Itching, also called pruritis, an annoying tingling sensation that can cause people to continuously scratch at their skin, is extremely uncomfortable, especially when itching occurs all over the body. Itching can be caused by histamine release, opioids and release of seratonin, a neurotransmitter, the Stanford School of Medicine explains. Full body itching often resolves on its own without treatment, but may also indicate serious diseases that need medical evaluation.
Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions and skin sensitivities cause many cases of full body itching. Using new detergent to wash clothes or a new bath soap can lead to all-over itching, often accompanied by a rash, welts, dry skin, flaking skin, reddened areas or blisters, the American Academy of Allergies, Asthma and Immunology states. Serious allergic reactions can cause hives, raised reddened welts that move from one part of the body to another, causing severe itching. Difficulty breathing and facial swelling can also occur with hives.
Avoiding the allergic substance helps avoid itching; treating the itchy areas by taking oatmeal or cornstarch baths, applying calamine lotion or cool cloths and taking oral antihistamines such as diphenhydramine help decrease full body itching caused by allergies. Corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation, may be necessary in severe allergic itching.
Cholestasis of Pregnancy
Cholestasis of pregnancy, a specific type of liver disease that normally disappears after pregnancy, occurs in 1 to 2 percent of women in pregnancy. Women with a history of liver damage, those with a family history of the disease or those carrying more than one baby are more likely to develop cholestasis of pregnancy. Severe full body itching is often the main symptom of cholestasis of pregnancy, although fatigue, appetite loss, light-colored stools, dark urine and jaundice, a yellow tinge to the skin and whites of the eyes, may also occur.
Hepatitis C
Severe itching that can affect the entire body occurs in 20 percent of cases of hepatitis C, the Hepatitis C Support Project reports. Severe itching occurs more often in hepatitis C if the disease is advanced and cirrhosis of the liver develops. Medications such as bile acid binders, neuropathic analgesics and opiate antagonists can help reduce the itching, the same source reports. Smoking also increases itching in hepatitis C. Stopping smoking may reduce the itching. Experimental treatments for itching from hepatitis C include filtering of the blood, a process called plasmapheresis and ultraviolet light therapy. Liver transplant is the only cure for severe itching in hepatitis C.
Member Comments
EDYSNY July 7
I have been dealing with severe full body itching for two months. Went to the allergist they found nothing. Both my regular doctor and allergist mentioned that its a symptom of Lymphoma but recommended I get an ultrasound and more blood work done before I see a Hemotologist and all came back normal. They said its a very low chance for Lymphoma if the blood work came back normal. Liver, gallbladder, lungs all good. Normal cells and electrolytes. Should I still get tested for Lymphoma? Waiting for a call back now. What are some other possibilties?
EDYSNY July 7
Also just to add I am taking Zyrtec which takes away the itching. If it was something serious like cancer can the Zyrtec still work? I would think it could only work for allergies? I take one tablest every 3 days which is when it wears off and I start feeling severe itching all over again.