Pruritus

Pruritus is also known as itching which is a condition characterized by stingy irritation of the skin. It gives off the tendency to scratch or rub it, making it even more painful. It is occurs due to various causes such as allergies, insect bites, poor hygiene and even skin diseases.

Symptoms of Pruritus

There is a noticeable appearance of blisters, and red and scaly patches of skin that are caused by continuous scratching. There is great urge to rub the affected area and in doing so, may lead to scarring.

Causes of Pruritus

There are various causes of pruritus or itchiness. These may include:

• Sunburn
• Chicken pox
• Cold weather
• Insect bites
• Parasitic lice
• Chemical exposure
• Wrongly prescribed medications
• Prolonged soaking in water or hot baths
• Allergic reaction to food, plants or pets

For pregnant women, priritus or itching may occur on the lower abdomen during the last trimester due to skin stretching and may experience skin illnesses such as:

• Urticaria
• Psoriasis
• Pityriasis rosea
• Seborrheic dermatitis

Treatment / Home Remedies for Pruritus

Evaporated milk:
Mixing 1 can of evaporated milk, oatmeal, or baking soda as a home remedy will help soothe body pruritus or itching.

Applying aloe Vera, lemon juice, witch hazel tea, cod liver, vitamin E, and wheat germ oil is one of the best remedy to remove pruritus or itchiness.

Herbal capsule:
Taking burdock, chickweed, goldenseal, plantain, or yellow dock capsules also accounts as useful home remedies.

Cornstarch:
Pour cornstarch in your bath water or apply it all over your body is also one of the best remedy for pruritus.

Vaseline:
Scrub the itchy area lightly using pumice stone. Wash away with soap, apply rubbing alcohol, then apply a thick layer of Vaseline in it.

Peppermint:
Fill bathtub with water then add moderate amount of peppermint or yellow dock in it.

Apple cider vinegar:
Mixing 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to your bath water is also a good remedy for pruritus.

Baking soda:
Mix baking soda in a tub filled with cold water. It will lessen itching caused by bees and insect bites and other skin irritations.

Carbolic acid lotion:
Apply lotion or baking soda on the itchy areas.

Applying cold compress or nettle oil on the affected areas is also one of the noted home remedy for pruritus.

Nettle tea:
Drink 1-2 cups of nettle tea everyday. Alternately, place 1 teaspoon of dried nettle leaves in a cup of water. Leave it for 15 minutes.

Burdock:
Applying burdock root oil to the rashes will lessen the itching sensation.

Chickweed:
Soak 2 large handful of this plant in water. Let it cool then apply it directly on the affected skin part.

Dietary suggestion for Pruritus

Determine foods that will not further irritate the skin.

Consume foods that are rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, E and zinc.

Other suggestions for Pruritus

Take a bath using lukewarm water.
Apply lotion all over the body after bathing.
Stay away from direct source of heat and humid places.
Make sure to keep yourself dry all the time for moisture will worsen itching.
Trim your fingernails to prevent skin damage from involuntary scratching. In addition, refrain from rubbing or scratching the itchy areas to avoid further damage.
Wear loose clothing made of soft materials. Do not wear clothes that are made of tough and thick materials such as wool.