Pruritus
What is itching?
Itching is an irritating sensation that makes you want to scratch your skin. Sometimes it can feel like pain, but it is different. Often, you feel itchy in one area in your body, but sometimes you may feel itching all over. Along with the itching, you may also have a rash or hives.
What causes itching?Itching is a symptom of many health conditions. Some common causes are:
- Allergic reactions to food, insect bites, pollen, and medicines
- Skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin
- Irritating chemicals, cosmetics, and other substances
- Parasites such as pinworms, scabies, head and body lice
- Pregnancy
- Liver, kidney, or thyroid diseases
- Certain cancers or cancer treatments
- Diseases that can affect the nervous system, such as diabetes and shingles
Most itching is not serious. To feel better, you could try:
- Applying cold compresses
- Using moisturizing lotions
- Taking lukewarm or oatmeal baths
- Using over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or antihistamines
- Avoiding scratching, wearing irritating fabrics, and exposure to high heat and humidity
Contact your health care provider if your itching is severe, does not go away after a few weeks, or does not have an apparent cause. You may need other treatments, such as medicines or light therapy. If you have an underlying disease that is causing the itching, treating that disease may help.
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Felter's Materia Medica on Pruritus
BALSAMUM PERUVIANUM
A balsam obtained from Toluifera Pereirae (Royle) Baillon. San Salvador in Central America; called Balsam of Peru because first exported to Europe... / ...d other forms of tinea, in chronic eczema, and is splendidly effective in senile and other forms of pruritus, especially pruritus vulvae, and in chilblains. As a stimulant to ulcers of low vitality an... / ...balsam should not be used in inflammatory or febrile conditions; and its use should be discontinued if it produces gastro-intestinal irritation.1
A balsam obtained from Toluifera Pereirae (Royle) Baillon. San Salvador in Central America; called Balsam of Peru because first exported to Europe... / ...d other forms of tinea, in chronic eczema, and is splendidly effective in senile and other forms of pruritus, especially pruritus vulvae, and in chilblains. As a stimulant to ulcers of low vitality an... / ...balsam should not be used in inflammatory or febrile conditions; and its use should be discontinued if it produces gastro-intestinal irritation.1
BELLADONNA (Atropa belladonna)ATROP
The (1) dried root and the (2) dried leaves and tops of Atropa Belladonna, Linné (Nat. Ord. Solanaceae). Europe and Central Asia; also... / ...r spasmodic pain. A lotion of belladonna (5 to 10 per cent) may be used to allay itching in general pruritus, eczema, and urticaria. The tincture, painted upon the feet, controls local bromidrosis. A ...1
The (1) dried root and the (2) dried leaves and tops of Atropa Belladonna, Linné (Nat. Ord. Solanaceae). Europe and Central Asia; also... / ...r spasmodic pain. A lotion of belladonna (5 to 10 per cent) may be used to allay itching in general pruritus, eczema, and urticaria. The tincture, painted upon the feet, controls local bromidrosis. A ...1
CONIUM
The full grown fruit, gathered green, of Conium maculatum, Linné (Nat. Ord. Umbelliferae). Europe and Asia; naturalized in the United... / ...s, with loss of sleep. Given within bounds it may relieve and can do no harm. Sometimes it relieves pruritus, especially the senile form so distressing to old people and preventing rest and sleep. Con... / ...be applied and be given to relieve pain even when a cure is not possible. It relieves the pain of swollen mammae during the menstrual periods a1
The full grown fruit, gathered green, of Conium maculatum, Linné (Nat. Ord. Umbelliferae). Europe and Asia; naturalized in the United... / ...s, with loss of sleep. Given within bounds it may relieve and can do no harm. Sometimes it relieves pruritus, especially the senile form so distressing to old people and preventing rest and sleep. Con... / ...be applied and be given to relieve pain even when a cure is not possible. It relieves the pain of swollen mammae during the menstrual periods a1
MENTHOL
