Pediatric Pruritus
Pruritus – also known as itchy skin – is an irritating condition that makes a child want to scratch their skin.
What is Pediatric Pruritus?
Pruritus is a nagging, uncomfortable feeling that makes a child want to scratch their skin. Depending on the cause of the itchiness, the skin may appear normal – or it may be red, rough or have bumps. When a child repeatedly scratches their itchy skin, the skin may become thickened, raised or infected, or bleed.
Oftentimes, the more itchy the skin is, the more a child scratches it. And the more irritated skin is scratched, the itchier it continues to get. Therefore, the itch-scratch cycle can be difficult to break – especially in young children who don’t understand or can’t control their scratching.
What are the causes of Pediatric Pruritus?
The causes of pruritus are varied, and can include:
Allergic reactions to a range of substances, including wool, soaps, poison ivy, cosmetics or certain foods
Dry skin (xerosis)
Hives (skin rash caused by a reaction to certain foods, medicine or other irritants)
Leukemia (cancer that affects the blood cells)
Lice
Lymphoma (cancer that affects the lymph nodes and vessels that carry lymph fluid throughout the body)
Multiple sclerosis (disorder in which the immune system breaks down the protective covering of the nerves)
Psoriasis (skin condition that causes the buildup of excess cells on the surface of the skin)
Reactions to some drugs, such as antibiotics, antifungal medicines or narcotic pain medications
Scabies (highly contagious skin condition caused by a tiny insect)
Shingles (painful skin condition that causes blisters)
How is Pediatric Pruritus treated?
Dry, itchy skin can occur in any area of the body. Signs and symptoms of pruritus can include:
Bumps, spots or blisters on the skin
Dry, cracked skin
Redness
Skin that is leathery or scaly in texture
Pediatric Pruritus Doctors and Providers
