Itching in five parts of the body: which triggers can be to blame

Status: 02.10.2023, 06:30 a.m.

By: Judith Braun

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If you are constantly itching, you should have the cause clarified. Itching often hides various diseases.

Constant itching or persistent itching can be quite uncomfortable for sufferers. Often, there are not harmless triggers behind the suffering. Depending on which part of the body it occurs, itching can therefore be a warning sign of various diseases and causes. You should take this signal seriously and, if in doubt, have it examined by a doctor.

When the body itches: five places and possible causes of itching

If your toes itch, you may suffer from athlete's foot. © AndreyPopov/IMAGO

• Itching on the skin is a warning system of the body and occurs when it produces messenger substances such as histamine. The production is triggered by, for example, allergies, intolerances or inflammations.
• Chronic itching that persists for more than six weeks can indicate psychological or severe physical causes and can occur in various parts of the body.
• Itching can be a symptom of various diseases, including allergies, skin diseases, fungal infections, thyroid dysfunction, liver and kidney disease, metabolic disorders, nerve diseases, vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
• In addition to itching, other symptoms such as redness, burning, swelling, oozing or festering may occur, which requires medical clarification.
• Depending on which part of the body the itching occurs, it can indicate different triggers.
• Itchy eyes can be due to dry eyes or allergies, including hay fever, and require medical clarification for inflammation.
• Itchy scalp can be caused by certain ingredients in hair care products, too frequent washing, or allergies, and should be treated if there is redness, pimples, or oozing.
• Itchy feet and toes may indicate athlete's foot, which can be diagnosed by a dermatologist and treated with appropriate creams.
• Itchy legs can be triggered by dryness, shaving or varicose veins and require care measures as well as medical examination for varicose veins.
• Itching in the genital and area can have various causes, including fungal infections, infections caused by bacteria or viruses, hormonal changes and antibiotic use, accompanied by symptoms such as discharge, redness and swelling that require medical attention.

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This article contains only general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It is in no way a substitute for a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, individual questions about clinical pictures may not be answered by our editors.

This article was created with the help of machines and carefully reviewed by editor Judith Braun before publication.