Children & Adolescents Clinic

 Home Parent's Guide

Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Spanish version

Localized Itching: Unknown Cause

CAUSES

The possible causes are many, including:

HOME CARE

The itchy spot is probably due to contact with an irritant like a plant, chemicals, fiberglass, detergents, new cosmetic, or new jewelry (called contact dermatitis). Try to figure out what caused it and avoid this substance in the future.

Wash the area once thoroughly with soap to remove any remaining irritants. Thereafter avoid soaps to this area. Apply cold water compresses or ice for 20 minutes every 3 to 4 hours to reduce itching. Follow this with calamine lotion. If the itch is more than mild, apply 1% hydrocortisone cream (no prescription needed) every 2 hours until it feels better. Encourage your child not to scratch; cut his fingernails short.

CALL YOUR CHILD'S PHYSICIAN DURING OFFICE HOURS IF:

  • The itching becomes severe.
  • The rash becomes more than 2 inches in size.
  • The rash lasts more than 1 week.
  • You have other concerns or questions.

Written by B.D. Schmitt, M.D., author of "Your Child's Health," Bantam Books.
Copyright 1999 Clinical Reference Systems