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SkinbySkin libraryRashes and redness

Itchy skin

1 sourceEvery line checked against its source

In short

Itchy skin is not usually a sign of anything serious.

What it is1

  • Sometimes itching is caused by dry, cracked or irritated skin.

    NHS website

Worth knowing1

  • Itchy skin has many possible causes.

    NHS website

What helps2

  • Things that can help: pat or tap your skin instead of scratching it; hold something cool on your skin, like a damp towel; have cool or lukewarm baths or showers; use an fragrance-free moisturizer or emollient regularly; keep your nails clean, short and smooth; wear loose cotton or silk clothing; use a laundry liquid or powder that's for sensitive skin.

    NHS website
  • A pharmacist can tell you what the best products are for itchy skin.

    NHS website

What to avoid1

  • Things to avoid: do not wear tight clothes, or clothes made from wool or synthetic fabrics; do not spend a long time in the bath or shower; do not use fragranced soaps, deodorants or moisturizers.

    NHS website

See a provider if1

  • See a health care provider if itchy skin is affecting your daily life; does not get better with self care or keeps coming back; is caused by a new rash, lump or swelling that you're worried about; is all over your body; is severe; happens during pregnancy.

    NHS website

Sources

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

These pages describe what the sources say. They cannot say what is going on with your skin.

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