The causes of itchy skin without visible irritation can be harder to identify and may be a sign of an underlying organ, neurological, or mental health condition that needs treatment.
Itchy skin, also called pruritus, is a common condition that causes you to want to scratch yourself to relieve some of the itchiness. Many cases of itchy skin go away on their own without treatment.
Most cases are caused by a skin irritation of some kind. You may notice a rash, bumps, or another kind of visible skin irritation.
However, in some cases, itchy skin may occur without any visible signs.
Here are some possible causes of itchy skin without a rash.
Dry skin is a common cause of itchy skin without a rash.
In most cases, dry skin is mild. It can result from environmental conditions, such as low humidity and hot or cold weather. It’s also sometimes caused by activities that can decrease moisture in the skin, such as bathing in hot water.
In these cases, itchy skin can be treated and prevented with regular use of a moisturizer and a humidifier during drier times of the year. Also, avoid using strong soaps or cleansers that can dry your skin further.
Causes of more severe cases of dry skin can be genetic or caused by an underlying disease and must be treated by a dermatologist.
Dry skin is more common as you age. It can also be brought on by certain skin conditions, such as eczema.
Bug bites
Many insect bites cause itchy skin.
You may know you have a bug bite from the itch and a visible red patch or bump.
However, some are not so easy to detect. A
Here are some insects whose bite may cause you to itch:
- mosquitoes
- ticks
- wasps
- hornets
- bedbugs
- mites
- fleas
- gnats
- red ants
- flower bugs
- spiders
Most of the time, bug bites are nothing to worry about. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using an ice pack or hydrocortisone cream for the itch, or taking an oral antihistamine.
However, if you have any serious symptoms, you should see a doctor or visit an emergency room. Serious symptoms include:
- rash
- fever
- body aches
Many types of medication can cause itchiness without a rash on some or all parts of the body.
Treatment of itchiness usually includes stopping use of the drug and replacing it with something else, or trying a lower dose.
The following are some medications that can result in itchiness without rash.
Statins
Statins and some other cholesterol-lowering medications, such as niacin, may result in all-over skin itchiness, including on the face and throat.
Statins may cause liver damage in some people, resulting in organ stress that leads to an itching sensation on the skin.
If you take a statin and you’re experiencing this symptom, talk with your doctor about changing your dose or trying a new medication.
If you’re taking niacin, itchy skin without a rash is a side effect that can be eased by taking aspirin beforehand.
Blood pressure medications
Itchy skin can be a side effect of some blood pressure medications, such as amlodipine (Norvasc). This may be from an allergic reaction to the medicine or from underlying liver disease.
Stopping use of a medication that causes itchiness can quickly resolve the issue in most people.
Opioids
Itchy skin is a common side effect of taking prescription opioids for pain relief. There are several medications that may help with this, including
Other medications
Many other medications may cause itchiness by damaging organs and body systems. This can happen when a medication is prescribed or used incorrectly.
Medications with a risk of itchy skin include:
- blood thinners
- antimalarial medications
- diabetes drugs
- antibiotics
The thyroid is an important type of organ called a gland. This gland is located in your neck. It releases hormones that regulate your growth and metabolism.
Having a thyroid disorder may cause itching without any rash. This is because the body’s cells, including those that make up the skin, stop working properly and dry out.
Often, thyroid disorders are linked to the autoimmune condition Graves’ disease. For most people, taking antihistamines along with treatment for their thyroid issues can help relieve itching.
The kidneys work as filters for your blood, removing waste and water to produce urine. Itchy skin without a rash is common in people with kidney disease, especially if it’s left untreated.
This happens because kidney disease can cause:
- dry skin
- a reduced ability to sweat and cool off
- poor metabolism
- an accumulation of toxins in the blood
- new nerve growth
- inflammation
- coexisting medical conditions like diabetes
If you have kidney disease, the best way to reduce itching is by sticking to your treatment plan with dialysis and any medications.
The liver is also important for filtering blood in the body. As with the kidneys, when the liver is diseased, the body becomes less healthy overall. This can lead to conditions that cause itchy skin without a rash.
