General Information About Pruritus
Pruritus is an itchy feeling that makes you want to scratch your skin. It may occur without a rash or skin lesions. Pruritus sometimes feels like pain because the signals for itching and pain travel along the same nerve pathways. Scratching may cause breaks in the skin, bleeding, and infection. If your skin feels itchy, let your doctor know so it can be treated and relieved.
The way pruritus feels and how long it lasts is not the same in everyone.
The skin is the largest organ of the body. The most important job of skin is to protect against heat, sunlight, injury, and infection. The skin is also important to self-image and your ability to touch and be touched.
Certain conditions, cancers, and blood disorders may cause pruritus.
Pruritus is a symptom of a certain condition, blood disorder, or a disease. These include:
- Cancer and conditions related to cancer.
- Liver, kidney, or thyroid disorders.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- HIV or parasite infection.
- Dry skin.
- Drug reactions.
- Conditions related to stress, anxiety, or depression.
The cause of pruritus is not always known.
