Itchy Skin and Itching – Causes and Treatment
Is your skin itching all the time, on and off, or mostly at night? Sometimes you will also notice redness, scaling, hives (wheals) or other skin changes. But itching can also occur even though your skin looks completely normal at first glance.
Short-lived itching is often harmless. However, if it lasts, becomes very intense or keeps coming back, it is worth finding out what is causing it.
Very often, a skin condition is behind it – for example dry skin, atopic dermatitis (eczema), other forms of eczema, urticaria (hives), scabies or psoriasis.
Photo: Adobe Stock Андрей Михайлов
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What is itching?
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What are common causes of itchy skin?
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Why does my skin itch without a rash?
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Why does my skin itch at night?
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Why does my whole body itch?
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Which skin conditions cause severe itching?
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Why is my scalp itchy?
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How do you find the cause of itching?
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What helps with itching?
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What can I do myself about itchy skin?
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When should I see a dermatologist about itching?
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Getting itchy skin checked by a dermatologist in Vienna
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Frequently asked questions about itchy skin
What is itching?
The medical term for itching is pruritus. It is an unpleasant sensation in the skin that makes you want to scratch.
Itching can affect just one spot or your whole body.
Scratching usually only brings short-term relief. If you scratch a lot, you can damage your skin and cause it to become inflamed.
This can quickly turn into a vicious circle:
Itching → scratching → irritated skin → even more itching.
What are common causes of itchy skin?
Very often, the cause lies in the skin itself.
Common causes include:
dry skin
other types of eczema
scalp conditions
However, itching is not always caused by a skin condition.
Especially with itching all over the body without a visible rash, medications or conditions outside the skin can also play a role.
Why does my skin itch without a rash?
This is actually quite common.
One possible cause is dry skin. Especially in winter, if you shower often or as you get older, dry skin can itch a lot – even when you can barely see any changes.
If itching without a rash lasts for a long time or affects large areas of the body, the cause should be investigated.
Depending on the situation, further tests may be useful in addition to a skin examination.
Why does my skin itch at night?
Many people find itching particularly bothersome in the evening or at night.
When you are resting, you tend to notice the itch more. Warmth in bed and dry skin can make it even worse.
Severe itching at night can also be a sign of certain skin conditions – scabies is one example.
That is why new or intense night-time itching should always be checked.
Why does my whole body itch?
Itching all over the body is called generalised pruritus.
A common cause is very dry skin. Inflammatory skin conditions can also affect larger areas of the body.
If your whole body itches but you can hardly see any skin changes, other causes may sometimes play a role. In such cases, further tests may be needed in addition to a dermatological examination.
Which skin conditions cause severe itching?
Atopic dermatitis and eczema
Itching is one of the typical symptoms of atopic dermatitis and many types of eczema.
The skin is often dry, red and inflamed. Scratching irritates it further, which can make the itching even worse.
Urticaria (hives)
With urticaria, intensely itchy wheals appear suddenly.
Individual wheals can fade and then pop up somewhere else on the body a short time later.
Scabies
Scabies is caused by mites.
A typical sign is severe itching, especially at night. Because scabies is contagious, a quick diagnosis is important if it is suspected.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis can also cause itching. Typical signs are red, scaly patches of skin.
Prurigo nodularis
When severe itching and frequent scratching go on for a long time, stubborn and very itchy nodules can develop.
For prurigo nodularis, modern targeted dermatological treatments are now available.
Why is my scalp itchy?
An itchy scalp can have various causes.
These include:
- dry scalp
- seborrhoeic dermatitis
- psoriasis
- other inflammatory scalp conditions
Dandruff, redness or crusts may appear at the same time.
If your scalp itches for a long time or is very flaky, it should be examined by a dermatologist.
How do you find the cause of itching?
First, we take a close look at your skin and talk about your symptoms.
These questions are particularly important:
How long has your skin been itching?
Where does the itching occur?
Is it worse at night?
Is there a visible rash?
Is your skin dry?
Is anyone else in your household affected?
Do you have allergies or any known skin conditions?
Have you started taking any new medication?
Do you have any other symptoms?
Depending on the findings, further tests may be useful, such as allergy tests, fungal tests, swabs, skin samples or blood tests.
What helps with itching?
That depends on the cause.
For dry skin, regular use of a rich, moisturising skin care product often helps.
For eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions, anti-inflammatory creams or other medication may be needed.
For conditions such as atopic dermatitis, urticaria, psoriasis or prurigo nodularis, modern targeted therapies are also available for more severe cases.
Scabies or fungal skin infections, on the other hand, need treatment that targets the specific pathogen.
That is why, if itching persists, it is important not just to suppress the itch, but to find the cause.
What can I do myself about itchy skin?
A few simple steps can help relieve your skin:
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avoid very hot showers
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moisturise dry skin regularly
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use mild skin care products
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avoid heavy sweating
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wear loose, breathable clothing
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keep your fingernails short
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scratch as little as possible
However, which treatment really works depends on why your skin is itching.
When should I see a dermatologist about itching?
It is a good idea to have your skin checked if:
the itching lasts a long time
it is very severe
it keeps you awake at night
your whole body itches
there is no obvious cause
a rash, wheals, bumps or crusts appear
your skin is damaged from scratching
several people in your household are affected at the same time
previous treatments have not helped
Getting itchy skin checked by a dermatologist in Vienna
Itching can have many causes, so the first step is to find out why your skin is itching.
At our dermatology practice in Vienna, we diagnose and treat acute, recurring and chronic itching as well as the underlying skin conditions.
If your skin itches constantly or the itching keeps coming back, you are welcome to book an appointment to have it checked.
About the author
Dr. Lara Durakbasa has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating itching and its underlying conditions with modern methods. She places particular emphasis on carefully identifying the cause and choosing the right treatment for each individual patient.
Published on: 27 September 2026
Frequently asked questions about itchy skin
Why does my skin itch even though I don't have a rash?
A common cause is dry skin. However, if itching lasts a long time without any visible skin changes, other causes may also be involved.
What can cause itching all over the body?
Possible causes range from dry skin and skin conditions to medications or certain conditions outside the skin. That is why persistent generalised itching should be investigated.
Why is itching worse at night?
When you are resting, you tend to notice itching more, and warmth can make it worse. Severe itching at night can also be caused by conditions such as scabies.
Can stress cause itching?
Stress can make itching and various skin conditions worse. Still, persistent symptoms should not automatically be put down to stress.
Is itching contagious?
Itching itself is not contagious – but its cause can be. Scabies is one example.
Which skin conditions cause the worst itching?
Severe itching occurs with atopic dermatitis, eczema, urticaria, scabies and prurigo nodularis, among others.