ITCHING - Localised

Localized itching can be due to many causes. Bites and hives can cause intense local reaction in the skin, at times so severe that welts may appear. These might appear on areas like the forearms after gardening. 

Contact dermatitis on the hands often occurs when working with soil or cement. Similar irritations may occur from contact with nickel-containing jewellery. 

Vulval itch occurs with vaginal infections like thrush and requires specific treatment. Anal itching is also common and can be equally distracting; it may be due to haemorrhoids but usually no specific cause is found. 

Eczema and psoriasis are complex conditions that can cause local or generalized itching with distinctive rashes.