Itchy skin is an irritating sensation that makes you want to scratch. It's also called pruritus (proo-RIE-tus). Itchy skin is often caused by dry skin and is common in older adults, as skin tends to become drier with age. Depending on the cause of your itchiness, your skin may look no different than usual or it may be inflamed, rough or have bumps.
Diagnosis Diagnosing the cause of itchy skin starts with a physical exam and questions about your medical history. If your health care provider thinks your itchy skin is the result of a medical condition, you might have tests, including: Blood test. A complete blood count can provide evidence of an internal condition causing your itch, such as anemia. Tests of liver and kidney function. Liver ...
Learn about the symptoms, causes and treatments of this itchy skin condition that affects children and adults, and about how moisturizers help prevent it.
Blepharitis causes the eyelids to become swollen, itchy and irritated. The eyelid may look greasy or become crusted with scales that cling to the lashes. People with blepharitis sometimes wake with their eyelids stuck together. Others may wake with dried tears around their eyes and a feeling of sand in their eyes. In this photo, the yellow around the eye is from a yellow dye sometimes used in ...
Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a condition that causes dry, itchy and inflamed skin. It's common in young children but can occur at any age. Atopic dermatitis is long lasting (chronic) and tends to flare sometimes. It can be irritating but it's not contagious. People with atopic dermatitis are at risk of developing food allergies, hay fever and asthma.