Itchy Stomach: Causes, Treatment, And More - Healthline

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Why Is My Stomach Itchy?

Medically reviewed by Cynthia Taylor Chavoustie, MPAS, PA-C — Written by Stephanie Watson — Updated on May 5, 2023

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Treatment
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Outlook

Skin conditions such as eczema and contact dermatitis are common causes of an itchy stomach. However, changing hormone levels, insect bites, medication reactions, and other health conditions can cause your stomach to itch, too.

Itchiness is an uncomfortable feeling that makes you want to scratch the affected area. If the skin on your stomach is itchy, the cause could be a variety of things.

Stomach itchiness is often caused by a minor issue, such as dry skin or an insect bite. But if the itchiness persists or occurs with other symptoms, it might be a sign of a more serious condition.

Learn which conditions can make your belly itch and what to do if you can’t stop scratching.

What causes an itchy stomach?

Causes of an itchy stomach can be grouped into six main categories:

skin conditions
pregnancy
menopause
insect bites
a reaction to medication
other conditions

Skin conditions

One of the most common causes of itchiness is dry skin. Cold weather, hot showers, and harsh detergents can all lead to skin dryness.

Some people are more likely to have dry skin than others. You’re most likely to develop dry skin on your arms and legs, but it can also affect your stomach.

Eczema

Eczema is a common skin condition that results in dry, scaly, itchy skin. No one knows exactly what causes eczema, but it is likely a combination of genetics and triggers. Eczema usually affects your arms, legs, and head, but it can also affect your stomach.

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a specific type of eczema that can cause itchiness. It can be triggered by contact with an irritating substance, such as poison ivy, poison oak, some household chemicals, or other substances, such as lotions, soaps, or detergents. It can also be caused by an allergic reaction, such as from latex or pet fur.

Skin infections

Skin infections may occur when you come in contact with:

bacteria
fungi
viruses
parasites

These may start on the stomach or likely spread to the stomach from touching it with a part of your body that has developed an infection. Infections that commonly affect the stomach include ringworm and yeast infections.

Besides itchiness, skin conditions can cause other symptoms, such as:

a burning or stinging sensation
skin flaking or peeling
cracks in your skin that might bleed
skin redness
a rash, hives, or fluid-filled blisters

Pregnancy

If you’re pregnant, you might find yourself scratching your growing belly. This itchiness can result from:

changes in your hormone levels that may dry your skin
stretching skin from the expansion of your belly, especially around stretch marks
pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP), often called pregnancy rash or erythema of pregnancy

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP)

In rare cases, itchiness during pregnancy can be a sign of a liver condition called intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). ICP happens when bile, a digestive fluid, can’t flow normally out of your liver.

This condition usually starts late in pregnancy. It causes very intense itching that affects the palms of your hands and soles of your feet too.

Other signs and symptoms include:

dark urine
light-colored bowel movements
yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes, known as jaundice
loss of appetite
nausea

If you think you might have ICP, contact your doctor. This condition needs to be treated right away.

Menopause

Menopause is a natural part of aging when you stop getting your periods and your ovaries stop producing estrogen. The average age for the onset of menopause in the United States is 52 years, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

If you’re experiencing menopause, the decline of estrogen in your body can dry out your skin, including the skin on your stomach, which can cause itchiness.

Insect bites

If you develop itchy red bumps on your belly, they might be bug bites. Here’s a quick way to tell what bug bit you:

Mosquito bites are round and raised.
Bed bug bites form a zigzag pattern down your body.
Fleas can leave discolored, itchy spots near your waistband, where they can sneak under your clothes.

You don’t have to see bugs to be bitten by them. Many bugs, such as bed bugs, attack at night.

Reaction to medication

Sometimes medication can cause an allergic reaction. This reaction can include a red, itchy rash, which may appear on the stomach.

If you think you’re having an allergic reaction to a medication, contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention.

Other conditions

Sometimes, stomach itchiness can result from another health condition. For example, chickenpox, hypothyroidism, and some forms of cancer can cause itchiness.

Chickenpox

Chickenpox, which usually occurs in childhood, is a contagious condition caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It causes an itchy red rash, which might first appear on the stomach.

Other common signs and symptoms of chickenpox include:

fever
fatigue
loss of appetite
headache

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid gland is underactive. When it’s working properly, your thyroid releases hormones that control your body’s metabolism and help keep your skin healthy. When it’s underactive, it produces too little of these hormones. This can cause dry, itchy skin.

Other common symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

fatigue
a cold feeling
weight gain
thin, dry hair
brittle nails
slow heart rate
trouble concentrating

Cancer

Cancer is a large group of diseases that develop when abnormal cells in your body divide uncontrollably.

In rare cases, some forms of cancer will make your skin dry out and become itchy. Cancer treatments can also cause itchiness.

Liver disease

Some forms of liver disease, including cirrhosis, can cause itching. Doctors aren’t sure what causes this itching, but it may be due to a combination of factors including the presence of bile salts, histamine, and other enzymes.

How is an itchy stomach treated?

Your recommended treatment plan will depend on the cause of your itchy stomach.

Eczema

Over-the-counter (OTC) oral antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) can relieve itching. OTC topical steroids can relieve itching and scaling, but your doctor might prescribe oral steroids if OTC options don’t help. For severe cases, they may prescribe immunosuppressants or phototherapy.

Contact dermatitis

Your doctor can help you take steps to identify and avoid substances that trigger a reaction. To relieve symptoms, your doctor may recommend taking an oral antihistamine or rubbing a steroid cream onto your skin.

