What your itch can reveal about your health – from ancient Egyptian ailment to cancer

Itchy head

Causes: Dandruff, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, head lice, not rising shampoo or conditioner properly

Itchy feet

Causes: Dry skin, athlete’s foot, eczema, contact dermatitis, scabies, diabetes, liver disease and kidney disease

Itchy tongue

Cause: Allergen, oral thrush and smoking

Itchy genitals

Causes: Irritants, bacterial and yeast infections, STIs, diabetes, psoriasis, menopause, cancer

Itchy bum

Cause: IBS, constipation, haemorrhoids, threadworms, diabetes, kidney failure and an overactive thyroid

Itchy boobs

Causes: Bra, eczema, psoriasis, breast cancer

Itchy face

Causes: Dry skin, skin conditions, ageing, insect bite

Itchy nose

Cause: Allergy, a cold, sinusitis, tumour