On 04.03.2025 PD Dr. Claudia Zeidler gave a lecture on "Tips and tricks for chronic pruritus". Here is an overview of the most important facts from the lecture.
Chronic pruritus is defined as a persistent itching sensation lasting more than six weeks. Studies in Germany have highlighted the relevance of pruritus: Around 16.8 % of the population were affected at the time of the study, while a total of 22 % of respondents had been confronted with pruritus at some point. This makes it clear that you are not alone with your symptoms, and talking to others can often help!
The pronounced itching sensation is often accompanied by pain, nocturnal itching and intense scratching, which can severely impair the quality of life and sleep. In severe cases, anxiety disorders or depression can develop, although this psychological stress is not usually the cause of the pruritus, but rather a consequence of years of suffering.
Overview of the correlation of influencing factors
Even if psychological stress is not usually the cause of the itching sensation, it is useful to understand the connection between the psyche, pruritus and scratching behavior. Chronic pruritus can lead to sleep disorders, loss of concentration and reduced performance. These factors promote increased stress levels, which encourage involuntary scratching. Scratching in turn damages the skin's protective barrier and promotes inflammatory processes. This leads to neuronal sensitization, in which the skin nerves react even more sensitively to stimuli. In addition, feelings of guilt and feelings of helplessness and loss of control often arise.
External influencing factors
Several external factors can exacerbate pruritus. Among the most frequently mentioned are
- Skin dryness, which weakens the barrier function and facilitates the penetration of foreign substances
- Overheated rooms and rough clothing that cause additional irritation
- Contact with skin-damaging substances, in particular preservatives and fragrances in creams
- Creams that further dry out the skin, i.e. that contain degreasing ingredients
- Frequent washing and bathing
- Scratching with sharp objects
Practical strategies for relief
1. behavioral techniques and distraction
- Sporting activitiesSport not only promotes general well-being, but also distracts the focus from the itching sensation. There is no specific type of sport that is particularly suitable - the most important thing is that you have fun.
- Snapping a rubber band as an effective thought brakeIf you feel the need to scratch yourself and the inner tension increases, it can help to snap a rubber band worn around the wrist. This can help to suppress the impulse to scratch and alleviate the tension.
2. skin care and protective measures
- Shorten fingernailsShort nails reduce the risk of further damage to the skin when scratching.
- Use of skin-friendly productsThe products you use should contain as few or no fragrances and as few preservatives as possible.
- Regular application of cream protects the skin from drying outThe FTU concept (finger tip units) can help to dose the right amount.
- Cooling the care productsApplication of chilled products can be perceived as particularly pleasant.
3. measures for relief during the night
- Cotton gloves or light cotton clothingThis clothing is perceived as pleasant and helps to prevent an increase in itching.
- Reapply cream before going to sleep
- Optimization of sleep hygiene
- Use of relaxation techniques
4. nutrition and lifestyle
- Anti-inflammatory diet
- Measures to promote the gut microbiome
- Restricting the consumption of certain foodsThese include alcohol, hot spices and hot drinks.
5. special recommendations for head and hair
- Avoiding daily hair washingThis can prevent additional drying out.
- Almond oil capsWear overnight for dry scalps and rinse out in the morning.
- Use of shampoos with itch-relieving ingredients
- Blow-drying at a low temperature
6. use of modern apps
- Weather appMany weather apps or other specialized apps display the pollen count. This can help you to adjust your anti-allergy medication to the current pollen count. Increased use of cream can also be helpful for protection during allergy-prone periods.
- Pruritus documentation via appRegular documentation of pruritus using apps such as the "Itchy App" can help the treating physician to better assess the course of the disease and develop individual treatment approaches.
This will give you a good overview of the various options for counteracting your itching. We will go into more detail on some of the points mentioned in the following online training courses. We look forward to seeing you there again!
