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Uncomfortable urge to scratch. Can be localised or generalised, from skin conditions or internal causes.
There are several possible causes. Here are the most common ones:
Most common cause of itching.
You might suspect this if you have:
Chronic itchy skin condition.
You might suspect this if you have:
To products, plants, or food.
You might suspect this if you have:
Athlete's foot, jock itch, etc.
You might suspect this if you have:
Generalised itching.
You might suspect this if you have:
Important: This information is for general guidance only and should not be used to self-diagnose. A doctor can properly assess your symptoms and provide appropriate advice.
Call 000 or go to Emergency immediately
Itching (pruritus) without a visible rash is a diagnostically interesting symptom. If there is a rash, the cause is usually dermatological — eczema, contact dermatitis, fungal infection, hives, or insect bites. But generalised itching without any rash can indicate systemic conditions: liver disease (bile salt deposition), kidney disease (uraemia), thyroid dysfunction, iron deficiency, or rarely, lymphoma. This is why persistent, unexplained itching warrants blood tests. For itching with a clear skin cause, treatment is usually straightforward — moisturisers for dry skin, topical steroids for eczema, antifungals for fungal infections, and antihistamines for allergic reactions. The most important self-care advice is to avoid scratching — it creates an itch-scratch cycle that worsens the condition.
Medical certificate guidance: Severe itching — particularly from eczema flares or allergic reactions — can be genuinely debilitating and affect sleep and concentration. A certificate is appropriate when itching significantly impairs your ability to work.
All clinical decisions are made by AHPRA-registered doctors following our clinical governance framework. We never automate clinical decisions.
See a doctor if itching is severe, widespread without rash, or doesn't improve. Itching with breathing difficulty is an emergency.
If severe itching (e.g. from eczema flare) affects sleep or work, yes.
If your symptoms are keeping you from work or study, you can request a medical certificate through InstantMed. A doctor will review your symptoms and issue a certificate if clinically appropriate — typically for 1 to 3 days depending on severity. You don't need to be dramatically unwell; feeling genuinely too rough to function is reason enough.
Yes. Australian-registered doctors can assess your symptoms and issue valid medical certificates via telehealth. You fill in a detailed health questionnaire, a doctor reviews it, and if appropriate, your certificate is delivered digitally. No waiting room required.
You complete a structured health questionnaire covering your symptoms, duration, severity, and relevant medical history. The reviewing doctor uses this information — the same clinical reasoning they'd apply in a face-to-face consult — to determine whether a certificate, advice, or referral is appropriate.
A medical certificate covers the period stated on the document. If your symptoms worsen or don't improve as expected, you should see a GP in person or visit your nearest emergency department if it's urgent. Your certificate doesn't replace ongoing care — it's a point-in-time clinical assessment.
In some cases, yes. If a doctor reviewing your request determines that a common, non-restricted treatment is appropriate, they may issue a prescription as part of a consultation. Not all symptoms require or qualify for a prescription — the doctor will advise you on next steps.
Medical certificates are typically issued in under 30 minutes, available 24/7. Other requests are reviewed within 1–2 hours during operating hours (8am–10pm AEST, 7 days). You'll receive an email notification once your request has been reviewed.
If your symptoms suggest something that requires a physical examination, diagnostic tests, or specialist referral, the doctor will let you know and recommend appropriate next steps. Your safety is the priority — telehealth is a great option for many things, but it's not a replacement for hands-on assessment when that's what's needed.
No Medicare card is required for medical certificates. If you're requesting a prescription or consultation, a valid Medicare card is needed. Our service is private and does not attract a Medicare rebate, though any prescriptions issued can still attract PBS subsidies at the pharmacy.
Our Australian-registered doctors can assess your symptoms and provide advice, treatment, or medical certificates if needed.
Get assessedThis information is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health. Content on this page has been reviewed by AHPRA-registered Australian doctors but does not replace a personalised medical consultation.