You’re having a fantastic day – it’s almost summer and the sun is shining. Perhaps you’re working or spending time with your family, and nothing can get you down. Except… then someone points out that you’re scratching your neck. Or your arm. And you notice that something is itchy, but there’s nothing to see. What can cause extreme itching without a rash?

We all know how miserable an itch can be when it won’t go away, but if there is no rash, you might wonder what’s wrong. Don’t worry – we can help! Keep reading to discover some reasons you might be itchy without a rash, and how a local online pharmacist Camberley/Farnborough/Frimley residents use could help you.

Not all itching is the same

So, what can cause extreme itching without a rash? There are many reasons why you might find yourself unable to stop scratching without any obvious signs of inflammation. Of course, we most commonly associate itching skin with skin conditions like eczema, chickenpox or encountering an allergen. While it is possible to have an allergic reaction without a visible rash, there are some other common contributors to having an itch you just can’t scratch.

Insect bites

One of the most common causes of itching without a visible rash can be insect bites. You may expect insect bites to leave a mark, such as a bump or a bite that you can see easily. However, many insect bites are too small to be seen by the naked eye, such as mosquitos, ticks, fleas and gnats. This occurs most commonly in the warmer months, when you are outside more and there are more insects around, but can happen all year round. Even bedbugs and certain types of spiders can bite without you noticing, only realising something is wrong when you can’t stop that annoying itch! This is usually not serious and can be eased with an ice pack or even an antihistamine.

Dry skin

Did you know that dry skin is the main cause of itching without a rash? Dry skin is a common complaint for many people, as it can be caused by being out and about in hot weather, or by the dry air inside your house during the winter months. In the winter, you often go from the cold and blustery weather outside to your heated home – and even taking hot baths can dry your skin out further. Regularly using moisturiser and introducing a humidifier to your home can help you to ease dry skin, but you can also access many over the counter options to heal dry skin a little more effectively.

Medication

Certain types of medication can cause unexpected itching. This can occur when you are taking prescription medication to lower your cholesterol or blood pressure. Other types of medication that can result in seemingly mysterious itchiness include blood thinners, certain kinds of pain relief medicine, and even plain old antibiotics. If you have recently started taking a new kind of medicine, it might be worth checking the list of potential side effects to see if itching is among them, or asking your pharmacist.

Shingles

While shingles does indeed cause a very visible rash, complete with blisters, you can begin to feel itchy up to five days before this appears. The virus can also cause other symptoms such as burning, pain and even numbness, as well as feeling generally run down and unwell. If you are itching “for no reason” and suspect you might have shingles, some antiviral medication can help to clear the virus more quickly.

Diabetes

In some cases, those with diabetes can experience extreme itchiness, especially in the lower half of their body. This is due to going through an extended period of high blood sugar and can be quite serious for your health overall. Ensuring that your blood sugar stays within a normal range where possible is vital if you are diabetic and wish to avoid this extreme itchiness, among other complications.

Nerve issues

This is perhaps one of the stranger reasons for that itch that won’t go away! If you have recently hurt yourself or you suffer from arthritis, a pinched nerve can result in itching you can’t explain. Most people associate pinched nerves with pain, but sometimes an itch can be a sign, too. You may need some physical therapy to get things back to normal in this case. If you are suffering from issues with your nerves more generally, this can also lead to your skin becoming itchy and uncomfortable.

More serious causes

There are, of course, some more serious reasons for unexplained itchiness. Certain types of cancer, such as Hodkin’s lymphoma, are characterised by itching. Even if you are currently undergoing cancer treatment, this can cause itching in itself. Liver and kidney disease can also result in itchy skin, as can having suffered a stroke. In most cases, itchy skin without a rash is nothing to worry about – but it’s always worth getting checked out to put your mind at rest, visiting the local pharmacy Camberley/Farnborough/Frimley residents trust for advice and support.

What can cause extreme itching without a rash?

Any kind of itching without an explanation can be concerning, especially if you can’t make it go away on your own. Now that you know some of the causes of extreme itching that can show up even without a rash, is there an itch you want to scratch with the help of VSM Pharmacy?

Let us put your mind at ease with expert help and repeat prescriptions to save you time and worry. We can provide personal service and advice, offering convenience with the online prescriptions Camberley/Farnborough/Frimley residents rely on to make their day a little bit easier. Pop by our Camberley pharmacy any time to discuss your concerns and get the support you need.