What should you know about sudden itchy skin?

Dry air, hot showers, sweating, or a new cleanser can disrupt the skin barrier and cause itching before much is visible. Contact Dermatitis may appear where a product or material touched the skin. Atopic Dermatitis and Psoriasis can flare with dry, inflamed or scaly patches. Scabies often causes intense night-time itch, while a fungal or yeast problem may affect warm, moist areas. Hives produce raised areas that may move or fade. A new medicine can also trigger a widespread eruption.

Take shorter lukewarm showers, use a gentle fragrance-free cleanser only where needed, and apply a plain moisturiser soon after drying. Keep the room cool, wear soft loose clothing, and use a cool cloth instead of scratching. Review recent changes in medicines, supplements, detergents, cosmetics, and travel. Do not stop an essential prescribed medicine without advice, but contact the prescriber promptly if itching began after it. Record whether a rash appears and where it spreads.

Emergency help is needed for trouble breathing, swelling of the lips or tongue, faintness, or difficulty swallowing. Seek prompt assessment for fever, yellowing skin or eyes, dark urine, severe weakness, widespread blistering, peeling, or painful skin. Arrange a medical review when itching is severe, affects sleep, covers much of the body, keeps returning, or continues without a clear skin trigger.

Is my skin barrier irritated, or is there a visible condition to treat? Could a medicine or supplement be contributing? Should I check for Scabies, yeast, or another infection? Which moisturiser or anti-itch treatment fits my health history?