Itching skin is an irritating condition. It may occur with skin that appears normal, or it may be accompanied by visible skin changes such as rashes or bumps. Itching skin has many possible causes, from external problems such as dry skin or bug bites, to internal issues such as kidney failure or liver disease.
Dry Skin
Dry skin most often causes itching skin that isn't accompanied by changes in the skin's appearance, according to MayoClinic.com. Factors that contribute to dry skin include washing skin too much, spending time outside in low humidity during any season and using either central heating or air-conditioning for a long period of time.
Skin Disorders
When itching affects specific areas of the skin and is accompanied by visible signs such as rashes, bumps or blisters, the cause may be some type of skin condition, says MayoClinic.com. Skin disorders that can cause itching include dermatitis, hives, scabies, psoriasis, chickenpox and lice.
Internal Diseases
When itching affects the skin throughout the entire body, yet the skin still looks normal, the cause may be an underlying disease, MayoClinic.com says. Diseases that can cause the skin to itch include kidney failure, liver disease, celiac disease, cancer, anemia and thyroid problems.
Medications
Certain medications can cause skin itching. Such drugs may include narcotic pain medication, antibiotics and antifungal drugs, all of which can cause widespread itching along with rashes, according to MayoClinic.com. Wrong Diagnosis.com cautions that skin itching may signal drug interactions that could be harmful, since medications that are combined in certain ways can cause skin itching as a side effect. The patient's doctor should always be made aware of all medications---both prescription and over-the-counter drugs and supplements---being taken, Wrong Diagnosis.com says.
Allergic Reactions
Some substances can cause particular people's skin to react by itching after coming into contact with them. This can happen with allergies to food, cosmetics or plants such as poison ivy. MayoClinic.com says that people can also be especially sensitive to skin irritation from substances such as soaps, wool and chemicals.
Pregnancy
Pregnant women can suffer from itchy skin, particularly on their abdomen, arms, breasts and thighs, according to MayoClinic.com. Pregnancy also may worsen skin conditions that women already have, such as dermatitis.
