Pruritus Symptoms, Causes & More
Article Sources
- 1. 'Pruritus,' www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/medicalpubs/diseasemanagement/dermatology/pruritus-itch/
- 2. 'Pruritus (PDQ)–Patient Version.' National Cancer Institute, www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/skin-nail-changes/pruritus-pdq
- 3. 'Itchy Skin (Pruritus).' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 6 Jan. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/itchy-skin/symptoms-causes/syc-20355006
- 4. Staff, Familydoctor.org Editorial. 'Pruritus: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment.' Familydoctor.org, 21 Sept. 2020, familydoctor.org/condition/pruritus/
- 5. Itching (Pruritus) By Julia Benedetti, et al. 'Itching - Dermatologic Disorders.' Merck Manuals Professional Edition, Merck Manuals, www.merckmanuals.com/professional/dermatologic-disorders/approach-to-the-dermatologic-patient/itching
- 6. 'Pruritus (Itchy Skin).' Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11879-pruritus
- 7. 'Itchy Skin (Pruritus).' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 6 Jan. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/itchy-skin/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355010
Medical Treatment of Pruritus
If home care solutions aren't effective, a health care provider may prescribe antihistamines and topical or oral corticosteroids to ease the itching and antibiotics to treat infections. Antidepressant and immunosuppressant medications may be helpful. Taking higher doses of antihistamines at night may help promote restful sleep.
Sometimes, light therapy or acupuncture may be effective in managing pruritus. Some people find relief using transcutaneous electrical stimulation therapy, or TENS.2‘Pruritus (PDQ)–Patient Version.’ National Cancer Institute, www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/skin-nail-changes/pruritus-pdq,5Itching (Pruritus) By Julia Benedetti, et al. ‘Itching - Dermatologic Disorders.’ Merck Manuals Professional Edition, Merck Manuals, www.merckmanuals.com/professional/dermatologic-disorders/approach-to-the-dermatologic-patient/itching,7‘Itchy Skin (Pruritus).’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 6 Jan. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/itchy-skin/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355010
Advertisement
