For most people, taking antihistamines along with treatment for their thyroid issues can help relieve itching. This type of itching is related to the nerves, which in turn is caused by damage to the central or peripheral sensory neurons (2). The New England Journal of Medicine. If you are undergoing cancer treatment, it’s important to bring up any itchiness you may have with your doctor. Here are 11 possible causes of itchy skin without a rash. Pinched nerves can’t function properly, so they often cause random sensations of pain, numbness, weakness, and in some cases itchiness without a rash. This article breaks down some common claims. If this is you, you should alert your doctor right away as … Recommended for You. When it comes to exfoliating sensitive skin, less is more. Itching After a Shower: Why It Happens and How to Treat It, Red Light, Greenwash: 6 Faux Eco-Friendly Beauty Products to Avoid — And What to Look for Instead, The 20 Best Organic Exfoliators for Sensitive Skin, Is Sleeping in a Bra Bad for You? Itchy skin can occur without any other noticeable changes on the skin. In rare cases, itchy skin can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as thyroid, liver or kidney problems. 2013;368:1625. Treating Dry, Itchy Skin If dry skin has left you with small, itchy areas on your body, an over-the-counter anti-itch cream or ointment containing 1% hydrocortisone may offer some relief. Schedule your appointment now for safe in-person care. I eventually found - by accident - that taking a little raw olive oil calmed my skin enough to cope with the ppi. If you take a statin and you’re experiencing this symptom, talk to your doctor about adjusting your dose or trying a new medication. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. It causes burning, pain, tingling, numbness, and itching. The system breaks down food, extracts nutrients…. Itchiness with other cancer treatments may be a sign of an allergy to a specific drug. Cosmetic applications. Dry skin is a common cause of itchy skin without a rash. Lasts more than two weeks and doesn't improve with self-care measures, Is severe and distracts you from your daily routines or prevents you from sleeping, Comes on suddenly and can't be easily explained, Is accompanied by other signs and symptoms, such as weight loss, fever or night sweats. Breaking this itch-scratch cycle can be difficult. This type of itchiness usually goes away on its own. While rare, sometimes itchy skin … A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in skin disorders.They may be able to help get to the bottom of what’s causing your itchiness by taking a skin biopsy, asking more questions, and visually examining your skin. It may also be necessary to see a doctor who specializes in internal medicine (internist) to be evaluated for other diseases. Wear lightweight clothing to avoid aggravating itchy skin, as tight clothing may cause sweating that makes itching worse. The experimental skin tests appeared to be helpful in identifying the cause of their allergic reactions, especially when the PPI was the cause. Add a humidifier to your house to help keep indoor air moist. Dry skin is a common cause of itchy skin without a rash. What you should know. In most cases, dry skin is mild. Dry skin. Many other medications may cause pruritus by damaging organs and body systems. See your doctor or a skin disease specialist (dermatologist) if the itching: If the condition persists for three months despite treatment, see a dermatologist to be evaluated for skin disease. Keep reading for what clean, natural exfoliators are best for sensitive skin. dark patches of skin around the armpits, breasts, or neck; Although there is no cure for PCOS, a doctor can recommend lifestyle changes, such as exercising more and eating a … Itchy skin, also called pruritus, is a common condition that causes you to want to scratch yourself to relieve some of the itchiness. Itchiness with or without a rash is a common symptom in people with HIV. MayoClinic.com reports that itchy skin … Specifically, liver problems can cause cholestasis, an interruption in the body’s flow of bile. The pancreas is an important part of the body’s digestive system. James WD, et al. Proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, are pharmaceutical drugs that limit the amount of stomach acid your body produces. Apply hypoallergenic and unscented moisturizers to your skin regularly (at least once a day). On vulvar skin, the most common symptoms are soreness, burning, and rawness. In: Treatments for Skin of Color. Kermott CA, et al., eds. Oral challenges using the culprit PPI resulted in symptoms of an allergic reaction when the skin … Itchy skin, also known as pruritus, is an irritating and uncontrollable sensation that makes you want to scratch to relieve the feeling. They may also recommend blood tests, a urine sample, and X-rays, or other imaging tests. Elsevier; 2011. Many types of medication can cause itchiness on some or all parts the body without being accompanied by a rash. Internal diseases. Itchy skin without a rash is common in people with kidney disease, especially if it’s left untreated. Dry skin. Fazio SB, et al. According to experts, the same types of nerve disorders that cause pain in the body may also cause itching without a rash. The Facts About Bunions. Tests of thyroid, liver and kidney function. 