The following features are indicative of Pruritus:
redness
bumps
blisters
dry skin
cracked skin
leathery skin texture
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Common Causes of Pruritus
The following are the most common causes of Pruritus:
allergic reactions
eczema
dry skin
insect bites
irritating chemicals
parasitic infections
Other Causes of Pruritus
The following are the less common causes of Pruritus:
rashes
pregnancy
use of certain drugs such as antibiotics, antifungal drugs or narcotic pain medications
nerve disorders
dermatitis
hives
psoriasis
sunburn
impetigo
Risk Factors for Pruritus
The following factors may increase the likelihood of Pruritus:
allergic reactions
eczema
dry skin
insect bites
exposure to irritating chemicals
during pregnancy
narcotic pain medications
nerve disorders
dermatitis
hives
psoriasis
sunburn
impetigo
Pityriasis rosea
Prevention of Pruritus
Yes, it may be possible to prevent Pruritus. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
cleaning and drying the infected area
do not scratch the affected skin
wear loose clothing
take lukewarm baths
apply ointments or gels
Occurrence of Pruritus
Number of Cases
The following are the number of Pruritus cases seen each year worldwide:
Very common > 10 Million cases
Common Age Group
Pruritus can occur at any age.
Common Gender
Pruritus can occur in any gender.
Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Pruritus
The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Pruritus:
Blood test: To detect the cause of itch
Chest X-rays: To detect the disease causing itching
Complications of Pruritus if untreated
Yes, Pruritus causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Pruritus is left untreated:
skin injury
infection
scarring
Procedures for Treatment of Pruritus
The following procedures are used to treat Pruritus:
Light or Phototherapy: To bring itch under control
Self-care for Pruritus
The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Pruritus:
Avoid scratching the itchy areas: Helps in preventing the disease spreading
Wear soft and comfortable clothing: Wear loose and soft clothes
Take lukewarm bath: Take lukewarm water bath with mild soap or take oatmeal bath
Apply lotion regularly: Apply mild soothing after bath lotion
Avoid direct exposure to sun
Use sunscreen moisturizer: Use moisturizer or sunscreen in sunlight
Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Pruritus
The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Pruritus:
Acupuncture therapy:To relieve the symptoms of itching
Do yoga: To reduce stress-induced itching
Time for Treatment of Pruritus
While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Pruritus to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
In 3 - 6 months
Is Pruritus Infectious?
Yes, Pruritus is known to be infectious. It can spread across people via the following means: