Itchy skin
Itchy skin (pruritus) is often due to dryness, eczema, allergic reactions or heat. Widespread itch without a rash can be due to liver, kidney or thyroid disease, iron deficiency, or blood disorders and deserves blood tests. Persistent itch for more than 6 weeks needs medical assessment.
Key information
- Symptom
- Itchy skin
- Category
- Skin
- Common possible causes
- Dry skin (very common in Dubai air conditioning), Eczema, Allergic or contact dermatitis, Insect bites
- Tests that may be considered
- Full blood count, Ferritin, Kidney and liver function, TSH
- Clinic assessment
- Available same day
- Home doctor visit
- Available across Dubai
- Home blood test
- Available across Dubai
- Date reviewed
- 2026-07-01
What this symptom means
Pruritus is the unpleasant sensation that provokes scratching. It may be localised or generalised.
Common possible causes
- · Dry skin (very common in Dubai air conditioning)
- · Eczema
- · Allergic or contact dermatitis
- · Insect bites
- · Fungal infection
- · Menopause-related itch
Less common possible causes
- · Iron deficiency
- · Thyroid disease
- · Liver disease (cholestasis)
- · Kidney disease
- · Diabetes
- · Scabies
Serious causes that must not be missed
- · Lymphoma
- · Polycythaemia
- · Advanced liver or kidney failure
- · Itch with unexplained weight loss or night sweats
- · Itch with jaundice
- · Itch with widespread rash and fever
- · Progressive persistent itch over 6 weeks without cause
Call 998 (UAE ambulance) or attend the nearest emergency department for any of the above.
When a same-day GP is appropriate
- · Itch with jaundice or systemic illness
When a routine GP appointment is fine
- · Chronic dry skin or eczema
- · Suspected allergy
- · Persistent itch for investigation
Questions a doctor may ask
- · How long has the itch been present?
- · Is it localised or all over?
- · Any visible rash?
- · Any new products, medications or exposures?
- · Any weight loss, night sweats or jaundice?
History factors that may matter
- · Atopy (eczema, asthma, hay fever)
- · Chronic kidney or liver disease
- · Menopause
Medicines that may contribute
- · Opioids
- · Some antibiotics
- · ACE inhibitors
Never stop a prescribed medication without discussing it with a clinician.
What may happen during the examination
- · Full skin examination
- · Examination for scratch marks and secondary infection
- · Systemic examination if generalised itch
Tests that may be considered
Blood tests
- · Full blood count
- · Ferritin
- · Kidney and liver function
- · TSH
- · HbA1c
- · Bile acids where cholestasis suspected
Other tests
- · Skin scraping where fungal or scabies suspected
When a specialist referral may be considered
- · Dermatology for persistent unexplained itch
- · Haematology if abnormal blood counts
Possible treatment approaches
- · Regular emollients
- · Topical steroids for inflammatory skin conditions
- · Antihistamines for allergic itch
- · Treatment of underlying cause
Safe self-care
- · Fragrance-free emollients twice daily
- · Lukewarm showers, not hot
- · Humidifier in air-conditioned rooms
- · Cotton clothing
Best avoided
- · Hot showers and harsh soaps
- · Ignoring persistent itch without a cause
- · Long-term antihistamine use without diagnosis
How Aafiyah can help
- · GP assessment in clinic or at home
- · Blood testing at home to exclude systemic causes
- · Dermatology referral where required
Related tests
Related conditions
- Eczema
- Hypothyroidism
- Iron deficiency anaemia
Frequently asked questions
Why is my skin so itchy in Dubai?+
Air conditioning, low humidity and hot showers strip the skin barrier. Regular fragrance-free emollients and shorter, cooler showers usually help.
Can itchy skin mean something serious?+
Yes — widespread persistent itch without a rash can rarely indicate liver, kidney, thyroid or blood problems. Blood tests can screen for these.
Should I take antihistamines every day?+
Antihistamines can help allergic itch but should not be used long-term without a diagnosis. A GP can identify the cause.
Medical references
- · NICE CKS — Itch (generalised) — cks.nice.org.uk
- · NHS — Itchy skin — nhs.uk
Medically reviewed by: Dr Shahbaz Afzal — British-trained Family Medicine Consultant, DHA-licensed
Written: 2026-07-01 · Reviewed: 2026-07-01 · Next review: 2027-01-01
This page provides general medical information for people in Dubai and the UAE. It does not replace personal medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified clinician about any medical concern.
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