Have you ever found yourself scratching uncontrollably without knowing why? Whether it's daytime or night, you are just constantly experiencing irritation on your skin. Well, the endless itch may not be as simple as dry skin; it could be due to Pruritus.
Pruritus is a common skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The person feels urgent itching on the skin, either in a localized region or all over the body. It can be painful and can cause great discomfort and irritation.
Unlike other common skin conditions, pruritus can be a sign of an underlying health issue. Many people keep scratching their skin without determining the real cause behind it. However, there is nothing to worry about as we have your back!
In this blog, we will have a keen eye on the causes, symptoms, types, and treatments of Pruritus. Therefore, make sure that you stick to this discussion till the end.
What Is Pruritus?
Pruritus, commonly known as itchy skin, is a condition of experiencing the urge to scratch the skin, on the same local spot or on several parts of the body. This is an uncomfortable and urgent sensation that only resolves when you scratch your skin.
The most common symptom of pruritus is itching all over the body or in one specific spot, mostly caused by dryness. However, it often comes with a set of additional signs and symptoms, including:
- Small dry cracks on the skin
- Skin scratch marks
- Pain in the itching spot
- Leathery thick patches
- Skin rashes and redness
Severe pruritus often comes with more extensive symptoms, like
- Skin bleeds due to ruptures
- Small, round, and pimple-shaped bumps
- Large visible bumps with swelling
- Prominent discoloration of the skin in the itching area
- Fluid-filled blisters
Itching can be long and intense. Furthermore, it can also get itchier and more irritating if you scratch. Hence, breaking this never-ending cycle of pruritus is difficult and time-consuming.
Common Causes of Itchy Skin
Pruritus of the skin can be caused by a variety of causes, ranging from skin conditions to underlying diseases. The most common factors include:
- Dermatological Factors: Skin dryness - Eczema - Psoriasis - Dermatitis - Scabies - Burn - Scars - Insect bites and hives
- Neuropathic Factors: Multiple Sclerosis - Pinched Nerves - Shingles
- Systematic Factors: Thyroid disease - Kidney disease - Gallbladder disease - Liver disease - Cancer (rarely) - HIV/AIDs - Diabetes - Pregnancy
- Psychiatric Factors: Compulsive Obsessive Disorder - Depression - Anxiety
- Environmental Factors: Allergic reactions to dust, chemicals, medicine, or temperature
Skin dryness is the most significant cause of pruritus, especially in the dry seasons like autumn and winter. According to Dermatologist Shilpi Khetarpal, MD,
“Usually, the problem is traced to dry skin; however, reactions to medications and other underlying conditions can also cause itching.
However, if facing constant or extreme itching, it is best to consult a medical expert for proper diagnosis and quick, effective treatment.
Pruritus Of Skin and Pruritus Rash - Key Differences to Understand
Pruritus is a condition that causes irritation and itching on the skin, anywhere on the body. Hence, you can have itchy hands or legs, or constant irritation on your face. However, a pruritic rash is a result of that itchiness.
Let us explain. You experienced itchy legs, and you started scratching them constantly. Now, after never-ending scratching, you’ll get rashes, inflamed, irritated, and swollen skin on that specific spot.
If you keep further scratching the spot, you may also start to develop bumps, pimples, or painful blisters, or in worst scenarios, break open your skin and start to bleed.
Types of Pruritus and Related Conditions
Pruritus is a comprehensive skin condition that is characterized by several types on the basis of its causes, itchiness, and location.
- Brachio-radial Pruritus: Brachio-radia Pruritus is an itching sensation of the upper arms due to trouble or damage to nerves.
- Uremic Pruritus: Uremic Pruritus is common in people who are suffering from kidney diseases and receiving regular dialysis treatment.
- Pruritus Ani: It is an infectious disease that results in itching on the skin around the anus, mainly due to haemorrhoids, commonly called piles.
- Senile Pruritus: This type of Pruritus affects people of older age, mostly more than 65 years.
