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Suggest Treatment For Pruritus In Old Age
Question: intenseitching without rash. what else can I do besides lotion for dryness & 25 mg benadrayl. sometimes seems to be bone deep
Brief Answer:
Pruritus of old age
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.
Pruritus of old age is often due to dry skin ( attributed to increasing age-resulting from decreased skin-surface lipids, reduced production of sweat and sebum, and decreased perfusion).
Pruritus may also be psychogenic and part of a systemic disease.Detail history and physical examination are required.
However irrespective of the cause follow certain general measures:
Take short baths and avoid hot water.
Apply moisturizers with a low pH immediately after bathing .
Use a twice-daily emollient, especially one that contains 5% or 10% urea.
Avoid alkaline cleansers and preparations containing alcohol.
Mild, moisturizing bar soaps, such as Dove (Unilever), and soaps containing lanolin and glycerin are preferred over commercially available pure soaps.
Wear light, loose clothing while avoiding irritating fabrics, such as wool.
Use a humidifier in the winter and an air conditioner in the summer.
Drugs:
Menthol local application is a good option for relieving pruritus in elderly patients.
Agents that contain local anesthetics, such as lidocaine may relieve itching.
Nonsedating H2 receptor antagonists, such as loratadine are relatively safe in older persons, and may be better option for elderly patients with pruritus.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) paroxetine can be taken at bed-time.
Neuroleptic Agents such as Gabapentin is also effective in the treatment of pruritus.
These are all prescription drugs .You need to discuss with your doctor.
Regards
Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX
Pruritus of old age
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.
Pruritus of old age is often due to dry skin ( attributed to increasing age-resulting from decreased skin-surface lipids, reduced production of sweat and sebum, and decreased perfusion).
Pruritus may also be psychogenic and part of a systemic disease.Detail history and physical examination are required.
However irrespective of the cause follow certain general measures:
Take short baths and avoid hot water.
Apply moisturizers with a low pH immediately after bathing .
Use a twice-daily emollient, especially one that contains 5% or 10% urea.
Avoid alkaline cleansers and preparations containing alcohol.
Mild, moisturizing bar soaps, such as Dove (Unilever), and soaps containing lanolin and glycerin are preferred over commercially available pure soaps.
Wear light, loose clothing while avoiding irritating fabrics, such as wool.
Use a humidifier in the winter and an air conditioner in the summer.
Drugs:
Menthol local application is a good option for relieving pruritus in elderly patients.
Agents that contain local anesthetics, such as lidocaine may relieve itching.
Nonsedating H2 receptor antagonists, such as loratadine are relatively safe in older persons, and may be better option for elderly patients with pruritus.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) paroxetine can be taken at bed-time.
Neuroleptic Agents such as Gabapentin is also effective in the treatment of pruritus.
These are all prescription drugs .You need to discuss with your doctor.
Regards
Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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