Pruritus
Pruritus is a skin condition characterized primarily by itching without obvious primary skin lesions. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is called “wind itching.” Historical TCM texts used different names according to the type of skin lesion and the affected area, such as “itching wind” and “genital itching”; these are now collectively referred to as wind itching. The Complete Compendium of External Medicine: Itching Wind records: “Itching all over the body, with no scabies, and scratching does not stop. Blood deficiency of the Liver system leads to dryness and heat, which generate wind.”
TCM Pattern Differentiation and Medication Reference
| Common Symptoms
Clinical Description:
Marked itching that worsens with heat or after drinking alcohol; numerous bleeding scratch marks after scratching. May also include irritability, thirst, dark yellow urine, dry stools, a red tongue with a thin yellow coating, and a floating and rapid or wiry and rapid pulse.
In Plain Language:
- The skin is very itchy, and symptoms may flare up in hot conditions or after drinking alcohol.
- Scratching until the skin breaks may leave numerous bloody scratch marks.
- You may feel restless or irritable.
- You may feel very thirsty and often want to drink water.
- The urine may be dark yellow.
- Stools may be dry and difficult to pass.
- The tongue may appear red.
- The tongue coating may be thin and yellow.
- The pulse may feel floating and relatively rapid, or tense and relatively rapid.
| Treatment Approach
Clinical Description:
Clear heat, disperse wind, cool the blood, and relieve itching.
In Plain Language:
- Intended to help clear internal heat and dispel wind, easing discomfort such as fever, headache, sore throat, or thirst and restlessness.
- Intended to help cool the blood and relieve itching, easing symptoms such as red skin rashes, intense itching, or repeated scratching.
| Related Products
The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
| Common Symptoms
Clinical Description:
Persistent itching, with oozing and crusting after scratching; or moist, itchy skin around the vulva or anus. May also include dry, bitter taste in the mouth, distension and fullness in the chest and flanks, poor appetite, dark yellow urine, a red tongue with a yellow, greasy coating, and a slippery, rapid pulse.
In Plain Language:
- The skin keeps itching, and scratching until it breaks may cause fluid to ooze and form crusts.
- The skin around the vulva or anus may feel moist and itchy.
- Your mouth may feel dry and taste bitter.
- You may feel fullness or distension in the chest and along the sides of the torso.
- You may have a poor appetite and little interest in food.
- The urine may be yellow.
- The tongue may appear red, with a yellow, greasy coating.
- The pulse may feel smooth and relatively rapid.
| Treatment Approach
Clinical Description:
Clear heat, drain dampness, and relieve itching.
In Plain Language:
- Intended to help clear internal heat and promote the elimination of dampness, easing discomfort such as fever, a heavy feeling in the body, or difficulty urinating.
- Intended to help relieve itching and ease symptoms such as red skin rashes, intense itching, or repeated scratching.
| Related Products
The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
| Common Symptoms
Clinical Description:
More common in older adults, with a prolonged course. The skin is dry and itchy, with numerous bleeding scratch marks. May also include dizziness, blurred vision, dry eyes, insomnia and frequent dreaming, a red tongue with little coating, and a fine, rapid pulse.
In Plain Language:
- This pattern is more common in older adults and may persist for a long time.
- The skin is dry and itchy, and scratching may leave numerous bloody marks.
- You may feel dizzy or have blurred vision.
- Both eyes may feel dry and uncomfortable.
- You may sleep poorly, with frequent insomnia and dreams.
- The tongue may appear red, with very little coating.
- The pulse may feel fine and relatively rapid.
| Treatment Approach
Clinical Description:
Nourish the blood, moisten dryness, dispel wind, and relieve itching.
In Plain Language:
- Intended to nourish the blood and moisten dryness, easing discomfort such as a sallow complexion, dry skin, dizziness, or palpitations.
- Intended to dispel wind and relieve itching, easing symptoms such as red skin rashes, intense itching, or repeated scratching.
| Related Products
The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
References
- Liang Rui, Fan Ruiqiang. Research progress on TCM treatment of senile pruritus[J]. Modern Journal of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, 2003, 12(22): 2493-2495.
- Zhang Kuaifang, Cai Miaona, Li Jiesi, et al. Epidemiological survey of leprosy and skin diseases among rural residents in Jinping Town, Chaoyang District, Shantou[J]. Journal of Diagnosis and Therapy on Dermato-Venereology, 2015(3): 250-253.
- Liu Cuijie, Huang Yi, Wang Xitao, et al. Survey and analysis of skin diseases among troops stationed on islands in the Bohai Sea[J]. Journal of Practical Dermatology, 2012, 5(2): 84-85.
- Webster GF. Common skin disorders in the elderly[J]. Clin Cornerstone, 2001(4): 39-44.
- Shen Zhu, Liu Yufeng. Research progress on the occurrence and treatment of pruritus[J]. Chinese Journal of Dermatology, 2003(7): 56-58.
- Liao Wanqing, Zhu Yu. Research progress and current status of treatment for pruritus[J]. Medical Journal of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, 2011(6): 555-557.
- Deng Xiaoyuan. Research progress on the mechanisms of pruritus of cutaneous origin[J]. China Medicine and Pharmacy, 2012(3): 42-43.
- Liu Sujun, Xu Aie. Pathogenesis and treatment of pruritus of cutaneous origin[J]. Foreign Medical Sciences: Section of Dermatology and Venereology, 2005(1): 21-23.