Psychosomatics of itchy skin
Itching is an unpleasant feeling that makes you want to scratch. There are many causes: dry skin, eczema, allergy, scabies, thrush, pregnancy, hormones, liver, kidney or thyroid disease, low iron. If itching lasts longer than two weeks or comes with other symptoms, see a general practitioner. The Ladder method adds questions about what "irritates" you and does not let you rest.
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When to see a doctor
Start with a general practitioner or dermatologist: they will examine your skin and order tests. The NHS advises seeing a doctor if itching lasts longer than two weeks, is very severe, spreads over the body or does not go away with moisturiser. For itching in the intimate area, see a gynaecologist.
In the Ladder method
In the Ladder method itching is not explained by "you are winding yourself up", and it is not your fault that your skin itches. It has clear causes, and many of them need a doctor. But the NHS names stress among the things that make itching worse, so questions to yourself are appropriate here.
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In the method, the image that fits itching is irritation "under the skin": something gets to you and you cannot say it out loud. It is an image, not the cause of the illness, and it does not get in the way of a dermatologist.
On the ladder this shows up as the steps "this drives me mad, but I will keep quiet" and "I cannot calm down". You can work through them while the doctor looks for the cause of the itching.
These are questions for reflection, not an explanation of what causes the condition and not a treatment.
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How it shows up
Book a doctor’s appointment if you notice:
- An urge to scratch in one place or all over
- Itching worse in the evening and at night
- Dry, flaky skin
- Scratch marks, redness
- Itching without a rash
- Itching that gets worse on tense days
What medicine knows
Itching is a feeling that makes you want to scratch. It can be in one place or all over the body, with a rash or without one (NHS). There are many causes, and it helps to remember that most often something simple is behind it.
Common causes: dry skin (especially in winter and in menopause), eczema and dermatitis, allergy and hives, bites, scabies, fungal infections and thrush. Less often itching comes with illnesses of the internal organs: liver, kidneys, thyroid, anaemia, diabetes, or with some medicines (MedlinePlus). In pregnancy, severe itching of the palms and soles can be a sign of cholestasis.
The NHS notes that stress and anxiety can make itching and scratching worse. A vicious circle forms: you scratch, the skin gets irritated, it itches even more. It helps not to scratch, keep nails short, moisturise, use gentle products without fragrance and avoid very hot water.
If itching lasts longer than two weeks, stops you sleeping, spreads over the body or comes with other symptoms (yellow skin, weight loss, night sweats), you need a doctor: they will check tests and find the cause.
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Frequently asked questions
Can itchy skin come from nerves?
The NHS notes that stress and anxiety can make itching and scratching worse. But the cause is more often physical: dry skin, eczema, allergy, illnesses of internal organs. So if itching lasts longer than two weeks, see a doctor.
What does itchy skin mean in psychosomatics?
There is no proven "meaning" of itching. In the Ladder method itching is a reason to ask yourself what irritates you and does not let you rest. It is a question for yourself, not a diagnosis.
What should I do if itching does not go away?
The NHS advises not scratching, moisturising, avoiding very hot water and using gentle products without fragrance. If itching lasts longer than two weeks, stops you sleeping or comes with other symptoms, see a general practitioner or dermatologist.
Related topics
Psychosomatics does not replace tests and treatment. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis.