What should you know about body itching?

Itching can occur with dry, cracked skin such as asteatotic eczema, or with atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis. Thick or scaly areas may fit psoriasis or lichen planus. Moist skin folds can support a skin yeast infection, while intense itching that is worse at night and affects close contacts can suggest scabies. Hives can cause itchy raised welts that move or fade. Some people itch with little visible change, so a clinician may also review medicines and general health.

Record where the itch began, whether it is worse at night, what the skin looks like, and any new soaps, detergents, fabrics, pets or travel. That detail can separate irritation from an infection or infestation and helps guide the examination.

Use lukewarm water, a fragrance-free cleanser and a plain moisturiser soon after washing. Keep nails short, press or cool an itchy area instead of scratching, and choose loose cotton clothing. Stop newly introduced fragranced products if they may be irritating, but do not stop a prescribed medicine without advice. Avoid sharing towels or bedding if scabies or a contagious rash is possible, and seek assessment before using steroid or antifungal products on an uncertain rash.

Arrange medical care when itching is widespread, persistent, disturbing sleep, associated with a new rash, or affecting other household members. Seek urgent help for swelling of the lips or tongue, breathing difficulty, faintness, rapidly spreading blisters, skin peeling, fever with a severe rash, or yellowing of the skin or eyes. Scratched skin that becomes hot, painful, swollen or draining may need prompt treatment.

Which features of my itch point to dryness, dermatitis, infection or scabies? Do I need an examination or skin test? What products can I use on broken or sensitive skin? Should people I live with be assessed? Which changes mean I should return sooner?