How to Treat or Cure Itching

Itching is treated by finding and treating its cause, calming the skin, and breaking the scratch cycle.

Step 1: Find the cause

The doctor asks when the itching started, where it is, what makes it better or worse, and which medicines you take. They examine the skin. If there is no rash, blood tests may check blood count, liver, kidney and thyroid function, blood sugar and iron.

Step 2: Treat the cause

• Scabies: scabicide treatment for the patient and household
• Fungal infection: antifungal medicine
• Eczema: moisturiser and prescribed anti-inflammatory creams
• Allergy or hives: avoid the trigger and use antihistamines
• Liver, kidney, thyroid or blood disease: treat the underlying condition
• Medicine-related itching: the doctor may change the medicine, never stop it on your own

Step 3: Relieve the itch

• Regular moisturiser, cooling lotions and cool compresses
• Short courses of prescribed topical medicines
• Antihistamines or other medicines when advised
• Light therapy (phototherapy) for some chronic itching, under a dermatologist

Step 4: Protect the skin

Short nails, soft clothing, gloves at night and avoiding triggers.

Step 5: Follow up

Return to the doctor if itching continues for more than 2 weeks or comes back.

Is there a cure?

Many causes can be cured completely, such as scabies and fungal infection. Chronic conditions such as eczema are controlled, not always cured.

Complementary care

Ayurveda and other systems may be used as an adjunct to relieve symptoms. They should not delay a diagnosis.

Key point

Lasting relief comes from treating the underlying cause, not only the itch.

Before your appointment

Note when the itching began, where it is, what makes it better or worse, and whether it is worse at night. List all medicines, creams, herbs and soaps you use, and any new foods or products. Mention others at home with itching, rash, weight loss, night sweats, yellow eyes, dark urine or tiredness. Bring photos of any rash that comes and goes. Ask about tests, the safest treatment and the signs that need urgent care. Call 112 for swelling of the face or lips or trouble breathing.