Specifically, liver problems can cause cholestasis, an interruption in the body’s flow of bile. This may lead to jaundice, which has the following symptoms:
- dark urine
- yellow eyes
- light-colored stool
- itchy skin
Itchy skin is less common in people with alcohol-related liver diseases. It’s more common in people with autoimmune liver diseases or in cases of hepatitis.
Sticking to your treatment plan is the best way to prevent itchy skin caused by liver disease. Some
- cholestyramine (Questran)
- colesevelam (Welchol)
- rifampicin (Rifadin)
The pancreas is an important part of the body’s digestive system. Like those with liver disease, people with pancreatic cancer and other pancreatic issues may experience itchy skin caused by cholestasis and jaundice.
Treatment for pancreatic issues can help relieve itching, as can the medications cholestyramine, colesevelam, or rifampicin.
Many body parts need iron to stay healthy, including:
- blood
- skin
- hair
- nails
- organs
- body functions
Iron deficiency anemia is the condition that occurs when your body lacks enough iron to stay healthy. It’s common in:
- menstruating women
- people on vegan or vegetarian diets
- people who have lost blood from injuries
Itchy skin without a rash is a less common symptom of iron deficiency anemia. However, it may occur due to the lack of iron in your blood, which takes a toll on your skin.
Iron deficiency anemia can be treated by taking iron supplements and eating more iron-rich foods.
In severe cases, iron can be given intravenously. Intravenous iron may cause even more itchiness, but this side effect is uncommon in most people.
In some people, the body’s nervous system may trigger itching sensations.
The same types of nerve disorders that cause pain in the body may also cause itching without a rash. These include:
Stroke
Stroke is one cause of neuropathic itch. Researchers aren’t sure exactly why it happens, but they think it may have to do with changes in brain signaling. Damage to nerves from stroke can cause itch without a rash.
To diagnose neuropathic itch from stroke, your doctor may run tests and do a comprehensive physical exam. Diagnosis may be challenging, as your doctor has to rule out other causes for your symptoms.
Diabetes
Diabetes makes it more difficult for the body to produce enough insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar.
Itchy skin without a rash is common in people with diabetes, and it often affects the lower limbs. It’s caused by prolonged levels of high blood sugar in the body, which lead to complications such as kidney disease and nerve damage.
If you have diabetes, you can help relieve itching by keeping your blood sugar in target range as much as possible. This includes treating diabetes with medication and lifestyle changes, as well as moisturizing the skin and using anti-itch creams.
Shingles
Shingles is a viral disease that affects the body’s nervous system.
Shingles causes:
- burning
- pain
- tingling
- numbness
- itching
Itching from shingles often occurs 1 to 5 days before you notice a blistering rash on your body. This happens because the shingles virus kills off some of your sensory neurons.
While there’s no cure for shingles, taking antiviral drugs can help clear up your itchiness and other symptoms quicker.
Pinched nerve
Sometimes nerves become pinched or compressed due to injuries, osteoporosis, or excess weight that shifts bones or muscles directly onto a nerve.
Pinched nerves can’t function properly, so they often cause random sensations of pain, numbness, weakness, and in some cases itchiness without a rash.
Treating the underlying cause of your pinched nerve through physical therapy, surgery, or lifestyle changes can help relieve pressure on your pinched nerve and any itchiness that results.
There are a number of medications your doctor can prescribe for this kind of itch. Typically, they are the same categories of medications that treat neuropathic pain, seizures, and depression, such as some classes of opioids and antidepressants.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma
The most common sign of Hodgkin’s lymphoma is swelling of the lymph nodes, usually around the neck, groin, or armpit.
Other symptoms include:
- fatigue
- unexpected weight loss
- fever
- night sweats
- persistent cough
- shortness of breath
- decreased appetite
- abdominal pain
Hodgkin’s lymphoma may result in persistent itch all over the body. The itch can feel stronger after you bathe or drink alcohol.
In rare cases, itchy skin without a rash is a sign of other cancers. Though experts aren’t sure exactly why this happens, it could be that some cancers cause itchy skin as a reaction to substances inside tumors.