- Nocturnal Pruritus: Lastly, Nocturnal Pruritus is a condition of skin itching at night. It could be due to a skin irritant or an allergic reaction to a drug or chemical.
Pruritus is a commonly occurring skin condition that affects people globally, regardless of their age or race. However, the frequency and intensity of the itchiness can vary from person to person.
Itchy Skin at Night
The itchy skin at night is also a form of Pruritus, known as “Nocturnal Pruritus.” The itchiness sensation gets worse at night, especially when the body is in a resting position. Thus, this nighttime itchiness can disrupt and negatively affect your sleep quality.
Furthermore, this constant disturbance can result in constant fatigue and brain fog. Not to forget about the risks of bleeding, blisters, and scratches on the skin, in case of extreme itchiness.
Nighttime Itchy feelings are common on the legs, arms, and face, but they can affect any part of the body. Also, they may appear as irritation only or with other additional symptoms.
Pruritus Across Age Groups
Pruritus doesn’t choose age; it is a common condition that can affect anyone. Whether you are a teenager or an older adult, Pruritus symptoms can occur at any age, irrespective of age group, gender, race, genetics, or any other aspect.
If you are getting in contact with allergic substances, like soap, chemicals, drugs, or dust, you can develop Pruritus. Furthermore, this skin condition is also a significant indication of an underlying disease, like kidney, gallbladder, or liver disease.
Hence, if you are suffering from any of the related health conditions, you may start to experience itchiness on your skin, no matter what your age!
Itching in Children Vs. Itchy Skin in Adults: A Quick Comparison
The concept of itching in children is not so different as compared with that of adults. In kids, Pruritus is commonly caused due to dryness of the skin or allergy to toxic and harmful substances, like soap, lotion, shampoo, or makeup that doesn’t suit the skin.
On the other hand, Pruritus in adults occurs due to more extensive causes, including stress, anxiety, depression, or extreme allergy. Furthermore, health conditions like liver disease, kidney problems, or skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, or any other underlying diseases also contribute to Pruritus. Also, the adults lose oil production control and elasticity with age, which makes the pruritus more intense and difficult to treat.
Pruritus Treatments: Best Options to Explore
To diagnose Pruritus, your healthcare provider may ask you to perform a few tests to find the best and accurate cause of Pruritus. It may include:
- Allergy tests to rule out the possible allergic and toxic substances that may have caused this condition.
- Blood tests to evaluate the deficiencies of vitamins and minerals.
- Chest X-ray to confirm that there is no underlying cause behind the itching, like skin cancer or a tumor.
- Skin biopsy, a process of taking a small sample of skin tissue to test and find out the cause of itching.
Pruritus is unique to every person, and it shows different signs and symptoms in everyone. Hence, one single treatment plan may not fit everyone. Pruritus treatment requires comprehensive care and a change of lifestyle, along with medications, especially if the cause is more extensive than dry skin.
Here we have enlisted general Pruritus treatments that can help you in calming the urge to scratch your skin and cause further pain or blisters. Let's have a look at them:
- Apply Soteri skin products like pH lock eczema relief, especially on the itching patch.
- Consult a dermatologist and take medications to stop itching.
- Avoid contact with possible allergy-causing agents like medications, dust, chemicals, detergents, soap, and makeup. However, before stopping medications, make sure that you consult your doctor first.
- Diagnosing, managing, and treating underlying diseases that cause Pruritus.
- Using non-medicated therapies like acupuncture, light therapy, or nerve stimulation therapy.
In case of intense and constant itching, the doctor may suggest the following medicines for itching all over the body:
- Topical steroids
- Oral steroids
- Antihistamines
- Immunosuppressants
- Medications associated with treating primary diseases that are causing Pruritus.
Home Remedies for Pruritus Treatments
Here, we have enlisted a few of the simple daily home remedies for Pruritus. Whether you are having simple itchy skin, no rash, or an itchy face, these remedies have helped you in managing the irritation and lowering the intensity.
- Always keep your skin moisturized with lotions and creams and ensure that your skin is not getting dry, especially in autumn and winter.
