“May all be happy, may all be healed, may all be at peace and may no one ever suffer."
Pruritus, also known as itching, is a sensation that triggers the urge to scratch the skin. It can be a symptom of a variety of underlying medical conditions or can occur on its own without an identifiable cause. Pruritus can be localized to a specific area or can be widespread, affecting the entire body.
Some common causes of pruritus include:
Treatment for pruritus depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, treating the underlying condition can relieve the pruritus. For example, treating dry skin with moisturizers or avoiding allergens can relieve pruritus. For more severe cases, medications such as antihistamines or topical corticosteroids may be prescribed to relieve itching. In cases where pruritus is caused by an underlying systemic condition, such as liver or kidney disease, treating the underlying condition may be necessary to relieve symptoms.