Hay fever and itching all over

Look for a timing pattern: symptoms that appear with pollen exposure and ease away from it may support hay fever, while hives, a new product, or a recently started medicine suggest another trigger. Persistent itching without a rash can also need medical review. Itching can occur with Hodgkin lymphoma, but itching alone does not diagnose it. Local genital itching has different possible causes, including vulvar cancer, and should be examined if persistent.

Reduce exposure by keeping windows closed during high-pollen periods, washing your face and changing clothes after being outdoors, and using a fragrance-free moisturiser for dry skin. A pharmacist can advise about an antihistamine or nasal treatment, taking your age, pregnancy, other medicines, and health conditions into account. Avoid scratching, which can damage skin and invite infection.

Get emergency help for swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, wheezing, trouble breathing, dizziness, or fainting. Arrange prompt medical advice for rapidly spreading hives, blistering or peeling skin, fever, yellowing of the skin, or itching that persists without a clear trigger. Persistent vulvar itching, bleeding, soreness, or a skin change also needs examination.

Ask whether the pattern fits hay fever, whether a medicine or contact trigger is possible, and whether your skin needs examination or tests. Mention any rash, swelling, new products, travel, medicines, and symptoms affecting the eyes, breathing, or genital area.