Itching

Itching is the commonest presenting dermatological symptom. It is frequently distressing, and may interfere with the patient’s quality of life – for example, by preventing normal sleep. Therefore, it should be taken seriously. A good history alone will reveal the diagnosis in the majority of cases. The remainder will yield to thorough examination and investigation. Dermatological referral need only be a last resort to achieve diagnosis.

Published: 2nd August 2022 | Updated: 3rd February 2023

Differential diagnosis

Common Diagnoses

  • Contact Allergy (Contact Dermatitis)
  • Scabies (and other Pediculoses)
  • Atopic Eczema
  • Pityriasis Rosea
  • Psoriasis

Occasional Diagnoses

  • Urticaria (Various Causes)
  • Liver Disease
  • Iron Deficiency, with or without Anaemia
  • Endocrine: Diabetes Mellitus, Hypo- and Hyperthyroidism
  • Renal Failure (Uraemia)
  • Lichen Planus
  • Prickly Heat
  • Drug Side Effect (with or without Rash)
  • Simple Pruritus: no Cause Found (Especially in Elderly Where it May Simply be Caused by Dry Skin)

Rare Diagnoses

  • Herpes Gestationis
  • Dermatitis Herpetiformis
  • Psychogenic (Includes Dermatitis Artefacta)
  • Leukaemia and Myeloproliferative Disorders

Ready reckoner

Key distinguishing features of the most common diagnoses

Contact AllergyScabiesAtopic EczemaPityriasis RoseaPsoriasis
History of Chemical ExposureYesNoPossibleNoNo
Widespread ItchPossibleYesPossibleYesNo
Worse at NightNoYesPossibleNoNo
Mainly on FlexuresNoNoYesNoNo
Mainly on Extensor SurfacesPossibleNoNoNoYes

Possible investigations

Likely: None.

Possible: Urinalysis, blood glucose or HbA1c, FBC, ferritin, ESR, U&E, LFT, TFT.

Small Print: None.

  • Urine: Dipstick for glycosuria (blood glucose or HbA1c if positive).
  • FBC, ferritin: Will reveal iron-deficiency anaemia and polycythaemia; eosinophil count may be raised in allergic conditions; WCC may be very high in leukaemia; ESR may be elevated in lymphoma; low ferritin will confirm iron deficiency.
  • U&E: Will reveal uraemia.
  • LFT: Deranged liver enzymes and raised bilirubin in liver disease. Abnormalities here will require further investigations or referral.
  • TFT: Both hypo- and hyperthyroidism can lead to skin changes which cause itching.

Top Tips

  • The key to sorting out this symptom is to identify whether or not there is an underlying rash. Itching with a rash depends on identifying the rash; itching without a rash (other than that caused by scratching) depends on identifying any systemic cause.
  • An itchy, unidentifiable rash which is worse at night is likely to be scabies, particularly if any contacts are affected.
  • Warn the patient that scabies treatment may take a week or two fully to relieve symptoms – otherwise, the patient may apply the treatment repeatedly, causing a chemical irritation and diagnostic confusion.
  • The books usually state that psoriasis doesn’t itch – but it certainly can, so don’t let this symptom put you off the diagnosis.
  • It is usually very difficult to identify the allergen in a single episode of urticaria (and, indeed, the cause may not be allergic at all). Tell the patient to keep a note of foods or medicines just ingested so that, in the event of recurrence, any culprit can be identified.

Red Flags

  • If no obvious cause, always examine the abdomen and lymph nodes – do not miss lymphadenopathy, or enlarged liver, spleen or kidneys.
  • Don’t be tempted to skip examination of the itchy, malodorous self-neglected patient – poor personal hygiene may deceptively mask some other identifiable underlying cause.
  • Beware of apparently florid eczema appearing for the first time in an elderly patient – this may be a manifestation of serious underlying pathology.
  • Don’t forget iatrogenic causes – enquire about any drugs recently prescribed.
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Website disclaimer

Nursing in Practice Reference is based on the best-selling book Symptom Sorter.

The experts behind Nursing in Practice Reference are Marilyn Eveleigh who is Nursing in Practice’s editorial advisor and a primary care nurse in East Sussex, Dr Keith Hopcroft who is the co-author of Symptom Sorter, a GP in Essex and Pulse editorial advisor and Dr Poppy Freeman, a GP in Camden and also a clinical advisor to Pulse.

For use by healthcare professionals only, working within their scope of professional practice. Nursing in Practice Reference is for clinical guidance only and cannot give definitive diagnostic information. Appropriate referrals should be made following individual practices protocols and employer expectations, locally agreed pathways and national guidelines.