Itchy skin is an uncomfortable sensation that makes a person want to scratch and is a very common symptom in daily life. In many cases, mild itching goes away after scratching, so people often tend to ignore it. However, persistent or severe itching may be a warning sign of underlying health problems, not only skin diseases. 

What is itchy skin? 

Itching is a special sensation that triggers the urge to scratch. Through this response, the body may be signaling that something abnormal is affecting the skin or occurring inside the body. Therefore, itching is not simply a skin symptom but may also reflect underlying health conditions. 

Causes of itchy skin 

The skin covers the entire body and acts as a protective barrier while interacting with the external environment. When internal organs experience dysfunction or disease, the skin may manifest symptoms such as itching. The causes of itchy skin are generally classified into four main groups: 

Skin-related causes 

These include dermatological conditions such as atopic dermatitis, eosinophilic folliculitis, prurigo, lichen, and other inflammatory skin diseases. 

Systemic causes (diseases affecting other organs) 

Itching can be associated with various systemic conditions, including: 

  • Liver diseases, especially cholestasis and hepatitis C 
  • Kidney failure 
  • Thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism) 
  • Hematologic disorders such as iron deficiency anemia and polycythemia vera 
  • Hematologic malignancies such as lymphoma (particularly Hodgkin’s disease), leukemia, and multiple myeloma 
  • Internal organ cancers 
  • Parasitic infections 
  • Multiple sclerosis 
  • Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) 
  • Certain psychiatric conditions such as anorexia nervosa 

Neuropathic itching 

This occurs when there is damage to the central or peripheral nervous system, causing persistent itching even when there are no obvious skin lesions. 

Psychogenic itching 

This type of itching is often associated with anxiety, stress, psychological pressure, or delusional parasitosis. The lower legs are commonly affected. 

How can itchy skin affect health? 

Severe itching may occur suddenly and in episodes strong enough to wake a person from sleep. Scratching may temporarily relieve the itch because the sensation of pain replaces the itching sensation. However, repeated scratching can lead to several problems, including: 

  • Skin injury, scratches, or bleeding 
  • Thickened skin (lichenification) in cases of chronic itching 
  • Increased risk of skin infections 
  • Psychological distress and reduced quality of life, which may even lead to depression in severe chronic cases 

When should you seek medical care?  

You should visit a healthcare facility if you experience: 

  • Severe itching that interferes with daily activities or sleep 
  • Itching accompanied by other symptoms such as rash, swelling, difficulty breathing, fatigue, rapid heartbeat, blood pressure changes, dizziness, nausea, or abdominal pain 
  • Recurrent or cyclical itching 
  • Itching lasting longer than one week 
  • Itching with no identifiable cause 

Home care and initial management  

If you cannot visit a healthcare facility immediately, you may consider the following measures: 

  • Avoid or remove suspected irritants or allergens 
  • Limit scratching to prevent skin damage 
  • Antihistamines such as fexofenadine or cetirizine may be used as directed by healthcare professionals 

However, medication may only provide temporary relief. If itching persists or recurs, medical evaluation is necessary to determine the underlying cause. 

Message for the community 

Itchy skin is a common symptom but should not be ignored, especially when it persists, recurs frequently, or is accompanied by other unusual signs. Early medical evaluation can help detect and treat underlying conditions in time, thereby protecting health and improving quality of life. 

At Hoan My Cuu Long Hospital, people can receive consultation and medical examination to identify the causes of itchy skin and receive appropriate treatment and care.