What are the aims of this leaflet?

This leaflet has been written to help you understand more about pruritus which means itching. It tells you what it is, what its causes are, what can be done about it, and where you can find out more information about it. This leaflet does not specifically cover itch in children or pruritus in pregnancy.

What is pruritus?

Pruritus (itching) refers to a sensation of the skin which causes a desire to scratch.

Itching is a normal body response to protect us from harmful external substances or parasites such as insect bites. However, pruritus (or itch) is a common and distressing symptom of many skin diseases, systemic illnesses and psychological disorders.

Itch is perhaps the commonest presenting symptom of skin disorders. In any two week period, 8-9% of the population suffer from significant pruritus. Pruritus lasting more than 6 weeks is called chronic pruritus. Pruritus may be localised to one area or generalized all over the skin.

What causes pruritus with no rash?

There are many possible causes, but for some people with pruritus no obvious cause can be found.

Generalised pruritus without rash (especially in people over 65 years of age) is most commonly caused by dry skin.

It may also be caused by medicines or by internal diseases affecting the body.

There remain a small number of individuals with itch and no apparent underlying cause or rash. This is more common in the elderly. It is always important to look for an underlying causative condition, as the most effective management of pruritus without rash depends on the treatment of any underlying disease. The management of itch appears to be situation specific (eg iron deficiency), even if the underlying cause cannot be treated. The management of true pruritus of unknown cause is different again.

Can pruritus be cured?

When pruritus is a symptom of an internal disorder, treatment of this will sometimes lead to resolution of itch. Stopping a causative drug can lead to resolution of pruritus. Treating dry skin can improve pruritus but the treatment will need to be ongoing.

What tests can be done to find the cause for pruritus?

If a skin condition is suspected, a skin biopsy may be necessary. Your Dermatologist or doctor may request blood tests to look for potential underlying medical conditions. A chest X-ray may also be taken.

How can pruritus be treated?

Moisturisers (emollients):These should be applied several times every day to help the outer layer of your skin function better as a barrier to the outside world. The drier your skin, the more frequently you should apply a moisturiser. There are many different types of moisturisers varying in their degree of greasiness, and it is important that you choose one you like to use. The best one to use is the greasiest one you are prepared to apply.

Aqueous cream was originally developed as a soap substitute. It is often used as a moisturiser but can irritate the skin in some people and make itching worse.

CAUTION: This leaflet mentions ‘emollients’ (moisturisers). Emollients, creams, lotions and ointments contain oils which can catch fire. When emollient products get in contact with dressings, clothing, bed linen or hair, there is a danger that a naked flame or cigarette smoking could cause these to catch fire. To reduce the fire risk, patients using skincare or haircare products are advised to be very careful near naked flames to reduce the risk of clothing, hair or bedding catching fire. In particular smoking cigarettes should be avoided and being near people who are smoking or using naked flames, especially in bed. Candles may also risk fire. It is advisable to wash clothing daily which is in contact with emollients and bed linen regularly.

Anti-itch creams: Some creams containing anti-itch agents in addition to their moisturising effect can be bought over the counter, such as creams containing crotamiton or lauromacrogols). Your doctor may prescribe other creams such as doxepin cream, which has antihistamine action when applied in cream form.

Topical steroid creams or ointments:These will usually settle the redness and itching when there is an active inflammatory skin condition.

Antihistamines: An antihistamine tablet or syrup can help to improve some causes of pruritus. Non-sedating antihistamines may be of help in some patients. Sedating antihistamines (those that make you drowsy) are no longer generally recommended in managing itch or pruritus; this includes those that can be purchased without prescription, such as chlorpheniramine.

Some antidepressant tablets, prescribed by your doctor, taken at night can help you sleep if it is disturbed by itching.

Reversing habits: Pruritus can lead to a cycle of itching and scratching that can develop into a habit and be very hard to break. Identifying the times of day and the activities when scratching occurs most, may help you change your behaviour.

Phototherapy: Ultraviolet light treatment, given in the hospital can help to reduce pruritus or the itch/scratch cycle. (More information in the phototherapy patient information leaflets)

Self care (What can I do?)

Anything you can do to take your mind off the itching will help to reduce or stop the scratching.

• Try to avoid situations where you tend to scratch by changing your habits.
• Try patting the skin instead of scratching.
• Avoid soaking in baths for long periods as hot water may remove the natural oils from your skin.
• Bathe or shower quickly in tepid (not hot) water no more than once daily.
• Avoid using soaps or foaming body washes even if they claim to be good for dry itchy skin. Many of these contain detergents which remove natural oil from the skin.
• You may find that laying a cool flannel soaked in moisturising cream on the skin can reduce the feeling of itch. A cooled emollient (moisturiser) which has been kept in the refrigerator may also help.
• Keep your bedroom cool and do not sleep with heavy or heat retaining bedclothes. If you are hot and itchy during the day a fan can help to cool the skin down.
• Emollients (moisturisers). People with pruritus usually have dry skin, and therefore emollients may help to moisturise dry skin. They ease itching, reduce scaling, soften cracked areas and help the penetration of other topical treatments. There is a wide range of moisturisers available from pharmacists and supermarkets. There is usually no advantage in buying expensive moisturisers.

Where can I get more information?

Web links to detailed leaflets:

http://www.dermnetnz.org/systemic/itch.html

http://www.patient.co.uk/health/itch

Jargon Buster: https://www.skinhealthinfo.org.uk/support-resources/jargon-buster/

Please note that the BAD provides web links to additional resources to help people access a range of information about their treatment or skin condition. The views expressed in these external resources may not be shared by the BAD or its members. The BAD has no control of and does not endorse the content of external links.

This leaflet aims to provide accurate information about the subject and is a consensus of the views held by representatives of the British Association of Dermatologists: its contents, however, may occasionally differ from the advice given to you by your doctor.

This leaflet has been assessed for readability by the British Association of Dermatologists’ Patient Information Lay Review Panel

BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF DERMATOLOGISTS PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET
PRODUCED OCTOBER 2013
UPDATED OCTOBER 2017
NEXT REVIEW DATE OCTOBER 2020