...sation of cold when air is inhaled or water is drunk. Dose, 1/8 to 2 grains. Specific Indications.Pruritus; nausea and vomiting. Action and Therapy.External. Menthol is a local antiseptic, anaesth......ious tooth. In alcoholic or oil solution it is an unexcelled application for the itching of hives, pruritus vulvae et ani, eczema, ringworm, or herpes zoster. For pain and cellular inflammations it i...1
...sation of cold when air is inhaled or water is drunk. Dose, 1/8 to 2 grains. Specific Indications.Pruritus; nausea and vomiting. Action and Therapy.External. Menthol is a local antiseptic, anaesth......ious tooth. In alcoholic or oil solution it is an unexcelled application for the itching of hives, pruritus vulvae et ani, eczema, ringworm, or herpes zoster. For pain and cellular inflammations it i...1
THUJA
The branchlets and leaves of Thuja occidentalis, Linné (Nat. Ord. Cupressaceae). Indigenous to Canada and the United States, on the rocky borders... / ...ic prostatitis; warty excrescences, and dry forms of eczema. Locally: fissured anus, prolapsus ani, pruritus in mucous membranes; venereal discharges; trachoma; warts; naevi; urethral caruncles; and h... / ...when home treatment is carried out, and constitutional remedies administered when conditions warrant them. Internal. Thuja is stimulant, subas1
The branchlets and leaves of Thuja occidentalis, Linné (Nat. Ord. Cupressaceae). Indigenous to Canada and the United States, on the rocky borders... / ...ic prostatitis; warty excrescences, and dry forms of eczema. Locally: fissured anus, prolapsus ani, pruritus in mucous membranes; venereal discharges; trachoma; warts; naevi; urethral caruncles; and h... / ...when home treatment is carried out, and constitutional remedies administered when conditions warrant them. Internal. Thuja is stimulant, subas1
VERATRINA
Veratrine, Veratria. A mixture of alkaloids obtained from the seeds of Schoenocaulon officinale, Asa Gray (Sabadilla officinarum, Brandt; Asagrea... / ... twitching and aching pain along the spine; contracted abdomen and pupils; and occasionally extreme pruritus and tingling which may persist for weeks. In so-called medicinal doses it produces a feelin...1
Veratrine, Veratria. A mixture of alkaloids obtained from the seeds of Schoenocaulon officinale, Asa Gray (Sabadilla officinarum, Brandt; Asagrea... / ... twitching and aching pain along the spine; contracted abdomen and pupils; and occasionally extreme pruritus and tingling which may persist for weeks. In so-called medicinal doses it produces a feelin...1
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Physician's Materia Medica on Pruritus
SODIUM THIOSULPHATE (Hyposulphite)
Antizymotic, having a local action like that of Sodium Borate. Used internally in malarial hematuria, fermentative dyspepsia and diarrhea; locally in parasitic skin diseases, pruritus and in Rhus poisoning. Dose, 0.6 to 2.0 Grm. (10 to 30 grs.).2
Antizymotic, having a local action like that of Sodium Borate. Used internally in malarial hematuria, fermentative dyspepsia and diarrhea; locally in parasitic skin diseases, pruritus and in Rhus poisoning. Dose, 0.6 to 2.0 Grm. (10 to 30 grs.).2
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Physician's Therapeutics Memoranda on Pruritus
PRURITUS
In absence of local cause, general Pruritus calls for tonic treat ment, particularly for use of arsenic. Give attention to stomach, bowels and kidneys.' The local remedies that give most relief are lotions of borax or of sodium bicarbonate or hyposulphite to which carbolic acid may be advantageously added (one or two drachms to the pint). Menthol. resorcin, thymol. boric acid and ichthyol are also useful. Alkal Antiseptine, diluted with from four to eight parts of water is an excellent remedy.2
In absence of local cause, general Pruritus calls for tonic treat ment, particularly for use of arsenic. Give attention to stomach, bowels and kidneys.' The local remedies that give most relief are lotions of borax or of sodium bicarbonate or hyposulphite to which carbolic acid may be advantageously added (one or two drachms to the pint). Menthol. resorcin, thymol. boric acid and ichthyol are also useful. Alkal Antiseptine, diluted with from four to eight parts of water is an excellent remedy.2
References
1) Felter, Harvey Wickes, 1922, The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Cincinnati, Ohio.
2) Nelson, Baker & Co., 1904, Physician's Handy Book of Materia Medica and Therapeustics, Detroit, Michigan.
2) Nelson, Baker & Co., 1904, Physician's Handy Book of Materia Medica and Therapeustics, Detroit, Michigan.