Overview
Pruritus is a medical term that means itching. It refers to a feeling or sensation on your skin that you want to scratch. Pruritus can be painful or irritating and could be localized to one area of your body or spread throughout several areas.
Pruritus can be a symptom of an underlying condition. It has many possible causes; the most common being contacting an allergen, dry skin, pregnancy and your body’s reaction to a medication. Pruritus can be chronic if your itching persists for six weeks or more.
What are the types of pruritus?
There are several different types of pruritus categorized by the cause of itchiness and the location of the itch on your body. Some of the most common types of pruritus include:
- Brachioradial pruritus: Itching of the upper arm caused by nerve damage.
- Nocturnal pruritus: Itching that occurs at night with several possible causes that include a reaction to your body’s natural functions, a reaction to a medication or contacting a skin irritant.
- Pruritus ani: Itching of the skin surrounding your anus caused by hemorrhoids, an infection or a skin irritant.
- Senile pruritus: Itching caused by changes to your skin that affects people over the age of 65.
- Uremic pruritus: Itching occurs as a symptom among people diagnosed with renal disease who receive dialysis.
Who does pruritus affect?
Pruritus is very common and will affect everyone during their lifetime. The severity and frequency are different for each person. You may be more at risk of pruritus if you:
- Are 65 years or older.
- Have allergies.
- Have an underlying condition like eczema, psoriasis or diabetes.
- Are pregnant.
- Are on dialysis.
What does pruritus feel like?
Pruritus causes your skin to feel itchy. This can be an uncomfortable or bothersome sensation that will only resolve if you scratch your skin. Sometimes, pruritus can be painful and other times, it could feel like something is tickling your skin. Scratching your itch can lead to more pain and irritation and won’t always resolve your itch. If your skin is frequently itchy, contact a healthcare provider.
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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