Skin infection

Topical medications can often help with skin infections. You can apply topical antibiotics to treat bacterial infections or apply antifungal sprays or creams to treat fungal infections. These are often available over the counter, but your doctor may prescribe medication if symptoms persist.

Insect bites

Wash the bites with soap and water. Then apply calamine lotion or another topical antihistamine. You can also take an oral antihistamine. If you have fleas or bed bugs, it’s important to call an exterminator to control the infestation to help prevent future attacks.

ICP during pregnancy

Your doctor will prescribe the medication ursodiol (Actigall, Urso). It lowers the amount of bile in your blood. This can help relieve itchiness and other symptoms.

Menopause

Your doctor may recommend hormone therapy depending on the severity of your symptoms. However, this treatment can have risks. Discuss potential risks and benefits with your doctor to determine if this treatment is right for you.

Chickenpox

Your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications, such as acyclovir (Valtrex, Zovirax). To relieve itchiness, you can rub calamine lotion on the rash.

Hypothyroidism

Your doctor will likely prescribe a synthetic thyroid hormone.

Cancer

Your doctor may prescribe a combination of chemotherapy drugs, radiation, and surgery.

Liver disease

Your doctor may prescribe cholestyramine to help remove bile acid from your body. In more serious cases, you and your doctor may consider a liver transplant.

How is an itchy stomach diagnosed?

If your stomach itchiness lasts more than a few days or is accompanied by more serious symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor.

Your doctor will likely ask about your symptoms, medical history, and conduct a physical exam. They may also refer you to a dermatologist, a type of doctor who specializes in skin conditions, or another specialist.

Your doctor will look for any discoloration, bumps, or other changes to the skin on your belly. They will also ask you questions such as:

When did the itching start?
What seems to make the itching worse or better?
How often do you shower or bathe?
What types of skin care products do you use?
Are you allergic to any detergents, chemicals, or other products?
Do you have any other medical conditions?
Have you noticed any other symptoms?

They may also use one or more tests to help diagnose the cause of your symptoms. For example, they might conduct or order:

allergy tests, to learn if you’re allergic to substances that might irritate your skin
a biopsy, a procedure in which they’ll remove a piece of skin from your belly and examine it under a microscope to check for abnormalities in your skin
blood tests, to check your thyroid hormone levels or liver function

Preventing stomach itchiness

To help prevent stomach itchiness:

Take short showers and baths, and use warm water rather than hot water.
Apply a moisturizing lotion, cream, or ointment to your skin every day.
Avoid using harsh soaps and other cosmetic products that dry out your skin.
Turn on a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home.
Wear soft, breathable fabrics, such as cotton and silk.
Drink plenty of water.

When to call a doctor

Depending on the cause of your itchy stomach, you may have other symptoms too. If the itchiness doesn’t get better with home treatments after a few days, make an appointment with your doctor. You can connect to a physician in your area using the Healthline FindCare tool.

You should also contact your doctor if:

you develop open sores
your skin is discolored and warm or leaks pus
you’re running a fever higher than 102°F (39ºC)
you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling around your mouth, a rapid heartbeat, or trouble breathing
you have pain in your stomach
you feel excessively fatigued or just not yourself
you’re more than 28 weeks pregnant and the itching won’t go away

Outlook

Your outlook depends on the cause of your stomach itchiness. Some skin conditions, such as contact dermatitis or bug bites, clear up in a week or two with treatment.

More serious conditions can take longer to improve.

Read this article in Spanish.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Bed bugs: Who gets and causes. (n.d.).https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/itchy-skin/bedbugs
Chickenpox (varicella): Prevention and treatment. (2021).http://www.cdc.gov/chickenpox/about/prevention-treatment.html
Dry skin: Who gets and causes. (n.d.).https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/dry-skin-causes
Eczema: Contact dermatitis tips for managing. (2021).https://www.aad.org/contact-dermatitis-tips
Eczema treatments overview. (n.d.).https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/treatment/
Eczema types: Contact dermatitis tips for managing. (n.d.).https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/contact-dermatitis#treatment
Fleas. (2020).https://www.cdc.gov/fleas/index.html
Itching and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. (2019).https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/complications/itching-and-intrahepatic-cholestasis/
Medications and drug allergic reaction. (2020).https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/allergy-library/medications-and-drug-allergic-reactions
Menopause basics. (2019).https://www.womenshealth.gov/menopause/menopause-basics
Mukwende M, et al. (n.d.). Mind the gap: A handbook of clinical signs in black and brown skin, 1st edition.https://www.blackandbrownskin.co.uk/mindthegap
Tajiri K, et al. (2017). Recent advances in the management of pruritus in chronic liver diseases. https://www.wjgnet.com/1007-9327/full/v23/i19/3418.htm

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Medically reviewed by Cynthia Taylor Chavoustie, MPAS, PA-C — Written by Stephanie Watson — Updated on May 5, 2023

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Skin Care

What causes an itchy stomach?

Skin conditions

Eczema

Contact dermatitis

Skin infections

Pregnancy

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP)

Menopause

Insect bites

Reaction to medication

Other conditions

Chickenpox

Hypothyroidism

Cancer

Liver disease

How is an itchy stomach treated?

Eczema

Contact dermatitis

Skin infection

Insect bites

ICP during pregnancy

Menopause

Chickenpox

Hypothyroidism

Cancer

Liver disease

How is an itchy stomach diagnosed?

Preventing stomach itchiness

When to call a doctor

Outlook

How we reviewed this article:

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