Pruritus
2 medicines
Pruritus is persistent or widespread itching that can stem from skin conditions, allergies, liver or kidney disease, or nerve problems. Treatment targets the underlying cause, using antihistamines or bile-acid binders depending on the trigger.
Key facts
- Pruritus is the medical term for itch that becomes persistent, widespread, or occurs without an obvious rash.
- It can arise from skin disorders, allergic reactions, systemic diseases such as liver or kidney disease, drug reactions, or nerve problems.
- Itch linked to allergy, urticaria, or atopic dermatitis often responds to an antihistamine such as hydroxyzine; itch caused by liver disease may respond to a bile-acid binder such as colestyramine.
- Itch lasting more than six weeks, or occurring with weight loss, night sweats, or jaundice, needs medical assessment.
What drives the itch
The triggers behind pruritus vary widely. Allergic reactions are among the most common causes, and an antihistamine such as hydroxyzine is often used for itch linked to urticaria, atopic dermatitis, or contact allergy. Cholestatic pruritus, caused by bile-salt build-up in liver disease, works through a completely different mechanism: bile-acid sequestrants like colestyramine bind excess bile in the gut and reduce the itch signal. Other contributors include chronic kidney disease, thyroid disorders, blood disorders, and certain medicines, so identifying the underlying cause shapes which treatment actually helps.
When to get checked
Itch that lasts more than six weeks, has no visible skin cause, or comes with weight loss, night sweats, jaundice, or abnormal urine colour warrants a medical assessment. These features can point to an underlying systemic condition, such as liver, kidney, or thyroid disease, that needs diagnosis before treatment can target the right cause.
This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.