Itchy skin is not usually a sign of anything serious. You can often treat it yourself and it will usually go away after a few weeks.
How to treat itchy skin yourself
Sometimes, itching is simply caused by dry, cracked or irritated skin. There are some simple things you can do to help ease the itching.
These things may also help stop itchy skin returning and avoid skin damage from scratching.
Do:
- pat or tap the skin instead of scratching it
- hold something cool on the skin, like a damp towel
- have cool or warm baths or showers
- use an unperfumed moisturiser or emollient regularly
- keep your nails clean, short and smooth
- wear loose cotton clothing
- use a laundry liquid or powder that's for sensitive skin
Don't:
- do not wear tight clothes, or clothes made from wool or some synthetic fabrics
- do not spend a long time in the bath or shower
- do not use perfumed soaps, deodorants or moisturisers
A pharmacist can help with itchy skin
A pharmacist can recommend the best products to help with itchy skin. For example, medicines called antihistamine may help with some causes of itching.
They can also recommend lotions and creams, such as menthol creams that help by cooling the skin.
Tell the pharmacist where your skin is itchy and if you have any other symptoms.
They might also be able to tell you:
- what you can do to treat it yourself
- if you need to see a GP
Find a pharmacy
See a GP if your itchy skin:
- is affecting your daily life
- does not get better with self-care or it keeps coming back
- is caused by a new rash, lump or swelling that you're worried about
- is all over your body
- is severe
- happens during pregnancy
Treatment from a GP
A GP might prescribe creams, lotions or tablets depending on what's causing the itching.
They will look at your skin and ask about your symptoms.
The GP might arrange a blood test, which may help find the cause of your itchy skin.
A GP may also refer you to see a doctor who specialises in skin problems (dermatologist).
Causes of itchy skin
Itchy skin has many possible causes. If you have other symptoms (such as a rash or swelling) this might help to find the cause.
But do not try to diagnose yourself. See a GP if you're worried.
Possible causes and common skin conditions
Itchy skin is common during pregnancy.
It’s usually nothing to worry about but it’s important to check with a GP or midwife because it can sometimes be caused by a liver condition called intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP).
Itchy skin is also common after the menopause. It usually gets better over time.
Less commonly, itchy skin can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as thyroid, liver or kidney problems.