How can itching be psychological?
ANSWER
If your doctor can’t find a physical cause, it may be in your mind. Some mental conditions give people the urge to scratch or pick at themselves. They may feel like their skin is crawling with something. There is no rash, but there may be skin damage from scratching. Compulsive scratching can be a sign of:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Psychosis
- Trichotillomania
Reviewed by Stephanie S. Gardner on December 9, 2019
SOURCES:
American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology: “Skin Allergy.”
American Academy of Dermatology.
Jain, S. Current Psychiatry, October 2013.
Moses, S. American Family Physician, September 2003.
National Cancer Institute: “Pruritus.”
National Psoriasis Foundation: “About Psoriasis.”
Oaklander, A. Acta Dermato-Venereologica, March 2012.
The Cleveland Clinic Foundation: “Pruritus.”
Yonova, D. Hippokratia, April-June 2007.
Yosipovitch, G. Dermatologic Therapy, March 2008.
SOURCES:
American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology: “Skin Allergy.”
American Academy of Dermatology.
Jain, S. Current Psychiatry, October 2013.
Moses, S. American Family Physician, September 2003.
National Cancer Institute: “Pruritus.”
National Psoriasis Foundation: “About Psoriasis.”
Oaklander, A. Acta Dermato-Venereologica, March 2012.
The Cleveland Clinic Foundation: “Pruritus.”
Yonova, D. Hippokratia, April-June 2007.
Yosipovitch, G. Dermatologic Therapy, March 2008.
From: Why Do I Feel So Itchy?
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the WebMD Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information.