Dermatology, by video or in person
Itching All Over the Body
The signs, the danger signs that mean hospital now, and how to see a doctor by video from anywhere in Nigeria.
Signs to look for
Itching All Over the Body
- Itching all over the body, or in one area
- Itching that is worse at night
- Tiny bumps or lines between the fingers, on the wrists, waist or genitals, often in several family members (scabies)
- Raised, itchy welts that come and go (hives)
- Dry, flaky skin
Itchy skin is one of the commonest skin complaints, and it is not usually a sign of anything serious. Most of the time the cause is in the skin: dry skin, which is worse in harmattan and after hot baths; eczema; hives; a fungal infection; insect bites; or scabies, a tiny mite that spreads by close contact, causes intense itching that is worse at night, and often affects several people in the same household. Itching all over without a rash is less common. It can come from a medicine, from pregnancy, or from a problem with the liver, kidneys, thyroid or blood, which is why itching that lasts with no clear cause needs a doctor and sometimes blood tests.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Itching all over the body, or in one area
- Itching that is worse at night
- Tiny bumps or lines between the fingers, on the wrists, waist or genitals, often in several family members (scabies)
- Raised, itchy welts that come and go (hives)
- Dry, flaky skin
- Itching with no rash at all
- Scratch marks, or thickened, darker skin from long scratching
When to See a Doctor
Go to a hospital now if itching comes with swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, or a widespread rash after a new medicine or food, which can be a serious allergic reaction; or with yellow eyes and dark urine; or with a high fever and a painful rash that is spreading or blistering. See a doctor if itching does not improve with simple measures, affects your whole body, keeps you awake, comes with weight loss, night sweats or tiredness, happens in pregnancy, or if several people at home are itching. A doctor can look at the skin on a video call and decide whether you need treatment or blood tests.
Treatment options
- Moisturisers used often, and short, cool or lukewarm baths with a soap substitute
- An antihistamine for hives and some kinds of itch
- Scabies treatment applied to the whole body, for everyone in the household at the same time, with bedding and clothes washed
- Antifungal treatment for a fungal infection, and steroid creams for eczema where a doctor advises
- Blood tests for itching without a rash that lasts: blood count, liver, kidney and thyroid function, and blood sugar
- Stopping or changing a medicine that is causing it, with your doctor
Common Questions
Why does my body itch at night?
Itching often feels worse at night, when there is less to distract you. Scabies is typically worse at night and affects several people at home, and dry skin and eczema also flare in bed. A doctor can tell them apart by looking at the skin.
Why do I itch after bathing?
Hot water and soap strip oil from the skin and leave it dry. Keep baths short and lukewarm, use a soap substitute, pat the skin dry and put on a moisturiser straight after.
Can itching be a sign of something serious?
Not usually. Itching that lasts with no rash, or comes with yellow eyes, weight loss, night sweats or tiredness, should be checked with blood tests for the liver, kidneys, thyroid and blood.
Need Help?
A doctor on a video call, who advises on the right test and treatment, and tells you if you need to be seen in person.
See a doctor by videoIf any of the danger signs on this page applies, go to the nearest hospital now instead.
Find a verified dermatology specialist near you.
Dermatology in Lagos →Dermatology in Abuja →Dermatology in Port Harcourt →Dermatology in Jos →Dermatology in Ibadan →Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Itchy skin. NHS. Patient information.
- Scabies. World Health Organization. Fact sheet.
- Scabies. NHS. Patient information.
- Hives. NHS. Patient information.
Links last checked 29 October 2026.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.