How To Get Rid Of Pruritus?
What in the world is pruritus? Those of you who haven’t heard this term might be surprised to learn that this is a “fancy” word for itching and the urge to scratch the itch. The itch and the scratch are not, in most cases, a threat to health. In fact, many people don’t pay a lot of attention to the normal, everyday itches that human beings experience.
Only when itching is a symptom of some more serious condition or when scratching causes problems with the skin or with general health should we begin to be concerned. If you have regular itching you should certainly look for visible signs of disease or infection. Scaly skin, flaking, inflammation, thickening skin and other signs might indicate the need for medical assistance.
Various Causes
In general terms, we experience pruritus the way we experience any other sensation in the body, such as pain or the more positive sensations. We might feel an itch and get the urge to scratch when some substance causes a mild allergic reaction. It would be wise to determine what the cause is so that we can avoid contact with the airborne allergens, fabrics, detergents etc. that cause the itch.
We might experience itching as a reaction to something we eat or drink. Alcoholic beverages and drinks with caffeine cause some people to itch. Histamines in the body are often at the root of the problem. We might have to take an over-the-counter antihistamine or request a prescription treatment from a doctor.
People often get temporary relief from pruritus with lotions or creams such as hydrocortisone creams or aloe vera gels. Cold-water compresses and ice might also provide some relief from itching. If an individual often itches and gets the urge to scratch he or she may want to look at the place they live. Is dry air causing you to itch. Are plants the cause. What about the fabric in your clothing? Are you becoming overheated because of work or exercise?
Things to Try
If you don’t want to use medicines and store-bought chemicals to relieve your itching you might want to try baking soda. Mix a cup of this common substance in your bath water and soak for 20 or 30 minutes. This should relieve some of the minor, individual itches. Use a cup of baking soda with a small amount of water to make a paste that you can apply directly on areas that itch.
Other substances that might be used to relieve minor itching are white vinegar mixed in water or oatmeal in the bath water. People have also found relief from reducing their overall salt intake. Of course there is always the old standby used for poison ivy – calamine lotion. Pruritus is a word that implies common itching that may be caused by a variety of things. It’s important to find out what is at the source of your itching, as well as to determine if this itching is a sign of something more serious.
Category: Diseases & Conditions, Health