The liver is also important for filtering blood in the body. As with the kidneys, when the liver is diseased, the body becomes less healthy overall. This can lead to conditions that cause itchy skin without a rash.
This may lead to jaundice , which has the following symptoms:. Itchy skin is less common in people with alcohol-related liver diseases. Sticking to your treatment plan is the best way to prevent itchy skin caused by liver disease. Some experts also recommend taking medications to help ease symptoms. These medications include:. Like those with liver disease, people with pancreatic cancer and other pancreatic issues may experience itchy skin caused by cholestasis and jaundice. Treatment for pancreatic issues can help relieve itching, as can the medications cholestyramine, colesevelam, or rifampicin.
Iron deficiency anemia is the condition that occurs when your body lacks enough iron to stay healthy. Itchy skin without a rash is a less common symptom of iron deficiency anemia. However, it may occur due to the lack of iron in your blood, which takes a toll on your skin. Iron deficiency anemia can be treated by taking iron supplements and eating more iron-rich foods.
In severe cases, iron can be given intravenously. Intravenous iron may cause even more itchiness, but this side effect is uncommon in most people. The same types of nerve disorders that cause pain in the body may also cause itching without a rash. These include:. Stroke is one cause of neuropathic itch. Damage to nerves from stroke can cause itch without a rash. To diagnose neuropathic itch from stroke, your doctor may run tests and do a comprehensive physical exam. Diagnosis may be challenging, as your doctor has to rule out other causes for your symptoms.
Diabetes makes it more difficult for the body to produce enough insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar. Itchy skin without a rash is common in people with diabetes, and it often affects the lower limbs.
If you have diabetes, you can help relieve itching by keeping your blood sugar in target range as much as possible. This includes treating diabetes with medication and lifestyle changes, as well as moisturizing the skin and using anti-itch creams.
Itching from shingles often occurs 1 to 5 days before you notice a blistering rash on your body. This happens because the shingles virus kills off some of your sensory neurons.
Sometimes nerves become pinched or compressed due to injuries, osteoporosis , or excess weight that shifts bones or muscles directly onto a nerve. Treating the underlying cause of your pinched nerve through physical therapy, surgery, or lifestyle changes can help relieve pressure on your pinched nerve and any itchiness that results.
There are a number of medications your doctor can prescribe for this kind of itch. Typically, they are the same categories of medications that treat neuropathic pain, seizures, and depression, such as some classes of opioids and antidepressants. The itch can feel stronger after you bathe or drink alcohol. In rare cases, itchy skin without a rash is a sign of other cancers. Other types of cancers affecting the skin, such as melanoma , commonly cause itching. This itchiness most often occurs on the legs and chest.
Usually, this itching resolves with cancer treatment such as chemotherapy. Login ». As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE gift.
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Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Itchy skin is an uncomfortable, irritating sensation that makes you want to scratch. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Fazio SB, et al. Pruritis: Overview of management. Accessed Sept.
Pruritus without rash. Mayo Clinic; James WD, et al. Pruritus and neurocutaneous dermatoses. Elsevier; Accessed Nov. Yosipovitch G, et al. Chronic pruritis.
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