But for others, the urge to scratch long and hard can lead to other skin problems, from redness and irritation to large sores and infection. Suffering from pruritus can also mean lost sleep, which can lead in turn to irritability and slower mental functioning. There are many possible causes of pruritus. Dry skin or a rash are generally the first possibilities to consider, even if there is no obvious skin eruption. Because inflammatory responses can be muted in older people, the first manifestation of such disorders as eczema, allergic or contact dermatitis, bullous pemphigoid, urticaria, or a parasitic infection may be pruritus.
Some prescription drugs can cause itchiness.
A small percentage of people will actually have itchiness caused by a more serious disease. If the root cause of the pruritus is determined, treating that disorder will usually help relieve the itching. Sometimes, medications may also be needed simply to help you avoid scratching. These might include moisturizers or soothing preparations such as calamine lotion. Corticosteroid creams may be used but only if the itching is only occurring in one area of the body.