Pruritus
Pruritus is the sensation that makes a person want to scratch. Pruritus is an itch. The cause of pruritus is unknown.
What is known is that the brain receives a sensory stimuli telling it that there is an itch and responds by sending a motor impulse telling it to scratch. The severity of the itch will be determined by how the brain interprets the sensation.
The severity of pruritus varies
This means the severity of pruritus will vary from person to person depending on how their body interprets the itch sensation. Some people are more sensitive and will react more severely to the itch sensation.
Skin conditions irritate the skin and lead to pruritus. But there are other stimuli that may induce pruritus. They include:
- climatic changes,
- inefficient sweating,
- topical skin irritants,
- clothing,
- medications,
- internal diseases,
- foods – coffee, tea, chocolate,
- alcohol, tobacco,
- psychological variations,
- emotional reactions and many more.
This extensive list indicates that it would be impossible to go through like without ever having pruritus of some degree.
Determine the cause
To treat pruritus first the cause needs to be determined. Often a medical examination will be sufficient to diagnose the cause, but on occasion blood tests, skin scrapings or a biopsy may be needed. This is especially so when the pruritus is resulting from an internal medical condition.
Self help measures aid in pruritus control
To completely be rid of the pruritus the underlying condition must be cured. In the interim, measures can be taken to decrease the itch and make it more bearable.
- Keep the skin cool and avoid hot water,
- Avoid harsh cleansers and soaps – wash residue off completely,
- Keep the skin well moisturized,
- Wear loose clothing and avoid synthetics that encourage sweating,
- Cooling topical lotions and / or oral medications may be prescribed.
Although difficult it is also important to avoid scratching. Scratching damages the skin and increases the itch sensation creating a vicious cycle.
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