Generalized itchy skin occurs when you develop an irritating crawling, tingling or burning feeling all over your body that makes you feel the need to scratch your skin. In order to correct the problem and stop the itchiness, you must first identify the cause. There are several conditions that name itchy skin as a symptom.
Causes
There are many possible causes that make your skin itch over your entire body. According to MedlinePlus, some of the most common conditions include allergies or allergic reactions, pregnancy, hepatitis, liver disease, iron deficiency and kidney disease. Itchiness may also be caused by negative reactions to medications, supplements and other substances including antibiotics and opiates.
Effects
Aside from constant itching, you may also notice skin irritation, redness, chafing, bleeding and possibly bumps or hives. Depending upon the cause, you may also have a fever or other symptoms that mimic an allergic reaction. The affected area may have oozing pus, which could cause scabs to form. You may or may not notice thick, scaly patches of skin in the affected area.
Identification
If your itchiness is the result of chickenpox, you may also notice a rash that is red and resembles an insect bite, headache, loss of appetite and fever. The itch from liver disease may be accompanied by passing pale stools, dark urine and easy bleeding. Iron deficiency symptoms may include extreme fatigue, dizziness and an irregular heartbeat.
Prevention/Solution
The prevention and treatment vary depending on the cause of the itching. According to Drugs.com, the most common treatments include rubbing hydrocortisone cream over the areas that are itchy or taking an oral antihistamine that is available over the counter, such as diphenhydramine. A lukewarm bath in an oatmeal soak will provide relief for a while. Use a hypoallergenic moisturizer on your skin regularly and avoid scratching, which will only make the itching worse.
Warning
You should consult your doctor if your itching is severe and unbearable or fails to go away in a few weeks. If your child is having severe itching, take a close look over her body to rule out irritation, dry skin, rashes, insect stings or bites. If none of these explain the itching, see your pediatrician, because itchiness can be a sign of a serious condition.
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