For most people, an itchy stomach isn’t a cause for concern.
This article covers the symptoms and possible causes of an itchy stomach and risk factors.
It also discusses when to seek a diagnosis and what it’s possible for you to do at home.
Kittisak Jirasittichai / EyeEm / Getty Images
Causes of an Itchy Stomach
There are several reasons why your stomach might itch.
With a severe caseespecially if the rash spreads quicklyit’s crucial to get emergency care right away.
These may look slightly raised and may be pink or red in color.
Infections
At times, a bacterial or viral infection can cause an itchy stomach.
These might include:
Parasites like lice and scabies can also cause itching.
These parasites can often cause rashes and blistering, along with intense itching.
This rash can cause intense itching.
Kidney or Liver Disease
Chronic kidney disease can cause dry skin.
What Medications Can Cause an Itchy Stomach?
There are several common drugs that could be the cause of itchy skin.
These may include:
Are There Tests to Diagnose the Cause of an Itchy Stomach?
An itchy stomach that does not subside after a couple of weeks could require a diagnosis.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Rash 101 in adults: when to seek medical treatment.
American Kidney Fund.Pruritus (itchy skin).
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Itching.
National Eczema Association.Contact dermatitis.
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Hives.
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Eczema.
National Health Service.Atopic eczema.
American Journal of Managed Care.5 things about psoriasis and its complications.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry skin: Who gets and causes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Ringworm and fungal nail infections basics.
New York State Department of Health.Bacterial skin infections: Impetigo and MRSA.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About chickenpox.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How measles spread.
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Scabies.
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Body lice.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy.
Cancer Research UK.Causes of itching.
National Health Service.Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
National Health Service.Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).
Hegade VS, Kendrick SF, Jones DE.Drug treatment of pruritus in liver diseases.Clin Med (Lond).
2015;15(4):351-357. doi:10.7861/clinmedicine.15-4-351
Ozlu E, Karadag AS.Drug-induced acneiform eruptions.
2021;32(2):157-170. doi:10.1016/j.annonc.2020.11.005
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About impetigo.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Clinical overview of measles.