An itchy back is a symptom that can be caused by simple conditions such as dry skin or chickenpox, but it can also result from more serious situations like chronic kidney disease, allergies, or lymphoma.
Depending on the cause, an itchy back may also be accompanied by other symptoms like redness, small fluid-filled blisters, fever, weight loss, sneezing, or a dry cough.
When an itchy back is persistent or comes with other symptoms, it is recommended to see a dermatologist or a primary care doctor to identify the possible cause and start the appropriate treatment. Treatment can include topical or oral corticosteroids or antihistamines, physical therapy, chemotherapy, or surgery.
What can cause an itchy back
The main causes of an itchy back are:
1. Dermatitis
Dermatitis is inflammation of the skin that can appear in different parts of the body, causing symptoms like an itchy back, redness, peeling, and small blisters filled with clear fluid. Dermatitis can be triggered by contact with substances or fabrics that cause allergic reactions, side effects from certain medications, poor blood circulation, or very dry skin.
How to treat: Treatment is guided by a dermatologist and can include the use of creams, ointments, or shampoos with corticosteroids or antihistamines, as well as oral corticosteroids or antihistamines to relieve itching and inflammation.
2. Allergy
An itchy back can be one of the symptoms of an allergy, which is an inflammatory reaction caused by an exaggerated immune system response to triggers such as pollen, foods, animal dander, medications, insects, or dust mites. Other symptoms of allergies can include skin irritation, peeling, red patches, dry cough, and sneezing.
How to treat: Treatment varies depending on the cause and can include corticosteroid or antihistamine creams and ointments, oral medications, immunotherapy (allergy shots), nasal decongestants, and supportive home remedies.
3. Chronic kidney disease
An itchy back and itchiness in other parts of the body is a common symptom of chronic kidney disease. This happens due to kidney failure, which leads to the buildup of toxins and waste in damaged kidneys.
How to treat: Oral medications like furosemide, erythropoietin, calcium carbonate, and aluminum hydroxide can be prescribed to reduce swelling, treat anemia, and control phosphate levels in the body. Doctors may also recommend dietary changes, such as limiting the intake of salt, phosphorus, potassium, proteins, and fluids, as well as dialysis and, in some cases, a kidney transplant.
4. Notalgia paresthetica
Notalgia paresthetica is a neurological condition that causes intense itching, burning, or tingling in the back, usually between the spine and the shoulder blade. Because of frequent friction and scratching, people with this condition may also develop a dark spot in the affected area.
Although the exact cause is unknown, it is believed that notalgia paresthetica is related to a compressed or damaged nerve in the back or skin.
How to treat: Treatment may include oral medications like gabapentin and antihistamines, as well as topical products containing capsaicin, corticosteroids, or anesthetics, which can be applied as a cream, gel, lotion, solution, or patch. Botulinum toxin type A, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), physical therapy to strengthen the upper paravertebral muscles, and stretching of the pectoral muscles may also be recommended.
5. Shingles
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and can lead to an itchy back, chest, and abdomen, along with red blisters on the skin. In some cases, shingles can also affect the eyes or ears.
How to treat: Treatment involves antiviral medications like acyclovir or famciclovir to reduce the replication of the virus, improve symptoms, and decrease the duration and severity of the condition. Pain relievers like acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also be prescribed.
6. Dry skin
An itchy back and itching in other parts of the body can be a symptom of dry skin. This condition can be caused by temperature changes, poor hydration, atopic dermatitis, older age, or diabetes.
How to treat: Treatment depends on the cause and may include applying moisturizing creams to the back and drinking at least 2 liters (about 8 cups) of water per day. Phototherapy and the use of ointments containing corticosteroids, antihistamines, or antibiotics may also be recommended in cases of atopic dermatitis.
7. Chickenpox
Chickenpox is a contagious disease that causes intense itching on the back and other areas of the body, along with red spots, blisters, and scabs. Chickenpox mainly affects children, but it can occur at any age and tends to be more severe in adults.
How to treat: The doctor may recommend baths with potassium permanganate, antihistamine medications like diphenhydramine to relieve itching, pain relievers to reduce fever, and corticosteroid-based creams like hydrocortisone.
8. Lymphoma
An itchy back and itchiness in other parts of the body can be one of the first symptoms in people with lymphoma. Lymphoma is a type of cancer that can develop in the lymph nodes, bone marrow, or other parts of the body, and can also cause fever, night sweats, extreme fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes in the armpits, groin, or neck.
How to treat: Treatment varies according to the type and severity of lymphoma and can involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, bone marrow transplants, gene therapy, and surgery.