Pruritus is the term term
used when itching is the primary complaint unaccompanied by visible skin
lesions or systemic diseases predisposing t itch. It is usually due to dryness
and desiccation of the stratum corneum. Use of antihistamines is often limited
because of their sedative effect. Acupuncture may provide satisfactory relief.
Etiology and
Pathogenesis
Pruritus often occurs before
sleeping, precipitated by stress, weather changes, alcoholic drinks or spicy
hot food. according to Chinese medicine, this is due to constitutional anomaly
with heat in blood and further attack by wind-heat which halts in the sin, or
due to blood deficiency with exuberant Liver qi which turns to wind and causes
dryness, impairing the cutaneous nutrition.
Syndrome
Differentiation
1. Wind-dryness and blood-heat:
Pruritus of short duration, often occurring in young adults, dry skin with
desquamation.
2. Blood deficiency with liver
exuberance: Pruritus of long duration, often occurring in the elderly,
precipitated by emotional stress or weather changes, reddened skin with
rhagades.
