Itch (Itching): Check Your Symptoms and Signs With the Symptom Checker by MedicineNet.com

Itch Symptoms

Symptom Checker: Symptoms & Signs Index

Medical Author: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

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Symptoms & Signs

Itching is a symptom we have all experienced but cannot easily describe or define. It is a peculiarly uncomfortable skin sensation. That much is certain. It may feel as if something is crawling on (or in) your skin. Itching can be diffuse (generalized) or localized -- all over or confined to a specific spot -- and there are many causes of diffuse and localized itching. Perhaps the best definition of itching is by the response it evokes -- it is a feeling that makes you want to scratch.

Medically, itching is known as pruritus. Something that is itchy is said to be pruritic.

Health concern on your mind? Visit the Symptom Checker.

REFERENCE:

Fauci, Anthony S., et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Professional, 2008.

Main Article on Itch

Itch Itching can be a common problem. Itches can be localized or generalized. There are many causes of itching to include: infection...learn more »
Terms related to Itch:
- Itching
- Itchy
- Pruritic
- Pruritis

Causes of Itch

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- Widely distributed rashes affecting large portions of the skin
- What is the treatment for a rash?
Retinal Detachment Retinal detachment is the separation of the retina from its attachments to the underlying eye tissue. Symptoms of retinal...learn more »
In This Article
Retinal Detachment Article
- What is the retina?
- What is a retinal detachment?
- What are retinal detachment symptoms and signs?
- What are retinal detachment causes and risk factors?
- Which diseases of the eyes predispose to the development of a retinal detachment?
- How does cataract surgery lead to a retinal detachment?
- What other factors are associated with a retinal detachment?
- Why is it mandatory to treat retinal detachments?
- What is the treatment for retinal detachment?
- What are complications of surgery for a retinal detachment, and what is recovery like after retinal detachment surgery?
- What are the results of surgery for a retinal detachment?
- Retinal Detachment At A Glance
Ringworm The term "ringworm" or "ringworms" refers to fungal infections that are on the surface of the skin. A physical examination of...learn more »
In This Article
Ringworm Article
- Ringworm facts
- What does the term ringworm mean?
- Is ringworm contagious?
- What causes ringworm?
- What are the sources of skin fungi?
- What are risk factors for ringworm?
- What types of ringworm are there? What are ringworm symptoms and signs?
- How is ringworm diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for ringworm? Are there home remedies?
- How can ringworm be prevented?
- What is the prognosis (outlook) for ringworm?
Scabies Scabies are itch mites that burrow under the skin and produce intense itching that's usually worse at night. Symptoms of scabies...learn more »
In This Article
Scabies Article
- Scabies facts
- What is scabies? What causes a scabies infestation?
- How do you get scabies?
- Can you catch scabies from a dog or cat?
- What are risk factors for scabies?
- What does a scabies rash look like? What are scabies symptoms and signs?
- What does scabies feel like?
- How is a scabies infestation diagnosed?
- What are treatment options and home remedies for a scabies infestation?
- Are cases of scabies often misdiagnosed?
- What are possible complications of scabies?
- Can a scabies infestation be prevented?
- In what special situations can scabies be more easily spread?
- What is Norwegian or crusted scabies?
- What is the prognosis (outlook) for scabies?
Scalp Psoriasis Scalp psoriasis causes red, raised, scaly patches that may extend from the scalp to the forehead and the back of the neck and...learn more »
In This Article
Scalp Psoriasis Article
- What is scalp psoriasis?
- What is the cause of scalp psoriasis?
- What are scalp psoriasis symptoms and signs?
- How is scalp psoriasis diagnosed?
- What are topical treatments and home remedies for scalp psoriasis?
- What are office treatments for scalp psoriasis?
- What are systemic treatments for psoriasis?
- What is the prognosis of psoriasis? Is there a cure for psoriasis?
- Are there support groups for individuals with psoriasis?
Seborrheic Dermatitis Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition. Symptoms and signs include a red, scaling rash on the scalp, face, ears, and...learn more »
In This Article
Seborrheic Dermatitis Article
- Seborrheic dermatitis facts
- What is seborrheic dermatitis?
- What are risk factors for seborrheic dermatitis?
- What causes seborrheic dermatitis?
- What are seborrheic dermatitis symptoms and signs?
