Have you ever suffered from skin itchiness and felt like itching it all the time? It can be a terrible experience, particularly if you are in a public place. The cause of itching can be anything from a minor irritation to a severe medical condition.

In this article, we’re going to look at ten surprising causes of skin itching that you might not have known about.

1. Dry Skin

Dry skin is one of the most common causes of skin itching, particularly during winter months when the air is dry. Itchy skin due to dryness can be treated by applying moisturizer regularly.

2. Insect Bites

Insect bites are another common cause of skin itching. If you’ve ever been bitten by a mosquito or a flea, you’ll know how itchy the bumps can be. Try not to scratch the bumps as it can worsen the itchiness and lead to infection.

Anti-itch creams or calamine lotion can help in reducing the itchiness.

3. Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions to certain allergens like pollen, dust mites, or mold can cause skin itching.

If you are allergic to something, your body’s immune system identifies the allergen as a threat and releases histamine, causing redness, itching, and swelling. Antihistamines can help in reducing the itching caused by allergic reactions.

4. Medications

Some medications can cause skin itching as a side effect. Medications used to treat high blood pressure, pain, infections, or anxiety are known to trigger skin itching in some individuals.

5. Liver Disease

Liver disease can cause skin itching, particularly when you have cholestasis. In cholestasis, the flow of bile from the liver is obstructed, resulting in the accumulation of bile in the skin leading to itching.

Antihistamines or bile acid sequestrants can help in reducing the itching caused by liver disease.

6. Anxiety and Stress

Anxiety and stress can trigger skin itching, especially if you have a condition called psychogenic itching. This condition is caused by psychological factors, and anti-anxiety medication can help in reducing the itching caused by anxiety and stress.

7. Cancer

Cancer, particularly lymphoma and leukemia, can cause skin itching due to increased production of chemicals called cytokines. Cytokines can cause the sensation of itching even in the absence of a rash.

Treating the underlying cancer can help in reducing the itching caused by cancer.

8. Thyroid Disease

Thyroid disease, particularly hypothyroidism, can cause skin itching, particularly in the arms and legs. The skin may also be dry and scaly. Treating the underlying thyroid disease can help in reducing the itching caused by thyroid disease.

9. Iron Deficiency Anemia

Iron deficiency anemia can cause skin itching. This happens because iron is essential for the production of histamine-degrading enzymes. A deficiency of enzymes can cause itching.

Treating the underlying anemia can help in reducing the itching caused by iron deficiency.

10. Pregnancy

Pregnancy can cause skin itching due to changes in hormone levels. Pregnant women may experience itching in the abdomen, arms, legs, palms, and feet. Antihistamines or moisturizers can help in reducing the itching caused by pregnancy.