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Itchy skin in babies and children

Warning:

If you think you or someone you know is experiencing anaphylaxis, use the adrenaline autoinjector immediately. Then call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance. Follow an ASCIA allergy action plan, if you have one. Signs of anaphylaxis (serious allergic reaction) include itchy skin and any of these: shortness of breath, hives, welts, swelling of the face, lips or tongue.

Key facts

  • If your child has itchy skin, their skin may look normal and healthy or they may have a rash.
  • Itchy skin has many causes such as skin conditions, allergic reactions, burns, infections, illnesses or other medical conditions.
  • It is important to treat the cause of your child’s itchy skin. Your doctor may recommend emollients (moisturisers), corticosteroid creams or antihistamines.
  • If your child has itchy skin, you can help by applying moisturiser daily, dressing them in loose cotton clothing, giving lukewarm and short baths and avoiding overheating.
  • If your child’s itchy skin is severe, they may develop skin infections, have trouble sleeping or feel distressed. 

What is itchy skin?

Itchy skin, also known as pruritus, is common in children. It can feel uncomfortable and make them want to scratch their skin. It is usually a symptom of skin disorders, infections or other conditions. Your child’s skin can look normal or it may have a rash.

Read about common childhood rashes.

Read about serious childhood rashes. 

Read about eczema in children and babies.

What are symptoms of itchy skin?

If your child’s skin is itchy, they may also:

  • have a rash on their body that may or may not be serious
  • have dry or bumpy skin
  • feel itchier at night
  • feel itchy all over their body or only in certain areas

These symptoms are often different between children. Symptoms also depend on what is causing the itchy skin.

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

When your child’s skin feels itchy, they will feel a need to scratch it. Scratching their skin damages it. The damage to their skin makes it even more itchy. This is known as the ‘itch-scratch-itch’ cycle. This cycle can also cause your child’s skin to become thicker, scaly and red. It may be difficult for your child to break this cycle.

What causes itchy skin?

Itchy skin in childhood is usually associated with a skin condition.
 
Common skin conditions that can cause itchy skin in children include:

Other reasons why your child can develop itchy skin include:

Infections that can cause itchy skin in children include:

When should I see my doctor?

Warning:

If you think you or someone you know is experiencing anaphylaxis, use the adrenaline autoinjector immediately. Then call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance. Follow an ASCIA allergy action plan, if you have one.

Signs of anaphylaxis (serious allergic reaction) include itchy skin and any of these: shortness of breath, hives, welts, swelling of the face, lips or tongue.

You should take your child to see their doctor if they have itchy skin and:

  • it developed suddenly
  • it is causing them distress and affecting their quality of life
  • they have signs of infection — red or warm to the touch
  • they have fever and a rash


If you need to see your doctor but cannot wait for an appointment, you may be able to get treatment at a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (Opens in new tab). Use the Service Finder (Opens in new tab) to find your nearest one.

You can also visit your local pharmacist. They can check your child’s rash and recommend an appropriate treatment.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

How is itchy skin diagnosed?

Your child’s family doctor, paediatrician or dermatologist (Opens in new tab) (skin specialist) can diagnose itchy skin by:

  • examining their skin and asking questions about their symptoms and medical history
  • taking a swab of their skin if they think the itch is caused by an infection
  • recommending blood tests (Opens in new tab) or other medical tests if they think the itch is caused by a general health problem

Based on your child’s situation, their doctor will decide the best way to diagnose the cause.

How is itchy skin treated?

Your child’s treatment depends on what has caused their itchy skin, their symptoms and their age. 

Treatment can include self-care at home, medicines, other treatment options and treating the cause of their itchy skin. 

Read more about how eczema in babies and children is treated. 

Read more about how common childhood rashes are treated.

Self-care at home

Your child’s doctor may recommend trying:     

  • moisturisers — if your child’s itchy skin is caused by eczema (Opens in new tab) and dry skin
  • cool compresses — apply a wet cloth to your child’s itchy skin for 5–10 minutes

Medicines for itchy skin

Depending on what is causing your child’s itchy skin, their doctor may prescribe:    

LOOKING FOR A MEDICINE? — To search by brand or active ingredient, use the Medicines information search feature.

Other treatment options 

Other treatment options that can improve your child’s quality of life include ultraviolet (UV) phototherapy. This involves using special bright lights on your child’s skin to help relieve itchiness caused by eczema or other conditions. This treatment may help if other treatments have not worked — ask your doctor if phototherapy might be suitable for your child.

You can ask your pharmacist to recommend a moisturiser without fragrances, dyes or preservatives.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

Complications of itchy skin

If your child scratches their skin, they can develop sores that can become infected.

Itchy skin can also affect your child’s:  

  • sleep 
  • mood
  • quality of life
  • learning at school
  • social and family interactions

Can itchy skin be prevented?

Depending on what causes your child’s itchy skin, you may be able to prevent it.

It is also important to manage your child’s itchy skin to help prevent them from developing an infection.

Here are some tips to help prevent itchy skin:

  • Moisturise your child’s skin with a recommended moisturiser — ask your pharmacist (Opens in new tab) for advice.
  • Avoid soaps, bubble baths and shower gels, as they can dry out your child’s skin. Use a soap-free wash instead.
  • Give your child short, lukewarm baths or showers. 
  • Dress your child in loose cotton clothing.
  • Avoid overheating.
  • Keep your child’s fingernails short to prevent skin damage caused by scratching. You can also try cotton gloves overnight.
  • Be SunSmart to prevent sunburn.

If your child’s itch is caused by a specific condition, treating the condition can help prevent the itch.

Itch-scratch-itch cycle

Tips to help your child avoid the itch-scratch-itch cycle include:

  • deep breathing and relaxation techniques
  • distraction — playing a game, massage or music 
  • put a soft, cool, wet towel over their itchy area
  • pat or press the itchy skin rather than scratching it

Choose a strategy that suits your child’s age and maturity.

Resources and support

Learn more on the ASCIA website (Opens in new tab) about how itchy hives can be part of an allergic reaction to foods, medicines or something else.

Read about skincare for babies (Opens in new tab) on the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne (Opens in new tab) website.
Learn more about eczema in babies and children (Opens in new tab) on the Eczema Support Australia website. 

Languages other than English

The Royal Children’s Hospital has translated fact sheets into many community languages, including:  

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

Eczema Support Australia has a collection of resources about eczema (Opens in new tab) for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

Speak to a maternal child health nurse

Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 (Opens in new tab) or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.

Last reviewed: April 2026

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