Itching is often caused by dry skin or allergies, but persistent itching, especially when the skin looks normal, may be linked to an illness inside the body.
Insect bites, dry weather, cosmetics or unfamiliar chemicals can all cause itching, which usually goes away once the trigger is avoided. Itching that lasts, keeps coming back or keeps you awake at night should not be taken lightly, though, because it may stem from a skin disease, an internal illness, or a nerve or psychological problem.
When itching comes with skin changes
This is the most common group, where you can clearly see red rashes, dry scaly patches or scratch marks on the skin.
- Atopic dermatitis (eczema): a chronic, very itchy condition. The more you scratch, the thicker and darker the skin becomes, creating a vicious cycle: itching, scratching, damaged skin, then even more itching.
- Psoriasis: red patches of skin covered with silvery-white scales; the disease is long-lasting, flares up in episodes, and the degree of itching varies from person to person.
- Hives: itchy swollen bumps or welts that appear suddenly and fade quickly but easily come back.
- Other causes: fungal skin infections, scabies, contact dermatitis from detergents, cosmetics or skin creams, and some other skin diseases.
Itching when the skin looks normal
Some people itch all over, yet their skin shows almost nothing unusual. In that case, the doctor will consider causes affecting the whole body:
- Chronic kidney disease, especially severe kidney failure or dialysis, can cause long-lasting itching. The mechanism is quite complex, involving disturbed metabolism, inflammation and nerve changes, not simply "toxins building up".
- Liver disease and blocked bile flow (cholestasis) often cause itching without an initial skin rash; the itching tends to be worse at night and concentrated on the palms and soles.
- Thyroid disease and diabetes can also come with itching. However, itching alone is not enough to diagnose these conditions; other symptoms and laboratory tests ordered by a doctor are needed.
- Iron deficiency, some blood disorders and malignant diseases, including lymphoma, can cause long-lasting itching all over the body. Even so, itching alone does not mean you have cancer.
Nerves, the mind and pregnancy
Nerve damage can also cause itching in one fixed area, for example after shingles, even when the skin has already healed. Long-term stress can make itching feel stronger or make you scratch more, but psychological causes are usually only considered after the doctor has ruled out skin, internal and nerve diseases.
Pregnant women may itch because the skin is stretched or dry, or because of certain skin conditions specific to pregnancy. One condition to watch for is intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: persistent itching of the hands and feet that gets worse at night, usually without a rash. This condition can affect the baby, so expectant mothers with unusual itching should see a doctor to have the necessary tests done.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor when itching is persistent, keeps coming back or keeps you awake, especially itching all over the body with no clear cause. Go sooner if the itching comes with:
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes, or dark urine.
- Long-lasting fatigue, swelling or changes in urination.
- A persistent fever, weight loss without dieting, night sweats or swollen lymph nodes.
- Itching of the palms and soles without a rash during pregnancy.
During the visit, the doctor will ask when the itching started, where it is, and what makes it better or worse, examine your skin carefully, and ask about the medicines you are taking and any underlying conditions. Depending on the person, a complete blood count, liver, kidney and thyroid function tests or other laboratory tests may be needed.
While waiting to see a doctor, avoid very hot showers, choose a gentle body wash, moisturize regularly and try not to scratch hard so the skin does not break and get infected. Do not use anti-itch medicine on your own for a long time before the cause is known, as the underlying disease may be missed.
Trusted clinic for persistent itchy skin in Ho Chi Minh City
Ky Hoa Medical Center has nearly 20 years of experience in medical care in Ho Chi Minh City, with a team of highly qualified doctors and a careful, transparent way of working. For persistent itchy skin, our Dermatology and Internal Medicine specialists take time to listen, examine carefully and explain clearly so that you fully understand your condition, then agree together on a treatment and follow-up plan.
Laboratory tests is performed on site, so you can complete check-ups in one place, which makes follow-up visits easier.
The center operates under Operating License No. 00449/HCM-GPHĐ, with a list of medical techniques approved by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health (Decision 471/QĐ-SYT), and is a primary care facility contracted with Ho Chi Minh City Social Security, accepting health insurance (BHYT) visits on Saturdays as well. The practising certificates of our 24 doctors are published on our Doctors page.
If you have had itching for a long time with no clear cause, simply walk in during opening hours and take a queue number at Ky Hoa Medical Center. A doctor in Dermatology, Internal Medicine or Obstetrics & Gynecology will examine you and order suitable laboratory tests to find the cause.
Ky Hoa Medical Center
Address: 266A - 268 3 Thang 2 Street, Hoa Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 6:30 - 11:30 and 13:00 - 17:00 (closed on Sunday)
Hotline: 028.3868.1097
Source: Suc Khoe & Doi Song (Health & Life) newspaper