Itch

Itch is a symptom that can be caused by a large number of conditions. For example, skin disorders such as eczema and illnesses such as jaundice can cause itch. If no cause is obvious, some people may have tests to see if there is an underlying cause of their itch. However, in many people no cause is found. This article deals only with itch that is not due to any underlying skin or medical condition. This is called itch of unknown cause. However, in this condition the skin may be 'dryer' than average which may contribute to the itch.

Itch of unknown cause is most common in older people whose skin tends to be dryer than younger people. Itch tends to be worse at night and may be made worse by bathing. Any part of the skin may be affected.

What are the treatments for itch?

• Keep the nails short to limit any damage done to the skin by scratching. As much as possible try not to scratch. It is thought that scratching can make itch worse and an 'itch- scratch' cycle may develop with regular scratching.
• Keep cool as much as possible.
• Avoid irritants such as soaps, bubble bath, detergents and any other things that seem to irritate. For example, woollen clothes. Cotton clothes are usually preferable.
• Dry skin may be making the itch worse. Moisturisers (Emollients) may be very important to keep the skin supple and moist. They can be applied once a day or several times a day if skin becomes very dry. Water and soap dry out the skin as they wash away the natural skin oils. Therefore, the most important time to use moisturisers is after a bath or shower. Moisturisers work by providing a replacement for these body oils and keeping the skin moist. Numerous moisturisers are available as creams, ointments and bath/shower additives. It may be worth trying out a few to see which is the most suitable.
• Antihistamine medication is sometimes tried. Antihistamines are useful for some skin conditions that cause itch such as urticaria. A trial of medication may be worth a try. However, they do not help with all types of itch. For itch of 'unknown cause' they may have little effect. Some antihistamines also tend to make you drowsy. These type of antihistamines may be worth trying at bedtime if itch is troublesome at night.

The amount of discomfort from itch can vary from person to person and from time to time in the same person. A referral to a skin specialist may be advised if the problem persists or is severe.