Dry Skin and Itching

When to Call a Health Professional

Call your health professional if any of the following symptoms are present:

• You itch all over your body but there is no obvious cause or rash.
• Itching is so bad that you cannot sleep, and home treatment is not helping.
• Your skin is badly broken from scratching.
• You see signs of infection, including:
  • Increased pain, swelling, redness, warmth, or tenderness.
  • Red streaks extending from the area.
  • Discharge of pus.
  • Fever of 100°F (37.8°C) or higher with no other cause.
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH	Last Updated: March 15, 2007
Medical Review:	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.