Chronic Itching — Causes, Related Conditions & Affordable Treatment

Chronic Itching can be associated with multiple conditions. Consult a healthcare provider to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

Affordable Treatment Options

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About Itching (the broader symptom)

This summary describes Itching, the broader symptom. Chronic Itching is a more specific topic.

What is itching?

Itching is an irritating sensation that makes you want to scratch your skin. Sometimes it can feel like pain, but it is different. Often, you feel itchy in one area in your body, but sometimes you may feel itching all over. Along with the itching, you may also have a rash or hives.

What causes itching?

Itching is a symptom of many health conditions. Some common causes are:

Allergic reactions to food, insect bites, pollen, and medicines

Skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin

Irritating chemicals, cosmetics, and other substances

Parasites such as pinworms, scabies, head and body lice

Pregnancy

Liver, kidney, or thyroid diseases

Certain cancers or cancer treatments

Diseases that can affect the nervous system, such as diabetes and shingles

What are the treatments for itching?

Most itching is not serious. To feel better, you could try:

Applying cold compresses

Using moisturizing lotions

Taking lukewarm or oatmeal baths

Using over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or antihistamines

Avoiding scratching, wearing irritating fabrics, and exposure to high heat and humidity

Contact your health care provider if your itching is severe, does not go away after a few weeks, or does not have an apparent cause. You may need other treatments, such as medicines or light therapy. If you have an underlying disease that is causing the itching, treating that disease may help.

Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus topic page. Topic date: 01/07/2003. MedlinePlus file date: 10/15/2026 02:30:37.

Conditions related to Itching

These conditions are associated with Itching, the broader symptom.

This is not medical advice. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

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Related symptoms

Directory filing for Chronic Itching

In our directory, Chronic Itching is filed under Pain. A filing is a directory label, not a diagnosis.

Other pages filed under Pain that share a word in the page name are listed here. Filing them together does not mean they are the same symptom.

This is not medical advice. Talk with a clinician about what applies to you.

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