Unexplained itching all over the body at night

Nighttime itching can be amplified by warm bedding, dry skin, sweating, or reduced distraction. Eczema, contact irritation, scabies, medication reactions, and problems affecting the liver, kidneys, thyroid, or blood can also cause widespread itch. A rash may be subtle or absent.

Itching is a common presentation of Hodgkin lymphoma, but itching alone does not identify its cause. Vulvar itching is more localised and may arise from irritation, infection, skin disease, or vulvar cancer. The location, duration, skin findings, medicines, and other symptoms shape the assessment.

Use a fragrance-free moisturiser after bathing, choose lukewarm water, and wear loose cotton clothing. Keep fingernails short and use a cool compress instead of scratching. Review new medicines, soaps, detergents, and supplements with a clinician or pharmacist rather than stopping a prescribed medicine yourself. Arrange an appointment if the itch continues, disrupts sleep, or has no clear trigger.

Seek urgent help for itching with facial swelling, breathing difficulty, faintness, or a rapidly spreading blistering rash. Arrange prompt medical review for unexplained weight loss, drenching night sweats, persistent fever, enlarged lumps, yellowing skin, dark urine, or a new vulvar sore, bleeding, or skin change.

Could my medicines or skin products be contributing? Is there a rash or skin condition to examine? Do I need blood tests for liver, kidney, thyroid, or blood problems? Which changes would make this urgent? Should a dermatologist or another specialist review me?