Itchy skin can be an indication of a number of possible conditions. The following list of symptoms will help to narrow down the cause.
Symptoms
- Bright red, pimply rash on neck, under arms, or in nappy area
- Warm environment or clothing is too heavy
Likely Cause Heat rash
Symptoms
- Red raised, swollen areas on the skin that are very itchy
- Can appear on any part of the body
- Rash can come and go and can last a couple of hours or weeks
Likely Cause Hives
Symptoms
- Chronic itchy rash most commonly on face, back of knees, crook of elbows
- Possible dry thickened scaly skin
- Possible tiny red bumps that ooze and can become infected if scratched
- Family history of allergies or asthma
Likely Cause Eczema
Symptoms
- Small red bump or bumps on the scalp that may be slightly swollen, itchy, or painful
- Itching on the scalp, neck, and ears
- Tiny hard-to-see bugs on the scalp that may be dark or light
- Small white eggs that attached to hair shaft
Likely Cause Head lice
Symptoms
- Severely itchy rash of scattered bumps and red patches, usually between the fingers, around the wrists, and on the elbows, armpits, navel, nipples, lower abdomen, and genitals
- Intense itching after a hot bath or at night
- Irritation keeps child awake
Likely Cause Scabies
Symptoms
- Rash of blisters that may burst and expose wet reddish skin underneath
- Scabs that are itchy and crust over
- Rash is most often located around the nose and mouth, but can easily spread
- Possible fever and swollen lymph glands in face or neck
Likely Cause Impetigo
Symptoms
- Itchy red ring(s) that are scaly on the outside and smooth in the center
- Rings may grow larger
- Can look like dandruff or bald spots on scalp
Likely Cause Ringworm
Symptoms
- Small red, itchy bumps that become water blisters and then crust over in about four days
- Fatigue
- Low-grade fever
Likely Cause Chicken pox
Symptoms
- Extremely itchy rash that first appears as lines or streaks, then blisters and becomes crusty
- Exposure to the woods or plants in the woods
- Exposure to an animal or other child who has been exposed
Likely Cause Poison ivy, oak, or sumac
Symptoms
- Small white threadlike worms in stool and also appear around the anus
- Extremely itchy, especially at night
Likely Cause Pinworms
Symptoms
- Thick red or silvery rash that is scaly
- Rash is located on the elbows and knees
- Possibly located on the head, looking like dandruff
- Possibly located in the nappy area, looking like a bad nappy rash
Likely Cause Psoriasis