skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus and rosacea,

an infection, such as chickenpox or scarlet fever,

an intense itch of a particular part of your body may be due to the presence of lice (body lice, head lice, ),

a skin infection caused by a tiny mite (scabies),

anal itch, this is common and may have many causes, including threadworms and haemorrhoids (piles),

a fungal infection (tinea), which can lead to itching between the toes (athlete's foot), in the groin (jock itch) or on the body (ringworm),

insect bites and stings, which may cause localized itching and skin irritation,

sunburn or dry skin, and

prickly heat, which is a very itchy rash that appears in hot, humid weather.

Itching can be caused by a reaction to a medicine, or an allergy to many things, including cosmetics or fabrics, contact with certain metals (such as nickel), or contact with poisonous or stinging plants. The itchy red welts of hives (urticaria) on the surface of the skin are usually an allergic reaction to food or medicine.