About Itchy Skin
Itching can be localized (limited to one area of the body) or generalized (in which itching occurs all over the body or in several different areas). Itches can occur with or without skin lesions (e.g., bumps or blisters). An itch that is accompanied by lesions usually should be evaluated by a physician and, in some cases, by a dermatologist since the problem is likely to be a condition that requires specialized medical treatment (e.g., eczema, scabies, etc). This article is limited to itch that is not associated with skin lesions.

What causes itchy skin?
Many things can make your skin itch. Dry skin, eczema, and hives can cause itching all over your body. Contact dermatitis is another cause of all-over itching. You can get this condition after your skin comes in contact with something that irritates it, such as strong laundry soap or a chemical-filled body lotion. You might feel itchy in only a few parts of your body. Common causes of this kind of itching include insect bites, infections like ringworm or jock itch, and allergies to plants or to the metals in costume jewelry. Most causes of itchy skin have specific treatments.

Psycho-neuro-physio-logical
The psychoneurophysiological aspects of itching are complex and poorly understood. There has been research that suggests that if you believe your skin is itching, then it will. Try to think like Neo on the hit movie, The Matrix: “There is no spoon.”

Probably the most common cause of itching is psychological – for reasons such as stress, anxiety, etc.  Stress also can aggravate itch from other causes. Dry skin is another frequent cause of itch. Other causes include metabolic and endocrine disorders (e.g., liver or kidney disease, hyperthyroidism), cancers (e.g., lymphoma), pregnancy, reactions to drugs, infestations of the skin (e.g., body lice), and diseases of the blood (e.g., polycythemia vera). Most people who itch, however, do not have a serious underlying condition. Itching usually prompts scratching, which can sometimes lead to a vicious itch-scratch cycle. Scratching can initially feel so satisfying - but prolonged scratching just leaves you with irritated skin that can still itch! Since scratching provides only temporary relief and doesn't promote healing of the underlying problem, it is best to avoid scratching if at all possible. If scratching breaks open the skin, bacterial infection can set in. And if scratching continues for many months or years, the area that is scratched may develop thickened skin (lichenification) or pigmentation that darkens the area. The best way to allow irritated skin to heal is to stop scratching it. However, will-power often is not enough since the urge to itch can be compelling.

How can I keep my skin from getting dry?
Dry air can cause your skin to become dry and itchy. In your home, use a humidifier to put moisture in the air during the winter and in dry weather. Some soaps can cause your skin to feel itchy. It's good to use a soap that is unscented and hypoallergenic such as offered on our site. We recommend using soap that does not contain dyes or perfumes that can irritate your skin. In addition, you can use a mild, unscented, hypoallergenic laundry detergent, avoid fabric softeners, and try using an extra rinse cycle to keep your clothes and bed sheets from making your skin itch. Choose clothing made of soft fabrics like cotton or silk. Avoid wearing clothing made of rough wool, which can irritate your skin and make it itch.

When should the doctor be consulted for itchy skin?
If home treatment isn't helping, or you notice that scratching is affecting the skin being scratched (infection, lichenification, or pigmentation), or the itch is disturbing your sleep, you should consult a doctor to ascertain why you're itching (sometimes, the problem is more than skin deep).  

You should take your child to a doctor for a diagnosis if the anal itching is accompanied by weight loss, diminished appetite or constant stomach upset. These could be signs of a more serious problem. You'll also need to check with a physician if there's a raw, oozing rash or if there are other symptoms of infection such as fever or nausea.

Pinworms, yeast infections and hemorrhoids are other causes of anal itching that may require a doctor's attention. The doctor can prescribe medication that will reduce the itching and speed your child's recovery from these conditions.