Recognizing dermatological pruritus
Dermatological pruritus is pruritus that originates from one or more skin lesions, i.e., from a skin disease or condition.
Thus, dermatological pruritus is relatively easy to recognize, since it involves abnormalities present on the skin, such as spots, plaques, scars, etc. Most of the time, dermatological pruritus is initially localized to these abnormalities but it can also become chronic (persistent for more than 6 weeks) and more diffuse. Scratching can lead to additional lesions called scratch lesions.
Thus, dermatological pruritus is relatively easy to recognize, since it involves abnormalities present on the skin, such as spots, plaques, scars, etc. Most of the time, dermatological pruritus is initially localized to these abnormalities but it can also become chronic (persistent for more than 6 weeks) and more diffuse. Scratching can lead to additional lesions called scratch lesions.
What skin diseases can cause itching?
Many skin diseases can be the cause of itching. The main skin diseases that cause pruritus are frequent inflammatory dermatoses:
Other less common skin diseases are also associated with pruritus:
Finally, dematological pruritus can result from more isolated skin afflictions such as insect stings or bites, reactions to certain plants, or sunburn.
In cases of pruritic dermatosis, the challenge is not scratching the lesions in order to avoid superinfections of the skin and/or healing wounds.
Eczema
Eczema is characterized by the presence of red plaques, dry skin and itching. There are several types of eczema, the most common of which are atopic eczema, contact eczema and chronic hand eczema.Psoriasis
Psoriasis is characterized by the presence of more or less extensive red plaques, generally pruritic and covered with a thick layer of white scales.Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis affects the skin and/or scalp. It is defined by the presence of poorly defined red plaques covered with small, more or less greasy, non-adherent scales. Here again, pruritus is often very present and poses a daily problem.Hives
Hives, or urticaria, is the appearance of mobile, red, raised and itchy patches. Hives is considered acute when it lasts less than 6 weeks, and chronic beyond that. There are many causes of hives, both allergic and non-allergic.Other less common skin diseases are also associated with pruritus:
- Ichthyosis: a rare genetic disease in which the skin is very dry, rough and scaly.
- Bullous pemphigoid: an bullous autoimmune disease that affects the elderly.
- Scabies: a highly contagious parasite caused by a mite, the itch mite, which digs microscopic grooves into the skin. Pruritus is often intense and becomes worse at night.
- Lice: head lice are the most well-known kind, but there are also body lice and pubic lice.
- Chickenpox: probably the most well-known childhood disease. It is viral in origin and extremely contagious.
Finally, dematological pruritus can result from more isolated skin afflictions such as insect stings or bites, reactions to certain plants, or sunburn.
In cases of pruritic dermatosis, the challenge is not scratching the lesions in order to avoid superinfections of the skin and/or healing wounds.
Relieving itching related to dermatological pruritus
Dermatological pruritus can be treated in many ways. In fact, it all depends on the skin condition involved. For example:
Thus, to relieve dermatological pruritus, it is often necessary to consult a doctor and to comply with their prescription. At the same time, you can implement a few simple hygiene and treatment rules to help you take care of your skin on a daily basis and prevent damage. For example, opt for warm, quick showers. Use a superfatted soap, a syndet or a cleansing oil, without perfumes and without irritating substances. Rinse well, and dry the skin by gently dabbing with a soft towel. Keep fingernails short, and wear comfortable cotton clothes.
If you feel like scratching, apply something cold to the area: thermal spring water, the back of a spoon, a fan, a bag of frozen peas, etc.
- Eczema is usually relieved by the use of topical corticosteroids and emollients.
- Severe forms of psoriasis are treated with injectable medications called biotherapies.
- Scabies requires the application of anti-parasitic creams and/or oral ivermectin.
Thus, to relieve dermatological pruritus, it is often necessary to consult a doctor and to comply with their prescription. At the same time, you can implement a few simple hygiene and treatment rules to help you take care of your skin on a daily basis and prevent damage. For example, opt for warm, quick showers. Use a superfatted soap, a syndet or a cleansing oil, without perfumes and without irritating substances. Rinse well, and dry the skin by gently dabbing with a soft towel. Keep fingernails short, and wear comfortable cotton clothes.
If you feel like scratching, apply something cold to the area: thermal spring water, the back of a spoon, a fan, a bag of frozen peas, etc.