What can cause itching joints?

Itching is something most people associate with the skin. If you have itching joints, it may result from a condition that affects the skin near a joint, or it might be from a joint condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis. 

Itching is a common symptom of many health conditions, so finding the cause can be difficult. When you identify what is behind your itching joints, treating the underlying condition can help you find relief. 

What are the symptoms of itching joints?

If you experience itching joints, you might also experience other symptoms linked to the cause of the itching. For example, when contact dermatitis causes itching around a joint, you might also have symptoms such as:

• skin irritation
• swelling 
• discoloration
• heat or tenderness
• blisters

If rheumatoid arthritis is the reason for itching around the joint, your symptoms might also include:

• an ache or pain in the joint
• stiffness in the joint
• swelling or tenderness in the joint

Causes of itching joints

Itching is a complicated physical phenomenon that can have a number of potential causes.

Some possible causes of itching joints include:

Skin conditions

You might feel an itch around the joint because of skin conditions such as:

• Dry skin: According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), very dry skin can become very itchy.
• Atopic dermatitis: Also known as eczema, this can cause an itchy rash that might bleed when you scratch. A common area for eczema in adults is the bend of the elbows or knees. Its exact causes are unknown, but genetics and the environment play a role.
• Contact dermatitis: When you expose the skin near a joint to a substance you are sensitive to, like an irritant or allergen, it can result in itching.
• Insect bites or stings: Bites from outdoor bugs, such as mosquitos, or indoor bugs, such as bed bugs, can cause itching around the joint.
• Psoriasis: This condition causes raised, thick patches of skin that itch. Psoriasis can form on the skin above joints like elbows or knees. 

Types of arthritis

Arthritis is a group of more than 100 joint conditions. They can all cause inflammation and swelling of the joints and might affect the surrounding connective tissue. When arthritis affects your joints, you may experience some symptoms, such as itchiness.

Types of arthritis include:

• Gout: This occurs when a buildup of uric acid leads to needle-like crystals forming around a joint. People experience intense pain, swelling, stiffness, and warmth in and around the joint.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: This condition results from the body’s immune system attacking its tissues, particularly around the joints. RA can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints.
• Osteoarthritis: This condition can result in several symptoms, such as itching, pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. It can also cause the joints to wear down over time gradually.
• Psoriatic arthritis: This condition causes the immune system to attack healthy tissue. According to the Arthritis Foundation, psoriatic arthritis occurs in about one-third of people with psoriasis. They can experience itchy, raised patches of skin, as well as joint swelling, pain, and stiffness. 

Treatment methods for itching joints

The treatment for itching joints depends on the underlying cause. Treating the condition that leads to the itch should result in relief.

Examples include:

• Moisturizing several times per day: This can help prevent dry skin and should especially be done when you get out of the bath or shower. A dermatologist can recommend the best moisturizer for your skin by looking at a balance of ingredients such as urea, ceramides, and dimethicone.
• Taking over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications: They can help with conditions such as atopic dermatitis. OTC options include antihistamines like loratadine (Claritin). Prescription options include ruxolitinib (Opzelura) and tacrolimus (Protopic).
• Identifying your triggers: You can work with a healthcare professional to determine what is triggering your itching joints, such as contact dermatitis, and avoid those triggers. You might also find relief with over-the-counter antihistamines.
• Using topical treatments: These can help with conditions such as psoriasis and are available over the counter as fluocinonide (Vanos) and triamcinolone (Trivaris). Prescription options include methotrexate (Otrexup) and cyclosporine (Gengraf), as well as newer biologic drugs.
• Taking anti-inflammatory drugs: They can help with conditions such as gout. Common examples include ibuprofen (Advil) and colchicine (Colcrys). If you have frequent gout attacks, a doctor might recommend a drug like allopurinol (Zyloprim) to lower the amount of uric acid in the body.

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Summary

Itching around your joints can be frustrating and affect day-to-day life. It can result from a skin condition such as psoriasis or a joint condition such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout.

Discovering the root cause of your itching joints is essential to finding relief. Once you’ve identified the underlying cause, there are several over-the-counter or prescription remedies available.

If you find that itching joints are affecting your day-to-day life, consider speaking with a healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist. They can work with you to develop a suitable treatment plan.

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