- How is seborrheic dermatitis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for seborrheic dermatitis?
- What are complications of seborrheic dermatitis?
- What is the prognosis of seborrheic dermatitis?
- Can seborrheic dermatitis be prevented?
Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Men (STDs in Men) Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are infections that are transmitted during any type of sexual exposure, including...learn more »
In This Article
Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Men (STDs in Men) Article
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in men facts
- What are STDs and how can their spread be prevented?
- Diseases associated with genital lesions
- Chancroid
- Genital herpes
- Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)
- Syphilis
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Diseases associated with urethritis
- Urethritis
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Systemic STDs
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8)
- Ectoparasitic infections
Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Women (STDs) Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are infections that are transmitted during any type of sexual exposure, including...learn more »
In This Article
Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Women (STDs) Article
- What are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs, formerly referred to as sexually transmitted infections or STIs)?
- Gonorrhea
- Chlamydia
- Syphilis
- Genital Herpes
- Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs) and Genital Warts
- Chancroid
- Ectoparasitic Infections
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Conclusions
Shingles Shingles (herpes zoster) is a skin rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Under certain circumstances, such as...learn more »
In This Article
Shingles Article
- Shingles facts
- What is shingles? What causes shingles?
- What are shingles symptoms and signs? How long does shingles last?
- How long is shingles contagious?
- How is shingles diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for shingles? Should I visit my health care professional?
- What are the complications of shingles?
- What is postherpetic neuralgia?
- Can shingles be prevented with a vaccine?
- What are potential side effects of the shingles vaccine?
- Is shingles dangerous in pregnant women?
Sick Building Syndrome Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) or also referred to as sick building syndrome or environmental illness is the name given by...learn more »
In This Article
Sick Building Syndrome Article
- What is sick building syndrome, or multiple chemical sensitivity?
- Why is sick building syndrome controversial?
- How common is sick building syndrome?
- What causes sick building syndrome?
- How is sick building syndrome diagnosed and treated?
- Sick building syndrome and working with a doctor
Ticks Ticks are known transmitters of disease to humans and animals. Tick-borne diseases include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted...learn more »
In This Article
Ticks Article
- Tick facts
- What are ticks?
- What are tick bite symptoms and signs?
- What diseases do ticks transmit (act as vectors) to humans?
- How is a tick bite diagnosed?
- What are the symptoms and signs of diseases transmitted by ticks?
- What is the treatment for a tick bite?
- How is a tick removed from the skin?
- What is the prognosis (outlook) for people who get a tick bite?
- What are the risk factors for tick bites?
- How are bites from ticks prevented?
- Where can I find more information about ticks?
Vaginitis Vaginitis is any type of vaginal infection or inflammation. The six most common types of vaginitis are Candida (yeast...learn more »
Yeast Infection Yeast vaginitis is a yeast infection of the vagina. Symptoms include itching, burning, soreness, pain during intercourse and...learn more »
In This Article
Yeast Infection Article
- Vaginal yeast infection facts
- What is yeast?
- What is vaginitis?
- What is vulvitis (inflammation of the vulva)?
- Can a man get a yeast infection from a sexual partner?
- What causes vaginal yeast infections?
- What may increase my risk of getting a vaginal yeast infection?
- What are vulvitis and vaginal yeast infection symptoms and signs?
- What about recurrent yeast infections?
- What other vaginal infections have similar symptoms as a yeast infection?
- When should I see a health care professional if I think I have a yeast infection?
- Can I pass a yeast infection to my sexual partner (male or female)?
- How are vaginal yeast infection and vulvitis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for vaginal yeast infection and vulvitis?
- How can a yeast infection be treated if I am pregnant?
- If yeast is commonly present in normal women, who should be treated?