When our skin feels itchy, we tend to blame on the sweat, the hygienic products we use, or the material of the clothes we wear, but the truth is that the reasons behind itchy skin can be related to changes taking place inside our body.

The skin can reflect our internal health and the sensation of itchy skin is most times the first sign that something isn’t right with our body.

In medical term, persistent itching is known as pruritus, and while it’s harmless all by itself, it can be a sign of liver, circulatory, metabolic, or hormonal issues.

Here are three body areas where recurring itchiness may signal an internal imbalance, what usually causes it, and what to do in order to prevent it.

1. Itching on the nape of the neck and upper back

The base of the neck down to the middle of the shoulder blades is a place where itching occurs most frequently. It usually occurs as a result of stress and tension, when circulation is reduced and creates burning or tingling sensations. Other possible causes could be poor blood flow, high blood pressure, and thyroid-related hormonal issues.

You can help it by checking your blood pressure regularly and stretching your neck and shoulders every day. If the itching sensation doesn’t go away, it’s best to consult with a medical professional.

2. Itching in the Legs: Calves and Ankles

While itching in the legs is often dismissed as a reaction to heat, friction, or dry skin, it can also signal deeper cardiovascular or metabolic issues. When the veins weaken and struggle to return blood to the heart, blood begins to pool in the legs, causing swelling, heaviness, fatigue, and persistent itchiness.

Poorly controlled diabetes can have a similar effect, as excess glucose disrupts circulation, dries out the skin, and makes it more prone to irritation and slow-healing wounds.

Further, kidney problems may also contribute. When they don’t function properly, toxins can exit through the skin, leading to intense itching, spots, or peeling.

In order to relief the symptoms and support circulation, you can elevate your legs briefly each day, stay active through walking or gentle exercise, and monitor blood sugar if you’re at risk for diabetes.

3. Itching in the palms of the hands or soles of the feet

When the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet are itchy, it can be a sign of liver problems, although this symptoms is sometimes overlooked because it’s lesser known.

When the liver fails to filter toxins properly, which is basically it’s main function in the body, the toxins circulate through the blood and can irritate sensitive areas like the hands and feet. This causes tingling, burning, or fine prickling, especially at night.

It’s not unusual this itching to be accompanied with yellowing of the skin or eyes, fatigue, or a slow appetite and digestion. If you notice this, ask your doctor for a liver enzyme test and cut back on processed foods, alcohol, and heavy fats.

What helps is to staying hydrated, be active, and consult a doctor in case the symptoms won’t go away.

Never ignore itching that lasts long. Always seek medical help if you believe something isn’t right.