Itchy skin, also called pruritus, is a condition caused by various factors and could be quite aggravating to the individuals experiencing it. The first reaction when suffering from itchy skin all over is to scratch. However, scratching often intensifies the problem. At times, itchy skin is present for no obvious reason, without rashes or bumps which can be detected. In addition, pruritus could also be triggered by underlying major health conditions related to internal organs like the liver or kidney.

WebMD offers a great symptoms checker to help you determine the reason for your itchy skin. http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/skin-conditions-pruritus

The most common culprit for itchy skin all over is eczema. Suffered by millions of people in the US, atopic dermatitis as this conditions is also referred to manifests itself as itchy and scaly patches of skin on face, folds of the legs, arms, crevices in the groin area and scalp. Itchy skin all over is one of the most common symptoms of this condition that usually worsens once individuals start scratching the areas affected breaking skin and allowing bacteria to enter top skin layers. Secondary bacterial infections are quite common in eczema sufferers and might require antibiotic ointments as treatments. Conventional treatments focus on using steroids creams with a host of adverse reactions. As natural treatments Dr Weil recommends trying anti-inflammatory diet to eliminate common allergens and reduce inflammation along with stress reducing techniques and treatments used in Chinese medicine. http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART00350/eczema.html

If itchy skin all over is due to an underlying health condition, the obvious cure would be to seek treatment for such a health condition in order to diminish the side effects of itching. For instance, an itchy rash on chest may be caused by anxiety, which is treatable through medication and therapy. If the anxiety is addressed, the rash may be diminished as well.

Diabetes can also produce rash on face, legs and arms resulting from high blood sugar that damages blood vessels over time. Stabilizing blood sugar levels will have a positive effect on the condition of the skin.

Then again, a rash on the chest can be a dermatological condition similar to dermatitis or Pityriasis Rosea, a psoriasis-like skin disorder. When itchy skin all over is present with itchy bumps on skin, a dermatologist can determine the best method of resolving such an annoyance. Hydrocortisone cream along with antihistamine or steroid medications are often prescribed to relieve this condition.

When an insect bite rash causes itchy skin all over, an antihistamine may be suggested, as well as a hydrocortisone cream for topical application to provide itching relief. Antihistamine is a widely recommended over the counter medication that is mostly beneficial for rashes due to allergic reactions to detergents, body soaps, and more.

Have you started taking a new medication? Whether it’s an over the counter or prescription, hives and itchy skin could be a symptom of an adverse reaction to this medication. Consulting your doctor will help you determine whether another medication may be in order to eliminate these symptoms.

A dermatologist should be seen to determine the course of treatment when skin rashes and itching are not resolved by other measures. Whether it’s an allergic reaction to your new body lotion or a prescription medication, exacerbation of chronic eczema or psoriasis, your doctor will help you find the cause of your itchy skin.