What should you know about sudden itching all over your body?

Itching can result from dry or irritated skin, an allergy, a new medicine, bites, eczema, or another skin condition. It can also occur when an internal condition affects the blood, liver, kidneys, or immune system. Persistent itching is a presentation of Hodgkin lymphoma for some people, and vulvar cancer can cause itching when it affects the vulval skin; itching alone does not establish either diagnosis.

Tell a clinician whether there is a rash, swelling, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, fever, night sweating, unexplained weight change, or a new product or medicine. The distribution and appearance of any rash can help guide assessment.

Arrange medical advice if itching is widespread, lasts beyond a short period, keeps returning, disrupts sleep, or has no clear trigger. Use fragrance-free moisturiser, lukewarm water, and loose clothing; keep nails short to reduce skin damage from scratching. Avoid adding over-the-counter treatments when a medicine reaction is possible without checking with a pharmacist or clinician.

A clinician may inspect the skin, review medicines, and consider blood tests or other checks. Mention itching in the vulval area, any sores, bleeding, skin thickening, or a lump so that the area can be examined appropriately.

Seek emergency help for itching with swelling of the lips or tongue, throat tightness, wheezing, trouble breathing, dizziness, or collapse. Get prompt medical advice for blistering skin, rapidly spreading rash, fever, yellow skin, or severe pain. These features can signal a reaction or illness needing timely treatment.

Ask what causes are being considered, whether a medicine or product could be responsible, and whether you need skin or blood tests. Ask which moisturisers or medicines are suitable for you and which changes should lead to urgent review.