#REASONS FOR WHOLE BODY ITCHING SKIN#

“Problems with the liver or kidneys will cause an accumulation of certain toxins in the system which can then cause itching, too,” he says.Īnd while far less common than dry skin and bug bites, itchy skin without a rash can sometimes be a sign of certain types of cancer (just note that this is very rare).

Numerous conditions including stroke, diabetes, and shingles can cause itchy skin without a rash in sight. While rare, itching without a rash can signal problems with your nervous system, says Dr.

It could be the result of an underlying health condition. As ICP can come with health risks, contact your doc for the proper diagnosis and treatment, which may include itch-relief meds like ursodiol. Typically, itching begins during your third trimester, in the palms of your hands and soles of your feet, but it can also spread up through your torso. But severe itching without rash is also the main indicator of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), the most common liver condition pregnant moms encounter, per the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Sometimes, itchy skin can arise during pregnancy thanks to your ever-stretching belly (bet you can guess the fix: moisturize!). To ease your itch, avoid harsh soaps and moisturize regularly, per the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). In particular, falling estrogen levels during menopause can thin and dry out your skin, resulting in itching without a rash. “Any time your body changes and fluctuates hormonally, it could affect the skin, making it drier or more sensitive,” says Dr. Even more: Dermatologists often see more rashless itching in patients who are dealing with stress, anxiety, and depression, says Dr. Nearly a third of skin conditions are impacted by your mental health, including itchy skin, per a study published last year. For example, prescription pain relievers like opioids, some blood pressure medications, and certain cancer medications can cause itchy skin, research shows. It could be a side effect of certain medications.Ĭertain medications can trigger itching without rash as a side effect or due to funky interactions with other medications you’re taking, says Dr. Case in point: Tell-tale bed bug bites become slightly swollen and red, but may not pop up for two weeks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Īntiseptic creams or lotions and over-the-counter antihistamines like Benadryl can help dull your itch, but it’s always best to know what’s going on first (read: Call the doc!). Lice, fleas, bed bugs, and scabies may cause relentless itching without a rash, especially early on. But other bug bites aren’t so visible to the human eye, says Dr. Bug bites could be the culprit.Ĭommon offenders like mosquitos often come with easy-to-ID itchy red bumps. The, you can soothe the skin with a moisturizing lotion, like this one from CeraVe. Stopping the itch starts with, well, reducing your exposure to whatever’s pulling moisture from your skin. Yep, pretty much anything can cause dry skin, so think about what you’ve been up to. Also known as xerosis, dry skin can worsen (and start to flake, scale, and itch) due to peeling sunburn, dry climates, a drop in humidity, overuse of soap (which sucks out your skin’s natural oils), chlorine in pools, prolonged exposure to water in general, and aging (as your skin becomes thinner). Charles, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. “The number one reason why people itch is simply dry skin,” says Alix J. $12 at Amazon $14 at Walmart $14 at Ulta Beauty

Reasons for whole body itching