What is Pruritus

Pruritus is an itchy feeling on the skin. One of the most common causes is dry skin, but many different things can cause itching. Most cases of itching do not require medical attention. Sometimes itchy skin can turn into a rash.

Follow these instructions at home:

Skin care

• Apply moisturizing lotion to your skin as needed. Lotion that contains petroleum jelly is best.
• Take medicines or apply medicated creams only as told by your health care provider. This may include:
  • Corticosteroid cream.
  • Anti-itch lotions.
  • Oral antihistamines.
• Apply a cool, wet cloth (cool compress) to the affected areas.
• Take baths with one of the following:
  • Epsom salts. You can get these at your local pharmacy or grocery store. Follow the instructions on the packaging.
  • Baking soda. Pour a small amount into the bath as told by your health care provider.
  • Colloidal oatmeal. You can get this at your local pharmacy or grocery store. Follow the instructions on the packaging.
• Apply baking soda paste to your skin. To make the paste, stir water into a small amount of baking soda until it reaches a paste-like consistency.
• Do not scratch your skin.
• Do not take hot showers or baths, which can make itching worse. A cool shower may help with itching as long as you apply moisturizing lotion after the shower.
• Do not use scented soaps, detergents, perfumes, and cosmetic products. Instead, use gentle, unscented versions of these items.

General instructions

• Avoid wearing tight clothes.
• Keep a journal to help find out what is causing your itching. Write down:
  • What you eat and drink.
  • What cosmetic products you use.
  • What soaps or detergents you use.
  • What you wear, including jewelry.
• Use a humidifier. This keeps the air moist, which helps to prevent dry skin.
• Be aware of any changes in your itchiness.

Contact a health care provider if:

• The itching does not go away after several days.
• You are unusually thirsty or urinating more than normal.
• Your skin tingles or feels numb.
• Your skin or the white parts of your eyes turn yellow (jaundice).
• You feel weak.
• You have any of the following:
  • Night sweats.
  • Tiredness (fatigue).
  • Weight loss.
  • Abdominal pain.

Summary

• Pruritus is an itchy feeling on the skin. One of the most common causes is dry skin, but many different conditions and factors can cause itching.
• Apply moisturizing lotion to your skin as needed. Lotion that contains petroleum jelly is best.
• Take medicines or apply medicated creams only as told by your health care provider.
• Do not take hot showers or baths. Do not use scented soaps, detergents, perfumes, or cosmetic products.