Types of Itching

Doctors group itching in several ways, by how long it lasts, whether the skin looks abnormal and where it starts.

By duration

• Acute itching: lasts less than 6 weeks, often from bites, allergy or infection
• Chronic itching: lasts 6 weeks or more and needs a proper cause search

By skin appearance

• Itching on diseased skin: with eczema, psoriasis, scabies, fungal infection or hives
• Itching on normal-looking skin: with dry skin or an internal, nerve or medicine-related cause
• Itching with scratch-caused changes: thick, dark or scarred skin such as prurigo nodules

By origin (clinical grouping)

• Dermatological: from skin disease
• Systemic: from liver, kidney, blood, thyroid or other body-wide illness
• Neuropathic: from damaged nerves, such as after shingles
• Psychogenic: linked to stress, anxiety or depression
• Mixed: more than one cause together

By area

• Localised itching, such as scalp, groin, anus or vulva
• Generalised itching all over the body

Special forms

• Aquagenic itching after water contact
• Itching of pregnancy, including pregnancy cholestasis, which needs urgent medical review
• Itching in older adults, often linked to very dry skin

Ayurvedic grouping

Ayurveda describes kandu by dosha and by the skin conditions it comes with (kushtha, pama, vicharchika). This is a traditional classification.

Key point

The type of itching tells the doctor which tests and treatments are most useful.

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.