Senile pruritus
Senile Pruritus is a common condition that affects older adults, characterized by intense itching. It is also known as itchy skin or pruritus senilis. The condition is often associated with dry skin, which is a common problem in the elderly due to changes in the skin that occur with aging.
Causes[edit | edit source]
The exact cause of senile pruritus is not known. However, it is believed to be due to a combination of factors including:
- Aging: As people age, the skin becomes thinner and drier, which can lead to itching.
- Dry skin: This is a common cause of itching in the elderly. Dry skin can be due to environmental factors such as low humidity and use of harsh soaps.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions such as kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid disorders, and diabetes can cause itching.
- Medications: Some medications can cause itching as a side effect.
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
The main symptom of senile pruritus is itching, which can be severe and persistent. Other symptoms may include:
- Dry skin
- Redness
- Scratches or abrasions on the skin due to scratching
- Sleep disturbances due to itching at night
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment for senile pruritus focuses on relieving the itching and treating any underlying conditions that may be causing the itching. Treatment options may include:
- Moisturizers: Regular use of moisturizers can help to keep the skin hydrated and reduce itching.
- Topical corticosteroids: These can be used to reduce inflammation and itching.
- Antihistamines: These can help to reduce itching, especially if it is caused by an allergic reaction.
- Phototherapy: This involves exposing the skin to certain types of light, which can help to reduce itching.
Prevention[edit | edit source]
Prevention of senile pruritus may involve:
- Regular use of moisturizers
- Avoiding harsh soaps and other skin irritants
- Keeping the skin clean and dry
- Regular medical check-ups to detect and treat any underlying conditions that may cause itching
See also[edit | edit source]
| Senile pruritus Resources | |
|---|---|
|
 |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
