What is it?

Loosely defined as itchy skin, pruritus is a skin condition with varying symptoms. In some cases, people might exhibit few signs; in other cases, individuals can experience red, bumpy, blistered or scaly skin.

How do you get it?

Plain old dryness can cause itchy skin. However, there are many culprits, including medical conditions and environmental factors. You might want to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause of your itchy skin.

• Medical conditions. Skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis, can cause itchiness, along with other medical conditions. In fact, anyone with a compromised immune system is prone to pruritus. Among individuals who’re vulnerable are the elderly, pregnant women, anyone suffering from allergies, diabetics, HIV or AIDS and cancer patients. Other causes can include infections.
• Environmental factors. These often stem from allergic reactions to common, everyday substances, including food, makeup, skincare products or even medication. If medication is the cause of your pruritus, often switching to a new medication will relieve the problem. See the doctor if you think your medication is a potential cause. Also, when the air is dry with minimal humidity —if it’s extremely cold or hot — itching can start or worsen.

How do you treat it?

Combating pruritus means first determining the source and then treating the underlying cause. Remember, dryness often makes the problem worse, so many of the strategies focus on hydrating the skin. Also, keeping itchy skin hydrated discourages scratching.

Here’s what you can do:

• Use a daily moisturizer to relieve flaking and dryness. Ideally, you should apply it within three minutes of showering or washing your face, which is when skin can best prevent moisture loss.

• Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen year-round to prevent sun damage.

• Switch to mild, unscented soaps, cleansers and laundry detergents.

• Consider using a humidifier to add moisture into the air and hydrate skin.

• Avoid extremely hot water. Instead, opt for warm water, which can provide temporary relief.

• To alleviate itching and prevent scratching, apply a cool, damp washcloth to affected areas.

• If you enjoy taking relaxing baths, add oatmeal or cornstarch to water, which will soften the water and soothe the skin.

• Apply topical anti-itch creams containing at least 1 percent hydrocortisone.

• Take oral antihistamines, such as Benadryl. These are particularly helpful if your itchy skin is due to allergies.

• Resist scratching as much as possible, which can lead to further infections.

• Avoid potentially irritating items, including jewelry, nickel, cleaning products, perfume and cosmetics.

Product picks

Here are several hydrating options:

• SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser is a creamy formula for sensitive skin that removes irritants and impurities.

• With kinetin, safflower seed oil and aloe, Kinerase Cream strengthens the skin’s barrier function and locks in moisture.

• Peter Thomas Roth Aloe-Cort Cream contains 1 percent hydrocortisone to relieve itching.

• Stiefel Sarna Sensitive Anti-Itch Lotion features a gentle anesthetic called Pramoxine Hydrochloride to alleviate itching.

See a doctor for severe cases

If the itching is severe enough to affect your daily life, or if you also have other symptoms, see a doctor immediately. He or she may order blood tests or biopsies to find out the cause. A doctor can treat severe itching with antibiotics or steroids. Remember that skin problems might be the result of internal conditions, like anemia, liver disease, kidney failure or thyroid problems. So, it’s important to identify the causes of your condition.

See also:

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