Itching is also known as pruritus and is that tingling irritation of the skin that causes a strong desire to scratch.

There are many things that can cause itching: irritation from chemicals or plants, insect bites or parasites, dry skin, allergic reactions, fungal infections, kidney and liver disease, anxiety, eczema, medications, infectious diseases like chicken pox and even kidney or liver conditions.

The more serious causes like liver disease are luckily the less common ones and most itching is caused by easily-treatable conditions.

Fungal infections like “jock itch”, athlete’s foot and thrush are high up on the list of common causes of itching. These infections can be very uncomfortable and unpleasant and have a tendency to recur, especially when there is an overgrowth of yeast, like systemic Candida.

Pruritis ani - itching in and around the anus - is another common and sometimes embarrassing problem. This too may be caused by systemic Candida but is also associated with conditions like hemorrhoids and eczema. Even certain vitamin and mineral supplements or particular foods which are ingested can be to blame. Though seldom serious, pruritis ani can be very unpleasant.

Treatment Options