of widespread, persistent itching without a noticeable primary rash, certain systemic diseases should be considered. These include kidney diseases, some liver and biliary tract diseases, thyroid diseases, iron deficiency, and some hematological diseases.
Not every patient requires a comprehensive panel of tests. Investigations are planned based on the patient's history and dermatological examination.
Medications, the nervous system, and stress.
Some newly started or altered medications can cause itching or itchy rashes. In some neurological conditions, itching may occur in a specific area; it may be accompanied by burning, stinging, numbness, or tingling.
Stress can worsen some itchy skin conditions. However, it is not accurate to attribute persistent itching solely to stress.
What factors are considered in the evaluation of itching?
How long has the itching been going on?
In one area or throughout the whole body?
Does it get worse at night?
Are there others in the house who are itchy?
Is there a rash along with the itching?
Did the rash start before the itching?
Have any new medications, cosmetics, or cleaning products been used?
Does the temperature increase with showering or sweating?
Are there any other symptoms such as fever, weight loss, or night sweats?
What tests can be done for itching?
Not every patient needs the same laboratory tests. For those deemed necessary, a complete blood count, iron parameters, kidney function tests, liver function tests, thyroid tests, and other investigations based on clinical suspicion may be planned.
The goal is not to conduct random testing, but to perform targeted assessments based on the patient's clinical characteristics.
Is an allergy test necessary for itching?
Not every patient with itching needs an allergy test. Patch tests can be used if recurrent eczema or allergic contact dermatitis is suspected after contact with specific substances.
The prick test is primarily used to evaluate acute allergic reactions mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE). It is not a routine test for persistent and unexplained itching on its own.
How is itching treated?
Treatment varies depending on the cause of the itching. Depending on the patient, moisturizers, appropriate topical treatments, antihistamines, phototherapy, medications for neuropathic pruritus, and some systemic pruritus treatments may be used.
Not all itching is histamine-mediated. Therefore, while antihistamines are effective for some types of itching, they may show limited benefit in some chronic itching conditions.
What can be done in daily life to reduce itching?
Avoid very hot and long showers.
Reduce the use of perfumed or irritating cleansers.
Using moisturizer regularly
Avoiding extremely hot environments
Try not to scratch in a way that will irritate the skin.
Avoid irritating fabrics.
When should you consult a dermatologist?
If the itching lasts longer than a few weeks
If it becomes chronic after more than six weeks
If it affects the whole body
If it disrupts sleep at night
If it continues without a noticeable rash
If a sore or infection develops on the skin
If other people in the house also have similar itching
If it started after taking a new medication
If accompanied by weight loss, fever, or night sweats
Frequently Asked Questions
Is itching always an allergy? No. Eczema, dry skin, scabies, hives, fungal infections, certain medications, neurological conditions, and some systemic diseases can also cause itching.
Does itching that worsens at night mean scabies? No. Itching that worsens at night is common in scabies, but it's not a diagnosis on its own.
Do antihistamines work for every case of itching? No. Treatment varies depending on the mechanism of the itching.
Dermatologist's Note
In cases of persistent itching, the goal is not only to suppress the itching but also to assess whether there is a primary skin condition and to consider the possibility of systemic causes.
Scientific Resources
1. Weisshaar E, Müller S, Szepietowski JC, et al. European S2k Guideline on Chronic Pruritus. Acta Dermato-Venereologica. 2025;105:adv44220. PMID: 40843597. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40843597/
2. Ständer S, et al. S2k guideline: Diagnosis and treatment of chronic pruritus. Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft. 2022. PMID: 36252071. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36252071/
Dermatology Examination and Appointment
You can get information about dermatological evaluation and appointments for your itching complaint.