Other types of cancers affecting the skin, such as melanoma, commonly cause itching. This itchiness most often occurs on the legs and chest.
Usually, this itching resolves with cancer treatment such as chemotherapy.
In some cases, cancer treatments may also cause itchiness without a rash. Certain treatments, like the drug erlotinib (Tarceva), bring on itchiness when they’re working.
Itchiness with other cancer treatments may be a sign of an allergy to a specific drug. If you are undergoing cancer treatment, it’s important to bring up any itchiness you may have with your doctor.
Certain mental health conditions may cause itchy skin without a rash. While experts aren’t exactly sure why mental health conditions can cause itching,
Anxiety and depression are often linked to random pain and itching without a rash, while people with psychosis and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) may feel like their skin is itching.
To resolve itching, it’s important to treat the underlying mental health condition. Courses of treatment can include talk therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.
Because HIV reduces the immune system’s ability to fight infection, people with this disease are more prone to skin conditions that may cause itchiness.
Common complications causing itchiness in people living with HIV include:
- dry skin
- dermatitis
- eczema
- psoriasis
In some cases, HIV drugs may also cause itchiness.
To reduce itchiness, it’s important to stick to an HIV treatment plan. Treating any skin conditions and taking sedating antihistamines may also reduce itching.
In some people, phototherapy (exposing the skin to light) may also help reduce itchiness.
If you’re worried about your itchy skin without a rash, you should schedule an appointment with a doctor. They’ll give you a physical exam and ask questions about the history of your itching.
They may also recommend:
- blood tests
- urine sample
- X-rays or other imaging tests
The results of these tests can help your doctor understand if there’s an underlying health condition causing itchy skin.
If your doctor finds you have an underlying medical condition that’s causing your itch, they’ll recommend a treatment plan or send you to a specialist who can treat you.
For example, you’d see a neurologist (nerve specialist) for a nerve disorder, a psychologist or psychiatrist for a mental health condition, an oncologist (cancer doctor) for cancer, and so on.
If your doctor is unable to identify any underlying medical issues that could be a cause, they may refer you to a dermatologist.
A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in skin disorders. They may be able to help get to the bottom of what’s causing your itchiness by:
- taking a skin biopsy
- asking questions
- visually examining your skin
While the most effective way to stop your itchy skin is to address the underlying cause, certain home remedies may provide you with instant, short-term itch relief.
Here are a few home remedies to try:
- Apply hypoallergenic and unscented moisturizers to your skin regularly (at least once a day).
- Apply over-the-counter (OTC) anti-itch creams, such as:
- calamine lotion
- nonprescription corticosteroid creams (use only for short periods of time)
- menthol or capsaicin cream
- topical anesthetics
- Take an OTC allergy medication containing antihistamines (note that these drugs may cause drowsiness).
- Add a humidifier to your house to help keep indoor air moist.
- Take a lukewarm or cold bath with Epsom salt, baking soda, or colloidal oatmeal to help soothe itchy skin, unless you know bathing makes your skin itch worse.
- Avoid scratching your skin. Covering itchy areas, wearing gloves at night, and trimming your nails short can help you avoid worsening the itch and prevent possible infection from scratching.
- Wear lightweight clothing to avoid aggravating itchy skin, as tight clothing may cause sweating that makes itching worse.
See a doctor about your itchiness without a rash if it:
- affects your entire body or sensitive parts of your body
- is happening along with other changes in your body, such as:
- fatigue
- weight loss
- changes in bowel habits
- lasts 2 weeks or more and doesn’t feel better after trying home remedies
- occurs suddenly without any clear cause
- is so severe that it disrupts your everyday routine or sleep
You can connect with a dermatologist in your area using the Healthline FindCare tool.
Itchy skin is a common issue that’s not usually a cause for concern. It often occurs along with a rash and has a clear cause, such as an insect bite or sting or a sunburn. This type of itchiness usually goes away on its own.
However, sometimes skin may itch without a rash. In these cases, an underlying condition could be the cause. It could be something as simple as dry skin or as serious as cancer.
It’s important to talk with a doctor if you’re concerned. Medical treatment for your condition, home remedies, or both can help ease your itching.