Persistent Itch? Relief Steps & When to See a Doctor

Immediate Self-Care

1. Stop scratching—damages skin, worsens itch (itch-scratch cycle).
2. Cool compress (ice pack wrapped in cloth) 10–15 min.
3. Fragrance-free moisturizer (ceramide-based) while skin damp.
4. OTC anti-itch: Menthol 0.5–1%, pramoxine 1%, or hydrocortisone 1% (max 2 weeks face/folds).
5. Oral antihistamine: Cetirizine 10 mg or loratadine 10 mg daily (less sedating).
6. Loose, cotton clothing; avoid wool, synthetics.
7. Humidifier if air dry.

See a Doctor If

• Itch >2 weeks despite self-care.
• Disrupts sleep or daily function.
• Associated with rash, jaundice, weight loss, fever, night sweats.
• New medication started recently.
• Pregnancy (rule out cholestasis).
• History of liver/kidney/thyroid disease or lymphoma.

Possible Workup

• CBC, CMP, TSH, iron/ferritin, bilirubin, ALP, creatinine, ESR.
• Chest X-ray, skin biopsy if indicated.

Treat the cause, not just the symptom.