Pruritus (Itching)

• Urticaria (hives)
• Varicella (chicken pox)
• Eczema – Dry skin
• Some parasitic infestations such as scabies and lice may be very itchy.
• Fungal infections of skin/hair
• Itchy pigmented moles may be a sign of a malignant change.
• People with seasonal allergies, asthma, hay fever, etc
• Liver disease like hepatitis, kidney problems
• Thyroid disease including both hyper (too much) and hypo (too little) thyroid hormone levels
• Lymphomas
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Polycythemia vera
• Multiple myeloma
• Neurologic conditions such as post herpetic neuralgia
• People with HIV/ AIDS and different types of Cancer

To determine the cause of the itch, a blood test, skin scraping, or biopsy may be needed to help make the diagnosis. If the itch is due to a skin disease such as hives or eczema, treatment of the skin disease, with prescription topical medications and/or oral antihistamines generally relieves the itch. If the itch is secondary to an internal disease, patients may require treatment of the disease, oral medication, or occasionally ultraviolet light therapy to relieve the itch.

A cooling topical lotion or cream and/or an oral medication may relieve the itch. While a specific identifying cause for the itch may not be found, an appropriate work-up to exclude internal disease should be completed.Although there are many causes for pruritus, some basic steps are required to be followed in order to protect your skin:

• Lukewarm water bath
• Use mild cleansers with low pH.
• Immediately apply a moisturizing lotion or cream after bathing.
• Regular usage of sunscreen so as to prevent sunburns and skin damage.
• Wear light, loose clothing.
• A cool oatmeal bath or topical drying agents such as calamine lotion can be helpful in eczematous conditions
• Since warm, dry air can make skin dry, keep the thermostat in your house down and use a humidifier.
• To relieve itching, place a cool washcloth or some ice over the area that itches, rather than scratching.