“Pruritus"is the medical term used to describe the feeling of itchy skin.
This article discusses the types, causes, and remedy options for pruritus.
Rawpixel / Getty Images
What Does Pruritus Feel Like?
Rawpixel / Getty Images
Pruritus is a feeling ofitchinessor irritation on the skin that drives you to scratch the affected area.
The sensation feels similar to pain, but it does not develop in precisely the same way.
When people feel pain, their initial reflex is to withdraw, whereas pruritus drives them to scratch.
Theitchsensation can feel tingly and uncomfortable.
What Causes Pruritus (Itchy Skin)?
There are many underlying causes of itchy skin, including:
The following are common causes of pruritus.
When the skin lacks moisture and becomes excessively dry, an itch can develop.
The itchiness that develops in eczema is often intense, making it challenging to avoid scratching.
There are multiple types of eczema, all of which can lead to itching.
The overreaction by the immune system is what drives symptoms, including itch.
Bug Bites
Bug bitesare a common source of pruritus.
When a bug bites or stings you, it injects saliva or venom under the skin.
The immune system detects the unfamiliar substance as a threat, causing it to release histamines.
Histamines drive the itchiness after a bug bite.
Vitamin Deficiency
The body needs an adequate amount of nutrients for it to function properly.
Other Causes
There are many other causes of itchy skin aside from the ones mentioned above.
They include:
Who Does Pruritus Affect?
Pruritus is common and affects every person on the planet at some point in their lives.
Is Pruritus a Sign of an Underlying Condition?
Some testing approaches include:
Once the diagnosis is made, medical treatment can begin if required.
In some cases, at-home remedies are enough to help calm the itch, relieving the irritating sensation.
Home Remedies for Itchy Skin
There are various effective home remedies available for itchy skin.
Calamine lotion and aloe may also help to reduce the sensation at home.
Medical Treatment for Pruritus
Medical treatment for pruritus will depend on what is causing it.
Several therapies may be given to help combat the symptom of itch in various diseases and disorders.
How Long Does Pruritus Last?
Typically, pruritus shouldnt last longer than a few weeks.
If it does, you will likely need to see a healthcare provider to address the issue.
They will help to determine the cause and set up a treatment plan.
Treatments will vary if something more serious is causing the itch.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.What makes us itch?
NHS Inform.Causes of itchy skin.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry skin: Signs and symptoms.
National Eczema Association.What is eczema?
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.What is an allergy?
American College of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology.Hives (urticaria).
Columbia University Irving Medical Center.How to stop bug bites from itching.
UK National Health Service.Insect bites and stings.
doi:10.1007/s00108-019-0637-0
American Kidney Fund.Pruritus (itchy skin).
2021;7(4):403-410. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2021.02.010.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.10 reasons your skin itches uncontrollably and how to get relief.
Nowak DA, Yeung J.Diagnosis and treatment of pruritus.Can Fam Physician.2017 Dec;63(12):918-924.
