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Pruritus or Itchy Skin

  • April 20, 2020
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Our bodies talk to us through the language of symptoms! The skin often gives us feedback on health imbalances within. ‘Pruritus’ is an unpleasant skin sensation that provokes repeated itching.

Pruritus is only a sign. The urge to scratch may be because of different reasons. Depending on the cause, the skin may appear red, rough, cracked or leathery. The itchiness could make you want to itch even more and this cycle is difficult to stop!

Pruritus may be localized or generalized. Localized pruritus may be due to insect bites, sunlight exposure, cosmetics, fabric, or other irritants. Generalized pruritus may be due to internal diseases, dialysis, hives (urticaria), or parasites. Certain drugs may also cause pruritus.

People more susceptible to the condition are those with:

  • Seasonal allergies and hay fever
  • Diabetes, kidney or liver disease
  • HIV and certain cancers
  • The elderly and pregnant women

Simple remedies to ease the itch are to moisturize daily and have a lukewarm water bath with Epsom salts. Avoid scratching or scrubbing hard. Trim the nails to minimize injury due to itching. If self-care measures do not fix the problem, or if you also experience tiredness, weight loss, changes in bowel habits, or fever, see your doctor immediately.

Physical exams, medical history, and blood tests help diagnose the cause.

Treatment options include skincare creams, phototherapy and oral medications such as antihistamines, steroids or antibiotics. Specific treatment is required for itching due to internal disease.

Itchy skin left untreated, affects the quality of life. It can interrupt sleep, cause skin injury, infection, and scarring. Pay attention the next time you have an itchy sensation, for it could be more than just skin deep!

Developed by Scientific Angle brought to you by Health Meter Services

Disclaimer: Don’t follow any suggestions in this article without consulting a qualified doctor

Sources:

  1. ‘Itchy skin (pruritus).’ Mayo Clinic. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/itchy-skin/symptoms-causes/syc-20355006.
  2. ‘Your skin, pruritus, itching.’ WebMD. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/skin-conditions-pruritus.
  3. Yonova D. ‘Pruritus in certain internal diseases.’ Hippokratia. 2007 Apr-Jun;11(2):67-71. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2464269/.
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