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Many people find relief with self-care measures such as moisturizers, gentle cleansers and lukewarm baths. Long-term relief requires identifying and treating the cause of itchy skin. Common treatments are medicated creams, moist dressings and anti-itch medicines taken by mouth. Symptoms Itchy skin can affect small areas, such as the scalp, an arm or a leg. Or it can cover the whole body. Itchy skin can occur without any other noticeable changes on the skin. Or it may come with: Inflamed skin Scratch marks Bumps, spots or blisters Dry, cracked skin Leathery or scaly patches When to see a doctor See your health care provider or a skin disease specialist (dermatologist) if the itching: Lasts more than two weeks and doesn't improve with self-care measures Is severe and distracts you from your daily routines or prevents you from sleeping Comes on suddenly and can't be easily explained Affects your whole body Comes with other symptoms Causes Causes of itchy skin include: Skin conditi