• overcleaning of the skin with soaps and shampoos that remove too much of the natural oil from the skin.

• drying of the skin from long exposure to the sun, which may be helped by oily creams (eg. sorbolene).

• dermatitis of many different causes may result in a minimal rash but a maximal itch. Mild steroid creams may assist.

• psoriasis, a skin disease that is more common in older people, and causes red, scaly, itchy patches, particularly on the scalp, elbows and knees.

• scabies, caused by a tiny insect burrowing under the skin. Small red dots or lines may be seen, but the whole area may be very itchy.

• liver failure can cause a generalised itch of the skin in many parts of the body.

• allergies may occur in any part of the body in response to a wide range of substances in the environment, and result in intensely itchy skin.

• a nerve rash may flare at times of stress and anxiety to cause an itch.

If I continued the list, I would probably fill several pages, but the above suggestions may be helpful. Obviously the best solution is to take your itchy skin to a doctor so that s/he can examine it carefully, make a diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.