Contents
How Generalized Pruritus Affects Your Life and What You Can Do About It
Published: May 07, 2024
Generalized pruritus is an intense itch that affects large areas of your body and can be linked to various health issues. This article explores how it impacts your daily life and the ways you can manage it.
What Causes Generalized Pruritus?
Generalized pruritus can arise from multiple health conditions, such as skin disorders, liver or kidney issues, and even certain medications. Sometimes, the cause remains a mystery, making it challenging to find relief. Identifying the root cause is crucial as treating the underlying issue can often alleviate the itch.
Impact on Quality of Life
Living with generalized pruritus can significantly affect your quality of life, leading to sleep disturbances and psychological stress. The constant itch-scratch cycle can result in skin damage and emotional distress. Addressing these challenges is essential for improving overall well-being.
Common Initial Therapies
Initial treatments for generalized pruritus often include topical lotions and oral antihistamines. These options are widely available and generally safe, offering relief from the itch. Antihistamines can also help by reducing itchiness, especially when taken at night to aid sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's an intense itch affecting large body areas, often linked to various health conditions.
It can disrupt sleep and cause stress, impacting your quality of life.
Topical lotions and antihistamines are common starting treatments.
Yes, it can indicate underlying issues like liver or kidney disease.
The Bottom Line
Understanding and addressing the causes of pruritus is key to finding relief.
References
- Yosipovitch G, Bernhard JD. Clinical practice. Chronic pruritus. N Engl J Med 2013; 368:1625.
- van Os-Medendorp H, Ros WJ, Eland-de Kok PC, et al. Effectiveness of the nursing programme 'Coping with itch': a randomized controlled study in adults with chronic pruritic skin disease. Br J Dermatol 2007; 156:1235.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Appointments available 24/7
Top licensed doctors
Available in all 50 states
Full service care
Prescriptions, referrals & treatment
No insurance needed
All notes available in Doctronic
15-min consultation. No hidden costs.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Please Chat With Our AI Doctor First
Our AI doctor assessment helps our human doctors prepare for your video visit and provide better care
For safety reasons we have been forced to end this consultation.
If you believe this is a medical emergency please call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.
If you are experiencing emotional distress, please call the the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or your local crisis services immediately.
Contact us
You can also email us at help@doctronic.ai
We aim to reply within 5-7 days
How likely are you to recommend Doctronic to friends or family?