- Use sunscreen every time you go outside in sunny weather to protect your skin from getting burned by UV rays.
- Avoid using scented or chemical-based soaps, shampoos, lotions, creams, moisturizers, detergents, and makeup to reduce the chances of getting a skin allergy.
- Stop wearing linen, wool, and synthetic fabrics to limit the risk of skin irritation. Instead, use pure cotton or any other similar lightweight fabric.
- Take regular showers with lukewarm water to relieve the irritation and lower the skin itchiness.
- Take ice cubes, wrapped in a towel, and place them on your itchy patch to calm the irritation and lower the urge to scratch.
- Make sure that you are not consuming allergic foods, like peanuts, fish, nuts, shellfish, soy, and dairy products.
- Use aloe vera gel or petroleum jelly on your skin for long-lasting and deep moisturization.
- Have a humidifier at your home and office to clean your environment and protect yourself from possible allergy-causing substances.
The most common reason for Pruritus is the dryness of the skin. If your skin is not moisturized enough, it will start to get flaky and rough, leading to irritation and discomfort. Therefore, the best and most important itchy skin treatment is moisturization. Keeping it well-hydrated and constantly using lotions and creams, non-scented ones, can help you in managing the Pruritus easily and effectively.
When to Seek Medical Help for Pruritus?
Mild Pruritus improves with moisturization and hydration of skin, or in some cases, requires a little bit of medicated creams and lotions. However, there are some cases when consulting a healthcare provider becomes necessary. For example:
- If the itching sensation is persistent and intense, even after a couple of weeks.
- If the itching gets intense at night and disrupts your sleep.
- If the symptoms are getting worse and irritation is getting more frequent and extreme, even after treatment.
- You are experiencing additional symptoms like vomiting, nausea, sudden weight loss, fatigue, and fever.
- If you are having blisters, pus discharge, pimples, or bleeding on the itchy skin patch.
Hence, whether you are having an itchy face or itchy legs, start your treatment with home remedies first. Thoroughly moisturize your skin, take warm baths, and practice comprehensive care for the itchy patch. However, if you experience any unusual symptoms or prolonged itchiness, immediately contact your medical expert for the right diagnosis and effective treatment.
FAQs
What causes excessive itching?
Itching, medically termed as Pruritus, is caused by a variety of reasons, including dry skin, eczema, allergy, dehydration, insect bites, or due to psychological reasons like compulsive obsessive behavior, anxiety, or depression. Furthermore, many underlying diseases, like diabetes, kidney problems, liver disease, HIV/AIDs, or thyroid disease, can also contribute to causing itching.
What happens if you don't scratch an itch?
Itching can cause irritation and discomfort that usually raises the urgency of scratching that particular skin spot. However, by resisting his urgency, the itch will calm down on its own. Scratching comes with the risk of bleeding and blisters on the skin. But by resisting the scratch, you can allow your skin to quickly heal on its own.
What causes random itches?
Random itches can be caused by an extensive variety of reasons, such as dryness, dehydration, sweat accumulation, or mild allergies. However, if the itchiness is intense and repeated, it is best to consult a healthcare provider for the best treatment.
Can diet or lifestyle changes help reduce pruritus?
Absolutely! Lifestyle changes can significantly help you in fixing the Pruritus. By assuring that your skin is always moisturized and hydrated with medicated lotions and creams, you can reduce the itchiness and irritation to a greater level. Further, washing your face with lukewarm water and making sure that there is no sweating accumulating on the skin can also help in fixing the itchiness and irritation.
Conclusion
Pruritus creates an urgency of extreme irritation that you think can only be fixed with scratching. However, you're wrong. Scratching can risk your skin breaking open and bleeding, not to forget about the blisters, pimples, bumps, discoloration, and pus discharge. Therefore, while your brain is telling you to scratch your skin, make sure that you don't scratch it and try the alternative practices like washing your skin and moisturizing it for better and safer results. Moreover, if the itchiness is intense, repeated, and not getting better with remedies, immediately consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
