Itching, also known as pruritus, is an uncomfortable sensation that makes you want to scratch your skin. It’s common and usually harmless. However, intense or chronic itching can be a sign of a more serious condition that requires medical attention. Here’s what you need to know about when to go to the hospital for itching:
Go to the ER for severe itching that starts suddenly
Seek emergency care if you develop severe, sudden-onset itching all over your body. This can be a sign of a life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) that requires immediate treatment. Go to the emergency room right away if itching is accompanied by:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the lips, face, throat or tongue
- Wheezing
- Dizziness or fainting
- Rapid heart rate
- Hives
Anaphylaxis can be fatal within minutes if epinephrine (adrenaline) is not administered.
See a doctor for itching without a rash that lasts over 6 weeks
Persistent itching without any skin changes could indicate an underlying disorder. Make an appointment with your doctor if itching lasts longer than 6 weeks and is not clearly linked to a particular cause like:
- Dry skin
- Bug bites
- Allergic reactions
- Skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis
Chronic itching with no rash can be a sign of:
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Thyroid problems
- Diabetes
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Cancer, such as lymphoma or leukemia
- Nerve disorders, like pinched nerves or multiple sclerosis
Your doctor can help determine if testing is needed to diagnose an underlying medical problem causing persistent itching.
Seek emergency care for itching with jaundice
Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and eyes. It’s a sign of a problem with the liver or gallbladder. Seek emergency medical care if you develop severe, constant itching along with:
- Yellowing in the whites of the eyes
- Yellow skin
- Dark urine
- Light-colored stool
Jaundice with itching can indicate:
- Acute liver failure
- Blocked bile duct
- Hepatitis infection
- Liver cancer
- Gallstones
Rapid treatment is needed to prevent permanent liver damage. Go to the ER or call 911 if you have jaundice symptoms along with severe itching.
Get emergency care for itching with mental status changes
Extreme itching accompanied by mental status changes like confusion, disorientation and delirium warrants emergency care. This can occur with:
- Liver failure – Toxins build up in the blood due to poor liver function, causing mental changes and itching.
- Kidney failure – Severely reduced kidney function allows waste products to accumulate.
Seeking prompt treatment for liver or kidney failure can help prevent permanent damage. Dial 911 or go to the ER if you have sudden, severe itching along with confusion or other mental status changes.
See a doctor for severe itching during pregnancy
Some itching during pregnancy is normal as your skin expands. But tell your doctor if you have severe itching, especially in the third trimester. This can be a sign of:
- Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) – a liver disorder that causes severe itching and can lead to complications.
- Preeclampsia – a condition marked by high blood pressure that requires delivery of the baby.
Your doctor will check your symptoms and order blood tests to evaluate liver function and bile acids. Prompt treatment can help manage complications.
See your doctor for widespread itching without rash
See your doctor if you have bothersome itching over large areas of your body without any visible rash or skin changes. This generalized itching or pruritus can have many causes, including:
- Dry skin
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Iron deficiency
- Thyroid disorder
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Nerve conditions
- Medication side effects
Identifying the underlying reason for your itching allows proper treatment. Your doctor will examine your skin and ask about your medical history. Blood tests, imaging tests or a skin biopsy may be recommended.
See your doctor for itching with an abnormal rash
See your doctor promptly if itching is accompanied by an abnormal rash. This includes:
- Red rash with bumps or blisters – Could indicate an infection like shingles, chickenpox, measles or skin infection.
- Purple, bruise-like rash – Can signal bleeding under the skin due to low platelets or a medication side effect.
- Red ring-shaped rash – Often due to Lyme disease, skin fungus or ringworm.
- Red spots or dots on the lower legs – May be petechiae, a warning sign of a serious clotting disorder.
- Silvery white patches on the skin – Can be a sign of psoriasis.
Getting an accurate diagnosis for an itchy abnormal rash allows proper treatment to control discomfort and prevent complications.
See your doctor if itching disrupts sleep or daily life
Make an appointment with your doctor if itching significantly interferes with your sleep and daily activities. Severe itching can take a toll on your quality of life. Your doctor can help determine if an underlying health issue needs treatment. They may also suggest medication to help control itching so it’s less bothersome.
Conclusion
Itching is common and usually harmless. However, it’s important to recognize when itching symptoms warrant emergency medical care or evaluation by a doctor. Seek emergency treatment for sudden severe itching, especially with signs of a life-threatening allergic reaction, liver failure or kidney failure. Make a timely appointment with your doctor for persistent itching or itching with an abnormal rash or mental status changes. Catching and treating any underlying medical problem early can help prevent complications and long-term health impacts.