Question 1. Is the itch localized?
Yes. The skin itch is probably a allergic reaction to a irritating substance that came in contact with the skin, skin injury, spider or bug bite, or one patch of dry skin. More Information
No. The skin itch is probably not generalized contact dermatitis, or generalized irritant contact dermatitis (i.e. soap, makeup), virus itch, or hives.

Question 2. Are there patches of itchy skin?
Yes. The skin itch is probably multiple bug or spider bites, dry skin, or contact dermatitis: allergic substance that comes in direct contacted the skin. More Information
No. The skin itch is probably not the result of burn injury, head lice, generalized contact or irritant dermatitis, or virus itch.

Question 3. Is the itch confined to the scalp or head?
Yes. The skin itch is probably head lice, a local spider or bug bite, dry scalp itch, or localized allergic reaction to shampoos or other irritating substances. More Information
No. The skin itch is probably not lice, virus itch, skin injury (excluding sunburn), or a generalized allergic reaction.

Question 4. Is the skin dry or chapped?
Yes. The skin itch is probably a dry skin itch, scalp itch, crusting or drying contact dermatitis, or healing skin injury (i.e. sunburn) If skin is dry apply a high-quality moisturizer. More Information
No. The skin is probably not dry skin itch, scalp itch, localized contact dermatitis or healing skin injury.

Question 5. Were you recently ill?
Yes. Skin can itch in response to viral or bacterial infections. Skin itch can also accompany chronic illnesses. If you think you have been ill or are ill see a physician. More Information
No. The skin itch may or may not be directly related to an illness. If in doubt see a physician.

Question 6. Does the skin look infected?
Yes. If the skin appears infected: is red, painful to the touch, oozing, smells, is not healing, or has red streaks radiating away from broken skin see a physician immediately. More Information
No. The skin itch is probably not infected and should subside over time. Always monitor the skin for signs of infection. If skin itch subsides and skin heals (symptoms improve) it is probably not infected.

Question 7. Do you feel sick? (nauseous, headache, weak, fever, ache, stiff neck, short of breath, body ache)
Yes. See a physician immediately. More Information
No. It is probably not a major illness associated with infection, or severe allergic reaction. If in doubt See a physician immediately.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis

An allergy is a term that represents a reaction to a irritating substance (allergen) by a select group of people and does not effect others who are not allergic to it. Small quantities of an allergen are necessary to create a allergic reaction. Contact allergic dermatitis usually occurs from a allergen in contact with the skin rather than internally produced. The first contact does not result in allergy; often the person has been able to touch the material for many years without adverse reaction.

Allergic contact dermatitis is an itchy skin condition caused by an allergic reaction to a substance or material in contact with the skin. It typically reacts several hours after contact with irritant and calms down over some days assuming the skin is no longer in contact with it.

Allergic contact dermatitis is different from irritant contact dermatitis caused by skin contact with irritating substances. Common irritants include soaps, detergents, solvents, acids, alkalies, and other chemicals. Irritant contact dermatitis can affect anyone, assuming they have had enough exposure to the irritant.

Features of Dermatitis

Dermatitis is generally restricted to the area of contact with the allergic substance, however severe cases may become generalized beyond the original contact area. Allergic irritants, like poison ivy or oak can be spread to other areas of the body by touch. It is unlikely that dermatitis exists if the affected skin area is not reactive to an known irritant. Affected areas will be red, swollen, blistered, dry, bumpy, or itchy.

Examples of Dermatitis