Itching

Alternate Names : Pruritis

What can be done to prevent the condition?

Prevention is related to the cause. For example, avoiding sunburn or poison ivy can prevent these causes of itching. Getting regular childhood vaccines can prevent chickenpox. Many cases cannot be prevented.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Severe itching can disrupt a person's life. Sleep and other activities may be difficult. Scratching of itchy areas can cause damage to the skin and may result in skin infection. Other long-term effects are related to the cause. For example, cancer can result in death. Multiple sclerosis can result in severe weakness and numbness in certain areas of the body. People with chronic renal failure may need a kidney transplant or dialysis.

What are the risks to others?

Itching itself is not contagious. However, if the cause is an infection such as scabies or chickenpox, the infection may be contagious.