Ep 7. The Itch

House season 5 episode 7, titled "The Itch," follows the team as they try to solve the case of a patient with an unidentifiable skin ailment. The patient, a woman named Frankie, comes to the hospital with a severe itch that is causing her to scratch her skin raw. The team initially suspects scabies or another common skin infection, but test results come back negative.

As they continue to investigate, the team begins to consider the possibility of an environmental or psychological cause for Frankie's symptoms. They explore several potential environmental factors, including the woman's workplace and home, but nothing seems amiss. They also consider the possibility of a psychological or stress-induced condition, but Frankie seems to be coping well with her job and personal life.

Amidst the medical mystery, the episode also delves into the personal lives of the main characters. Chase is seen struggling with his new role as a department head, while Taub deals with the fallout of his extramarital affair. Meanwhile, House continues to push Cuddy's buttons by testing the limits of their personal and professional relationship.

As the team continues to investigate Frankie's condition, they begin to grow more frustrated and desperate for a solution. Taub even goes so far as to try an experimental treatment without the team's approval, causing tensions to rise between him and the rest of the group.

In the end, the team is able to successfully diagnose Frankie's condition and provide her with a treatment plan. The resolution of the medical mystery also brings resolution to some of the personal issues faced by the characters throughout the episode, providing a satisfying conclusion to the story.