Itchy Skin Rash

Itchy skin rash, also referred to as pruritis, is very uncomfortable and irritating, causing you to want to itch the affected skin.  There can be hundreds of different causes for this condition.  It can be the result of another condition, like dermatitis or psoriasis.  It can also be a symptom of an internal disease, like kidney failure or liver disease.  Though your skin is itchy, it can seem normal; on the other hand, it may have the symptoms of blisters, bumps, rough skin, or redness to the skin.  In order for you to have long term relief of the condition, you will need to treat the cause of the condition.  This may include medicine, wet dressings, or even trying light therapy.  Taking advantage of anti-itch products, cool baths, and other self-care measures may also soothe your skin and decrease your need to itch.

Symptoms of Itchy Skin

Itchy skin can occur in the arm or leg, or the itchy skin can be all over your entire body.  It can also be associated with leathery or scaly skin, dry or cracked skin, redness, spots, blisters, bumps, or redness.  In some cases, the skin will not have any visible symptoms, yet the itch still exists.  Sometimes it can last for a long time and the itch is very bothersome.  It seems that the more you itch the area, the itchier it becomes, and this leads to more scratching. 

In many cases, when the itching is severe, you will need to call a dermatologist.  If the itch is keeping you from your regular routine or keeping you from sleeping, is affecting your entire body, has other symptoms along with it, such as weight loss, extreme tiredness, fever, redness of the skin, or it persists for more than a week, then you should contact a dermatologist for advice.

Causes of Itchy Skin

Itchy skin that is not associated with other skin changes may be caused by dry skin.  This often is the result of environmental factors, such as hot or cold weather with low humidity, washing or bathing too much, and using air conditioning or central heating in your home.  These factors can contribute to the drying of your skin. 

There are other conditions that can lead to itchy skin.  Skin rashes and conditions can be a cause.  These conditions may include hives, dermatographism, lice, scabies, chickenpox, psoriasis, and dermatitis.  Another cause can be internal diseases, such as malabsorption of wheat, liver disease, iron deficiency anemia, kidney failure, cancers, and thyroid problems.  When the cause is an internal disease, it typically affects the entire body instead of just one area.  A third cause of itchy skin may be allergic reactions or irritation.  Sometimes the skin will become irritated and itchy due to chemicals, soaps, wool, and other substances that cause an allergic reaction.  Skin rashes can also be the result of a food allergy.  A fourth cause of itchy skin rashes are drugs, such as narcotic pain medications, antifungal drugs, and antibiotics.  These can cause widespread rashes and itching to occur.  Finally, pregnancy can cause itchy skin.  This particularly occurs on the thighs, breasts, and abdomen.  Preexisting skin conditions can also be worse during pregnancy. 

If you continue to scratch and itch the rash, the condition will worsen.  Sometimes this can lead to neurodermatitis, a condition that includes an area of the skin that has been itched often becoming leathery and thick.  The patches present on the skin can become darker in color than the other parts of your skin as well.  Another concern is when itching is severe and the skin is broken.  This can lead to a bacterial skin infection and permanent scarring of the skin.

Treatment of Itchy Skin Rash

There are a few options when it comes to the way you treat an itchy skin rash.  First, medications may be helpful.  These medications may include oral antihistamines for hives and allergies as well as corticosteroid creams for itching due to skin inflammation.  Second, wet dressings may be helpful.  This includes applying cream that is medicated to the affected areas with a damp cotton material soaked in solution and then applied to the skin.  The moisture can help the skin absorb the medicated cream.  It is also important that if there is an underlying disease that it is treated.  If there is an internal disease, such as thyroid disease, kidney disease, iron deficiency or others, resolving the condition may lead to a resolution of the itch symptoms.  Phototherapy is another possible option.  It involves having the skin exposed to wavelengths of ultraviolet light.  This is a treatment that will require multiple sessions in order to get the itching under control.