2. 2. My husband has had an awful skin condition for six months. Long-term relief requires identifying and treating the cause of itchy skin. For this type, you may notice a rash, bumps, or other kind of visible skin irritation. If you have diabetes, you can help relieve itching by keeping your blood sugar in target range as much as possible. In these cases, an underlying condition could be the cause. Take a lukewarm or cold bath with Epsom salt, baking soda, or colloidal oatmeal to help soothe itchy skin. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to see a board … Prolonged itching and scratching can increase the intensity of the itch, possibly leading to skin injury, infection and scarring. It can result from environmental conditions, such as low humidity and hot or cold weather, and practices that can decrease moisture in the skin, such as bathing in hot water. Yosipovitch G, et al. It’s important to talk to your doctor if you’re concerned. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Avoid allergens and skin irritants. It can also be brought on by certain skin conditions, such as eczema. Treating the underlying cause of your pinched nerve through physical therapy, surgery, or lifestyle changes can help relieve pressure on your pinched nerve, and any itchiness that results. Last medically reviewed on April 25, 2019, For some people, hitting the shower brings with it an uncomfortable side effect: pesky, persistent itching. In some people, phototherapy (exposing the skin to light) may also help reduce itchiness. Itchy skin without a rash is a side effect of niacin that can be eased by taking aspirin beforehand. It … In most areas of the body, lichen planus causes itchy purple bumps sometimes streaked with white. In: Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. After facing demanding bosses, traffic, and other aggravations, most people cant wait to get home and relax. This content does not have an English version. See a doctor about your itchiness without a rash if it: You can connect to a dermatologist in your area using the Healthline FindCare tool. This skin condition, believed to result from an overactive immune system, can affect the vulva, the vagina, the inside of the mouth, and other skin surfaces. Dry skin, or xerosis, is a … Pruritus is another name for itchy skin. While there’s no cure for shingles, taking antiviral drugs can help your itchiness and other symptoms clear up more quickly. Got red, itchy, patchy skin? It's common in older adults, as skin tends to become drier with age. Experimental skin testing, including both prick and intradermal methods, has been performed using PPIs A small study included nine participants who had a definite history of immediate reactions due to PPIs. Depending on the cause of your itchiness, your skin may appear normal, red, rough or bumpy. It helps protect from UV rays and gives skin its color. Causes of more severe cases of dry skin are often genetic and must be treated by a dermatologist. Treating any skin conditions and taking sedating antihistamines may also reduce itching. It goes away overnight. Apply moisturizer or cooling creams after you bathe and throughout the day. It began about two months after he started taking omeprazole for heartburn. Read on to find out what the doctors say. Powdered vitamin C is thought to be more stable than other forms of vitamin C. Here’s how it works and when you may want to use it. Withdrawal from PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) can lead to severe rebound acid secretion, a complication that can force users to become dependent on them - … These include: Diabetes makes it more difficult for the body to produce insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. Take an OTC allergy medication containing antihistamines (but note that these drugs may cause drowsiness). Iron deficiency anemia can be treated by taking iron supplements and eating more iron-rich foods. Many cases of itchy skin go away on their own without treatment. