Pruritis, the medical term for itchy skin, can arise from a number of causes. If the itching leads to prolonged scratching, the intensity of the itch may increase, resulting in neurodermatitis, which is a condition that causes thickening of the skin. In addition, bacteria can enter the body through severely scratched skin, causing infection and permanent scarring, according to MayoClinic.com. To prevent complications, individuals should consult a doctor to determine the cause of intense itching.
Dry Skin
Dry skin is a common culprit for individuals with sensitive skin that can lead to episodes of intense itching. Exposure to harsh weather conditions, such as hot or cold temperatures with low humidity levels, and indoor heating and air-conditioning can also dry skin. To help combat these effects on the skin, people with chronic dry skin should avoid bathing too much, particularly in hot water, and use suitable moisturizers.
Allergic Reactions
Allergic contact dermatitis results when an individual's skin reacts to a substance or material. Common offenders are clothing, fragrances, perfumes, chemicals, plants, jewelry, cosmetics, or rubber or latex. Typically, symptoms appear following exposure, arising anywhere from 24 to 48 hours later. Intense itching, redness and blisters are common symptoms. To identify the allergen, a dermatologist studies the materials a person encounters and diagnoses the condition by distribution of the rash, though in some cases a patch test is needed, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a common skin disorder, causing the skin cells to build up rapidly and form thick, itchy scales. The symptoms may come and go, and no cures exist for the disease, reports MayoClinic.com. For some people, minor itching and irritation result. In severe cases, however, psoriasis can be disabling, causing widespread outbreaks, cracking and bleeding. In addition, psoriatic arthritis, which causes joint pain and inflammation, could develop.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy causes a number of changes to a woman's skin. Stretch marks, breakouts and varicose veins are common examples. Itching can also occur as the skin stretches and becomes dry. Intense itching, however, may be a symptom of another condition---pruritic urticarial papules and plaques, or PUPP. This condition affects approximately one in 150 pregnant women, causing itchy patches to form on the skin, according to the American Pregnancy Association. After delivery, however, symptoms vanish.
