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Customer question:

Why do I have itching and redness all over my body? Could this indicate an allergy or something more serious? There are no other symptoms. Question from an anonymous forum customer

Pharmacist's answer:

Itchy and red skin can be caused by eczema or dermatitis. Less commonly, itching and redness can be caused by more severe conditions, including kidney failure and liver disease. In addition, repeated scratching can cause thick patches of skin that can bleed or become infected.

It is essential to consult a doctor about itching if the cause is unclear. Then, a doctor can find the underlying cause and provide effective treatment and, thus, relief. In addition, several home remedies, such as over-the-counter creams and moisturizers, relieve itching.

Causes of itchy skin include:

• Skin conditions: examples include dry skin (xerosis), eczema (dermatitis), psoriasis, scabies, parasites, burns, fungus, scars, insect bites, and hives.
• Internal diseases: itching all over the body can be a symptom of an underlying disease, such as liver disease, kidney disease, anemia, diabetes, thyroid problems, and some types of cancer.
• Nervous system disorders include multiple sclerosis, pinched nerves, and shingles (herpes zoster).
• Psychiatric conditions: examples include anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and depression.
• Irritation and allergic reactions: wool, plants, chemicals, soaps, and other substances can irritate the skin and cause rashes and itching. Sometimes a substance such as poison ivy or cosmetics causes an allergic reaction. Reactions to certain medications and antibiotics can also cause itchy skin.

In addition to seeing a doctor, there are several things you can do to prevent and relieve itching:

• use a good hypoallergenic moisturizer that is unscented
• take a cold bath with oat extract or baking soda
• avoid scratching, which can make the itching worse
• use an over-the-counter anti-itch cream
• take an oral antihistamine
• apply a cool, damp cloth to the affected area
• avoid soaps, detergents, and other substances containing perfumes and dyes
• coconut oil has powerful moisturizing properties when applied topically
• vitamin E applied topically can relieve itching and redness
• Honey also has moisturizing and soothing properties on the skin.

Interesting reading: Liver-disease itchy skin

Interesting reading: How to soothe itchy skin