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Itchy, dry skin can be caused by hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid.Since itchy, dry skin alone isn’t typically an indication of a thyroid problem, look for other common symptoms including: It’s caused by prolonged levels of high blood sugar in the body, which lead to complications, such as kidney disease and nerve damage. Itchy skin that is severe or lasts more than six weeks (chronic pruritus) can affect the quality of your life. Something else is going on, and your body is trying to let you know. While experts aren’t exactly sure why mental health disorders cause itching, they believe it’s linked to an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. Usually this itching resolves with treatment for your cancer, such as chemotherapy. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Make a donation. This can happen when a medication is prescribed or used incorrectly. Mayo Clinic; 2020. 3. How Ticks Make You Sick. This may lead to jaundice, which has the following symptoms: Pruritus is less common in people with alcohol-induced liver diseases and more common in people with autoimmune liver diseases, or in cases of hepatitis. It's also … Also known as pruritus (proo-RIE-tus), itchy skin is often caused by dry skin. Repeated scratching can cause raised thick areas of skin that might bleed or become infected. 4. Intravenous iron may cause even more itchiness, but this side effect is uncommon in most people. Omeprazole, like other proton-pump inhibitors, blocks the enzyme in the wall of the stomach that produces acid. Systemic mastocytosis can lead to itchy skin, headaches, and more. Examples of PPIs include Prilosec, Prevacid, Aciphex, Protonix, Nexium, and Zegarid. Learn the symptoms and your treatment…. Avoid scratching your skin. It’s common in: Itchy skin without a rash is a less-common symptom of iron deficiency anemia. PPI’s are considered remarkably safe and anaphylactic reactions are rarely reported, but PPI’s can cause hypersensitivity reactions Mota et al. Common complications causing itchiness in people living with HIV include: In some cases, HIV drugs may also cause itchiness. Though experts aren’t sure exactly why this happens, it could be that some cancers cause itchy skin as a reaction to substances inside of tumors. The circumstances of drug intake, particularly in combination with other drugs more prone to induce … I had severe itching with each PPI that I tried and antihistamine didn't help either. All rights reserved. A complete blood count can provide evidence of an internal condition causing your itch, such as iron deficiency. Sticking to your treatment plan is the best way to prevent itchy skin caused by liver disease. Sometimes nerves become pinched or compressed due to injuries, osteoporosis, or excess weight that shifts bones or muscles directly onto a nerve. Medications with a risk of pruritus include: The thyroid is an important type of organ called a gland. This can lead to conditions that can cause itchy skin without a rash. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. Certain mental health issues may cause itchy skin without a rash. Blood test. A small number of women may develop a rash as a side effect of omperazole, Ravella says. 8 diseases you can catch from ticks. Brush Your Dog Regularly. Mayo Clinic facts about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Our COVID-19 patient and visitor guidelines, plus trusted health information, Mayo Clinic Health System patient vaccination updates, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, FREE book offer — Mayo Clinic Health Letter, Time running out - 40% off Online Mayo Clinic Diet ends soon. When skin loses moisture, it can become itchy. It's a simple and easy trick that's very effective for dog itchy skin. Gibson LE (expert opinion). I don't believe it's a heat rash because I don't have any bumpy rashes, just redness and itchiness. When I read in your newsletter that PPIs like omeprazole can trigger an autoimmune rash, I almost fell out of bed. And the more it itches, the more you scratch. Cool, humid air can decrease skin dryness and itching. To resolve itching, it’s important to treat the underlying mental health issue with talk therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Itchy skin can affect small areas, such as the scalp, an arm or a leg, or the whole body. Melanin is produced in your skin and has many benefits. Pruritis: Etiology and patient evaluation. Common side effects are headache, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, intestinal gas, fever, nausea, and rash. Anxiety and depression are often linked to random pain and itching without a rash, while those with psychosis and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) may imagine reasons for why their skin is itching. To reduce itchiness, it’s important to adhere to an HIV treatment plan. Skin conditions. Accessed Sept. 30, 2020. It may also cause a serious skin reaction called acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), characterized by fever and a severe rash. This gland is located in your neck. However, it may occur due to the lack of iron in your blood, which takes a toll on your skin. James WD, et al. They’ll give you a physical exam and ask questions about the history of your itching. The liver is also important for filtering blood in the body. Poison ivy rash. Proton pumps are the enzymes that are responsible for secreting stomach acid. