Itching skin tends to result in red, irritated skin, bumps and blisters and have numerous causes behind it including several different types of skin diseases.

What are the causes for itching skin? Believe it or not, there are a number of reasons for you pruritus (itchy skin). However, the most common cause for itching skin is dry skin.

A Look At Dry Skin

Itching skin that doesn’t come with noticeable skin changes, like a rash, is usually caused by xerosis, or commonly known as dry skin. Dry skin is typically the result of environmental factors that you have control over. These factors that you have control over include cold or hot weather with low-humidity levels, excessive central heating or air conditioning and excessive bathing or showering.

Other Possible Itching Skin Causes

Bear in mind that while dry skin is the primary cause for your itching skin, there are several other things that can cause your skin to itch:

• Allergies
• Drug reactions
• Internal diseases
• Nerve disorders
• Pregnancy
• Skin disorders

1 - Allergies and Irritations

When you have itching skin, it may be something you are wearing or using such as wool, soaps, etc. Sometimes it’s a substance that causes your allergies like cosmetics and poison ivy. However, food allergies may also cause your itching skin reactions.

2 – Drug Reactions

You might also react to drugs like antifungal drugs, antibiotics and narcotic pain medications; all of which can cause you to experience itchiness and rashes.

3 – Internal Diseases

There are several diseases that can cause you to suffer with itching such as:

• Thyroid problems
• Kidney failure
• Liver disease
• Celiac disease
• Types of cancer
• Iron deficiency disease

In most of these cases, the itching skin is not centered on one area but rather affects the entire body. The skin looks normal except that it’s repeatedly being scratched.

4 – Nerve Disorders

Any condition that affects the body’s nervous system can also cause itching like:

• Diabetes mellitus
• Multiple sclerosis
• Pinched nerves
• Shingles

5 – Pregnancy

It’s not uncommon for women to have itching skin while they’re pregnant especially on the following areas:

- Arms
- Breasts
- Stomach
- Thighs

Itchy skin conditions can also worsen when a woman’s pregnant.

6 – Skin Conditions

There are several skin conditions that can cause you to experience itching skin such as:

• Chicken pox
• Dermatographism
• Eczema
• Hives
• Lice
• Psoriasis
• Scabies

In every case, the itching will affect certain regions of the body and is usually linked to other signs like blisters, bumps and red, irritated skin.