Other than primary skin disorders, what are some causes of pruritus (itching)?

Lots of primary skin disorders ie xerosis, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, urticaria, dermatophytosis, psoriasis, scabies and pediculosis cause itching.

However, if there are no skin lesions and a patient is complaining of pruritus other disorders to consider include:

• renal disease


• cholestasis


• malignancy - most commonly Hodgkin lymphoma, Polycythemia vera, Mycosis fungoides (cutaneous T cell lymphoma)


• multiple sclerosis


• thyroid disorders


• psychiatric illness

Fazio, Sara MD. "Pruritus." Up to Date. 2 Oct 2008.