What should you know about itching and cough?

Hives, a raised itchy rash, may appear with an allergy and can accompany cough, throat irritation, wheezing, or swelling. Irritant exposure, such as smoke or a fragranced product, may affect the airways and skin at the same time. A dry skin condition such as Atopic Dermatitis or Contact Dermatitis may explain the itch while a cold, asthma, or reflux explains the cough. Scabies and other contagious skin problems usually do not explain a cough, so the two symptoms may be unrelated.

Note when each symptom began, whether they follow food, medicine, dust, animals, heat, or a new product, and whether a rash is present. Avoid suspected irritants, keep skin moisturised with a bland fragrance-free product, and drink fluids if coughing makes your throat dry. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without advice. A clinician can examine the skin and listen to your chest; testing or treatment depends on the pattern.

Seek emergency help for trouble breathing, wheezing that is rapidly worsening, swelling of the lips or tongue, faintness, or a widespread rash with breathing or swallowing difficulty. Arrange prompt medical assessment for a persistent cough, fever, chest pain, coughing blood, or an itchy rash that is spreading, infected, or preventing sleep. A clinician should also review new symptoms after starting a medicine.

Could the cough and itch have one trigger, or should they be assessed separately? Which medicines, inhalers, or skin products should I avoid while this is investigated? What changes would mean I need urgent care?