Differential Diagnosis for Patient Itching All Over
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Dry Skin (Xerosis): This is a common condition, especially in dry environments or during winter months, where the skin lacks moisture, leading to itching all over the body. It's often seen in individuals who frequently bathe with hot water or use harsh soaps.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): A chronic skin condition characterized by itchy, inflamed skin. It's common in individuals with a history of allergies or asthma.
- Allergic Reactions: Can be caused by a variety of factors including new medications, foods, or environmental exposures. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include itching all over the body.
- Psoriasis: An autoimmune condition that speeds up the life cycle of skin cells, causing cells to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin. The extra skin cells form scales and red patches that itch or burn.
- Urticaria (Hives): Characterized by itchy, raised welts on the skin that can appear anywhere on the body. Causes can be allergic reactions, infections, or autoimmune disorders.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Hodgkin Lymphoma: A type of lymphoma that can cause itching all over the body without any visible skin rash. It's crucial to diagnose early for effective treatment.
- Cholestasis: A condition where bile flow is reduced or blocked, leading to the accumulation of bile salts in the skin, which can cause severe itching. This can be due to liver disease or bile duct obstruction.
- Thyroid Disorders: Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can cause itching all over the body, though the mechanism is not fully understood.
- Kidney Failure: Uremic pruritus is a common symptom in patients with end-stage renal disease, causing itching due to the buildup of toxins in the blood.
Rare Diagnoses
- Polycythemia Vera: A rare blood disorder where the bone marrow produces too many red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, which can cause itching, especially after warm baths or showers.
- Neurological Disorders: Certain conditions like multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy, or neuromyelitis optica can cause itching sensations without any skin lesions.
- Parasitic Infestations: Such as scabies or lice, which can cause severe itching all over the body, especially at night.
- Mastocytosis: A condition where there's an accumulation of mast cells in one or more organs, which can cause itching among other symptoms due to the release of histamine.