Itching

This patient information and photographs on Itching is provided by John L. Meisenheimer, M.D. a board certified Dermatologist and skin care specialist based in Orlando, Florida. This information is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice or treatment of a dermatologist or other physician.

Itching is a symptom not a disease. Although on rare occasions it can be a sign of serious internal disease, most frequently it is associated with a variety of benign self limited conditions. The most important point in treating itching is identifying its cause. Some of the more common itchy skin conditions of short duration include:

Dry Skin

Insect Bites

Hives

Contact Dermatitis

Ringworm

Athletes foot

Jock itch

Molluscum

Chicken Pox

Pityriasis Rosea

Some itchy skin conditions that may have a more chronic course:

Psoriasis

Nummular eczema

Atopic Dermatitis

Scabies

Lice

Dermatitis Herpetiformis

Lichen Simplex Chronicus

Pruritus ani

Pruritus vulvae

Lichen Sclerosis et Atrophicus

Many of the above conditions need diagnosis and treatment recommendations from a dermatologist. For some of the benign self limited conditions for relief from itching try Sarna Anti-Itch Lotion or a product with 1% hydrocortisone such as Aloe Cort Cream or Aquanil HC. Be aware though that products containing hydrocortisone may make fungal infections spread.