Tracking down the cause of your itch can take time and involve a physical exam and questions about your medical history. If your doctor thinks your itchy skin is the result of a medical condition, you might have tests, including:
- Blood test. A complete blood count can provide evidence of an internal condition causing your itch, such as iron deficiency.
- Tests of thyroid, liver and kidney function. Liver or kidney disorders and thyroid abnormalities, such as hyperthyroidism, may cause itching.
- Chest X-rays. A chest X-ray can show if you have enlarged lymph nodes, which can go along with itchy skin.
Itchy skin treatment focuses on finding the cause of the itch and removing it. If home remedies don’t ease the itchy skin, your doctor may recommend prescription medications or other treatments. Options include:
- Corticosteroid creams and ointments. If your skin is itchy and red, your doctor may suggest applying a medicated cream or ointment to the affected areas. You might then cover the treated skin with damp cotton material. Moisture helps the skin absorb the medication and has a cooling effect.
- Other creams and ointments. Other treatments that you apply to your skin include calcineurin inhibitors, such as tacrolimus (Protopic) and pimecrolimus (Elidel). Or you may find some relief with topical anesthetics, capsaicin and doxepin.
- Oral medications. Antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft), may be helpful in easing some types of chronic itch.
- Light therapy (phototherapy). Phototherapy involves exposing your skin to a specific type of light. Multiple sessions are usually scheduled until the itching is under control.
