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1. Skin Irritation or Dryness
Dry skin: Often caused by cold weather, aging, or dehydration.
Irritants: Harsh soaps, detergents, or certain fabrics.
2. Allergic Reactions
Contact dermatitis: Triggered by allergens like poison ivy, nickel, or cosmetics.
Food allergies: Certain foods can cause systemic itching.
Medication allergies: Some drugs may induce itching as a side effect.
3. Infections and Infestations
Fungal infections: Like athlete’s foot or ringworm.
Parasitic infestations: Such as lice, bedbugs, or scabies.
Viral infections: Chickenpox or shingles.
4. Skin Conditions
Eczema: Characterized by inflamed, itchy, and red patches.
Psoriasis: Causes scaly, itchy plaques.
Hives (urticaria): Swollen, red welts caused by an allergic reaction or stress.
5. Systemic Causes
Liver or kidney disease: Accumulation of toxins in the blood can lead to itching.
Thyroid issues: Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
Iron deficiency anemia: Can cause generalized itching.
Cancer: Some cancers, like lymphoma, may lead to systemic pruritus.
6. Neurological Causes
Nerve damage: Conditions like shingles, multiple sclerosis, or pinched nerves.
Neuropathic itching: Caused by issues with the central or peripheral nervous system.
7. Psychological Factors
Stress or anxiety: These can intensify itching.
Psychogenic itch: Occurs without any physical cause.
8. Environmental Triggers
Heat or sweating: Can irritate sensitive skin.
Sunburn: Causes damage and peeling of the skin.
9. Hormonal Changes
Pregnancy: Some women experience itching due to hormonal shifts or conditions like cholestasis.
Menopause: Hormonal changes can make the skin drier and itchier.
Dry skin: Often caused by cold weather, aging, or dehydration.
Irritants: Harsh soaps, detergents, or certain fabrics.
2. Allergic Reactions
Contact dermatitis: Triggered by allergens like poison ivy, nickel, or cosmetics.
Food allergies: Certain foods can cause systemic itching.
Medication allergies: Some drugs may induce itching as a side effect.
3. Infections and Infestations
Fungal infections: Like athlete’s foot or ringworm.
Parasitic infestations: Such as lice, bedbugs, or scabies.
Viral infections: Chickenpox or shingles.
4. Skin Conditions
Eczema: Characterized by inflamed, itchy, and red patches.
Psoriasis: Causes scaly, itchy plaques.
Hives (urticaria): Swollen, red welts caused by an allergic reaction or stress.
5. Systemic Causes
Liver or kidney disease: Accumulation of toxins in the blood can lead to itching.
Thyroid issues: Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
Iron deficiency anemia: Can cause generalized itching.
Cancer: Some cancers, like lymphoma, may lead to systemic pruritus.
6. Neurological Causes
Nerve damage: Conditions like shingles, multiple sclerosis, or pinched nerves.
Neuropathic itching: Caused by issues with the central or peripheral nervous system.
7. Psychological Factors
Stress or anxiety: These can intensify itching.
Psychogenic itch: Occurs without any physical cause.
8. Environmental Triggers
Heat or sweating: Can irritate sensitive skin.
Sunburn: Causes damage and peeling of the skin.
9. Hormonal Changes
Pregnancy: Some women experience itching due to hormonal shifts or conditions like cholestasis.
Menopause: Hormonal changes can make the skin drier and itchier.