Itching Health Dictionary

Pruritus. Itching is a symptom of many conditions the underlying cause of which should receive treatment. Generalised itching may direct attention to the liver: cirrhosis, jaundice or hepatotoxic drugs. Other causes: chronic kidney failure, glandular disorders, blood disorders (worse by hot bath), hyper- and hypo-thyroidism, malignancy or carcinoid syndrome (due to release of histamine), anabolic steroids, oral contraceptives, the third trimester of pregnancy (Raspberry leaves). Diabetes is usually credited with general itching but this is rare; its itching being chiefly in the anus and vulva for which Helonias is helpful.

Alternatives. All types of irritation, including itching of anus and vulva.

Teas. Chaparral, Chickweed, Figwort, Dandelion, Boneset, Marigold, Nettles, Red Clover.

Tea formula. Equal parts: Figwort, Meadowsweet, Juniper berries. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes; 1 cup thrice daily.

Tea (cold). Barberry bark: one heaped teaspoon to each cup cold water steeped overnight. Dose: 1 cup thrice during the following day.

Tablets/capsules. Blue Flag, Dandelion, Echinacea, Devil’s Claw, Poke root, Seaweed and Sarsaparilla, Wild Yam.

Formula. Echinacea 2; Dandelion 2; Poke root half. Dose – Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one- third teaspoon). Liquid Extracts: one 5ml teaspoon. Tinctures: two 5ml teaspoons).

Practitioner. Tinctures BHP (1983). Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) 2; Kava Kava 1; Figwort 1. Dose: 1-2 teaspoons in water thrice daily for severe anal or vulval attack.

Topical. Wipe affected area with: (a) Witch Hazel water. (b) Witch Hazel water plus 2-3 drops Tincture Goldenseal (severe, anus or vulva). (c) Cider vinegar. (d) Jojoba oil. (e) Aloe Vera (anus and vulva). (f) Well diluted essential oils of Aromatherapy: Lavender, Aniseed. (g) 2-3 drops Australian Tea Tree oil to 100ml water. (h) Zinc and Castor oil cream. (i) Bathe with strong infusion Tansy (anus).

Evening Primrose oil capsules. Contain gamolenic acid which has a significant effect on relieving itching by its antihistamine action.

Diet. Gluten-free.

Vitamins. A. B-complex. B3. B6. B12. D. F.

Minerals. Zinc.

Note: Constantine Hering MD, physician, sums up the law of cure: “The direction of disease is inwards and upwards. The direction of cure is downwards and outwards. Symptoms that move deeper into the body and from the surface towards the head are considered dangerous. Any skin eruption, or itching, or nervous symptoms moving from the head towards the feet would be regarded as favourable.

“Itch is an effort of the central nervous system to move a deeper disturbance towards the skin where the irritation may be distressing but where it is least damaging.”

Perhaps the most common cause of chronic itching in the 1990s is Candida. 

An intense irritation or tickling sensation in the skin. Generalized itching may result from excessive bathing, which removes the skin’s natural oils and may leave the skin excessively dry. Some people experience general itching after taking certain drugs. Many elderly people suffer from dry, itchy skin, especially on their backs. Itching commonly occurs during pregnancy.

Many skin conditions, including chickenpox, urticaria (nettle rash), and eczema, produce an itchy rash. Generalized skin itchiness can be a result of diabetes mellitus, kidney failure, jaundice, and thyroid disorders.

Pruritus ani (itching around the anal region) occurs with haemorrhoids and anal fissure. Threadworm infestation is the most likely cause of anal itching in children. Pruritus vulvae (itching of the external genitalia in women) may be due to candidiasis, hormonal changes, or to use of spermicides or vaginal ointments and deodorants. Insect bites, lice, and scabies infestations cause intense itching.

Specific treatment for itching depends on the underlying cause. Cooling lotions, such as calamine, relieve irritation; emollients reduce dryness.

See PRURITUS.