What is it?

Loosely defined as itchy skin, "pruritus” is a skin condition which can actually manifest with conflicting symptoms. Some cases may produce few visible symptoms while others can become red, bumpy, blistered, or scaly. Treating pruritus means first determining the source and then treating the underlying cause.

How do you get it?

There are many reasons why skin can become itchy. Primary reasons are dry skin (xerosis) or skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis. Anyone with a compromised immune system are more prone to pruritus, as well as the elderly, women who are pregnant, anyone suffering from allergies, or sufferers of diabetes, HIV/AIDS, or cancer. Other factors can include certain infections, fungus or even more commonly, allergic reactions to common, everyday substances: food, makeup or beauty products, or even medications. If itchy skin or pruritus is related to a drug interaction, oftentimes simply switching to a new medication will relieve the problem, so be certain to consult a doctor about this possibility.

Treatment

In many cases, dry skin can greatly exacerbate a case of pruritus. Use a daily moisturizer to relieve flaking and dryness and wear sunscreen year-round to prevent sun damage. Switch to mild, preferably unscented, soaps and detergents. Also, consider using an in-home humidifier to add moisture back into the air and help hydrate the skin. To relieve itching, wear loose, cotton clothing; avoid wool or synthetic fabrics. Also, avoid extremely hot water and instead, opt for warm water, which can provide temporary relief. If baths are your indulgence, add either oatmeal or cornstarch to the tub as it fills, which will soften the water and soothe the skin. Additionally, oral antihistamines such as Benadryl, and topical anti-itch creams containing hydrocortisone can also help. Finally, avoid scratching as much as possible; this can lead to further infections such as impetigo.

Product Picks

Keeping itchy skin hydrated discourages scratching so invest in a hydrating formula for all parts of the body. For the face, try: Kinerase Cream. With Kinetin, safflower seed oil and aloe, this cream actually strengthens the skin’s barrier function and locks in moisture. To relieve symptoms like itching and burning, try a lotion formulated with hydrocortisone, such as: Obagi Nu-Derm Tolereen. Then, keep the skin supple and itch-free with ATOPALM MLE Face Cream.

Special considerations

If the itching is severe enough to affect your daily life, or if you are having any other symptoms, see a doctor immediately. Severe itching can be treated by a doctor with clinical solutions, such as antibiotics or steroids. Sometimes, skin problems occur due to an internal disease, such as anemia, liver disease, kidney failure, or thyroid problems, so don't ignore your body's warning signs!