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Treatment of itchiness usually includes stopping use of the drug and replacing it with something else, or trying a lower dose. In some cases this can be the result of the itchy skin, and sometimes the person will also have neuropathic pain. Proton pump inhibitors rank among the top 10 prescribed classes of drugs and are commonly used to treat acid reflux, indigestion, and peptic ulcers. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Covering up itchy areas, wearing gloves at night, and trimming your nails short can help you avoid worsening the itching and prevent possible infection from scratching. Itchy skin condition. Having a thyroid disorder may cause itching without any rash. Iron deficiency anemia is the name for the condition that occurs when a person’s body lacks enough iron to stay healthy. For example, you’d see a neurologist (nerve specialist) for a nerve disorder, a psychologist or psychiatrist for a mental health condition, an oncologist (cancer doctor) for cancer, and so on. Use a cool mist humidifier to moisten the air in your home and maintain a cool temperature. Stopping use of a medication that causes itchiness can quickly resolve the issue in most people. prurigo gestationis – a skin rash that appears as red, itchy dots and mainly affects the arms, legs and torso. It usually starts flaring up when I've been out in the sun and/or when it's hot. What causes them, and what you can do about them. This itchiness most often occurs on the legs and chest. If your doctor is unable to identify any underlying medical issues that could be a cause, they may refer you to a dermatologist. obstetric cholestasis – a rare disorder that affects the liver during pregnancy and causes itching without a rash. Or it may be associated with: Sometimes itchiness lasts a long time and can be intense. This happens because kidney disease can cause: Sticking to your treatment plan with dialysis and any medications is the best way to reduce itching. Tracking down the cause of your itch can take time and involve a physical exam and questions about your medical history. Mayo Clinic. However, sometimes skin may itch without a rash. Share on Pinterest. The kidneys work as filters for your blood, removing waste and water to produce urine. All rights reserved. While many of these causes, such as allergens, eczema and psoriasis, are fairly benign, other causes of itchy skin can be quite serious. The results of these tests can help your doctor try to understand if there’s an underlying health condition causing your itchy skin. 13th ed. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. However, in some cases itchy skin may occur without any visible signs. Like those with liver disease, people with pancreatic cancer and other pancreas issues may experience itchy skin caused by cholestasis and jaundice. In these cases, itchy skin can be treated and prevented with regular use of a moisturizer and a humidifier during drier times of the year. Often it occurs along with a rash and has a clear cause, such as an insect bite or sting, or a sunburn. Pruritoceptive itching. Some experts also recommend taking cholestyramine (Questran), colesevelam (Welchol), or rifampicin (Rifadin) to also help ease symptoms. Itchy skin is a common issue that’s not usually a cause for concern. Although it is sometimes used to manage itching, hydroxyzine may cause itching in some people. These include liver disease, kidney failure, iron deficiency anemia, thyroid problems and certain cancers, including multiple myeloma and lymphoma. Once you take the drug, the active component binds to proton pumps in the stomach. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. I did some in depth thinking and digging around at the time and had these thoughts:- Statins may cause liver damage in some people, resulting in organ stress that leads to an itching sensation on the skin. Chronic pruritis. It releases hormones that regulate your growth and metabolism. Taylor, SC. Both medical treatment for your condition and home remedies can help ease your itching. In severe cases, iron can be given intravenously. Shingles is a viral disease affecting the body’s nervous system. © 1998-2021 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). It could be something as simple as dry skin or as serious as cancer. Most are caused by a skin irritation of some kind.