Senile Pruritus

Senile Pruritus

Article
Skin Care
Diseases & Conditions
Contributed byKrish Tangella MD, MBAJan 13, 2019

What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

  • Idiopathic Itch in Elderly
  • Pruritus in the Elderly
  • Willan Itch

What is Senile Pruritus? (Definition/Background Information)

  • Senile Pruritus is a common condition of unknown cause affecting the skin
  • The condition is characterized by itching and scaly skin on the body. However, Senile Pruritus does not cause significant complications
  • Elderly adults over the age of 70 years are generally affected by Senile Pruritus. There are no risk factors identified for the condition
  • The treatment for Senile Pruritus may include the use of topical steroid creams and moisturizers, oral allergic medications, and phototherapy
  • Individuals who respond to treatment have better prognosis than those who do not respond. Nevertheless, the prognosis of Senile Pruritus is good with appropriate treatment

Who gets Senile Pruritus? (Age and Sex Distribution)

  • Senile Pruritus is a common skin condition that usually occurs between the ages of 70 years or older
  • It can affect both males and females and no preference is observed
  • The condition can occur worldwide; individuals of all racial and ethnic background may be affected

What are the Risk Factors for Senile Pruritus? (Predisposing Factors)

  • The risk factors for Senile Pruritus are unknown or unidentified

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Senile Pruritus? (Etiology)

  • The exact cause of Senile Pruritus development is unknown
  • There is no definitive proof that certain types of diet play a role in the development of this skin condition
  • Senile Pruritus is not contagious and does not spread from one individual to another. In other words, one cannot contract the condition by interacting closely with the affected individuals

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Senile Pruritus?

Generally, the timing of development of the signs and symptoms are important in making an accurate diagnosis. In the case of Senile Pruritus, the signs and symptoms develop steadily over weeks to months.

The signs and symptoms of Senile Pruritus include:

  • Itching
  • Scaly skin
  • It can affect the skin of any part of the body

It is difficult to predict who gets mild or severe symptoms.

How is Senile Pruritus Diagnosed?

The following are the diagnostic methods that may be used for Senile Pruritus:

  • A thorough physical examination and a complete medical history are very crucial. A diagnosis of Senile Pruritus is arrived at clinically, by analyzing the signs and symptoms
  • Dermoscopy: Dermoscopy is a diagnostic tool where a dermatologist examines the skin using a special magnified lens
  • A skin biopsy is not usually needed

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Senile Pruritus?

No significant complications due to Senile Pruritus have been reported. However, in some cases, the complications that may be observed include:

  • Chronic itching and scaling of the skin that causes the skin to become thick, discolored, and leathery
  • Bacterial and fungal infections: Senile Pruritus may cause continuous itching and scaling of the skin, which creates skin moistness, providing a suitable environment for bacteria and fungi to grow and thrive
  • The presence of skin infections and scarred skin, due to chronically-occurring nodules that ooze pus and form abscesses, can cause self-image issues, emotional and psychological trauma. If the emotional stress is severe, it may even lead to depression
  • Development of depression may  further lead to social isolation

How is Senile Pruritus Treated?

Treatment strategies that may be adopted in the management of Senile Pruritus include:

  • For mild skin conditions, self-care measures are recommended, such as washing with mild (antibacterial) soap and applying warm compress
  • Application of anti-itch, over-the-counter creams that contain hydrocortisone can provide relief from pain and itching sensation
  • Oral medications: The physician may prescribe oral corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, or antihistamines to provide relief from severe itching sensation
  • Ultraviolet light therapy
  • Follow-up care with regular screening and checkups are important

Note: If any of the prescribed treatment medication or methods cause new stinging or burning symptoms, then it is important to discontinue the medication or method and immediately inform the healthcare provider.

A few self-care tips and home remedies for Senile Pruritus may include:

  • Completely avoid scratching the affected areas
  • A comfortable, cool bath may help soothe the skin; but, avoid excessive washing and scrubbing of the skin
  • Wear smooth cotton clothes
  • Use only mild perfumes, soaps, and detergents
  • Keeping the skin moist can help in reducing the signs and symptoms caused by Senile Pruritus

Taking care of oneself, being clean and hygienic (especially face and hands), avoiding the urge to touch/break the blisters, avoiding oily make-ups and creams, drinking lots of water, etc. are all simple practices that can ensure a faster recovery from the condition.

How can Senile Pruritus be Prevented?

  • Currently, there are no specific methods or guidelines to prevent Senile Pruritus
  • Keeping the skin moist can help prevent the condition

What is the Prognosis of Senile Pruritus? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis of Senile Pruritus is very good with appropriate treatment.

  • However, it also depends on the severity of the signs and symptoms. Individuals with milder signs and symptoms have a better prognosis than those with severe signs and symptoms
  • Very severe cases may cause permanent facial marks, deep pits, pigmented scars, etc., if proper treatment is not administered. This may cause cosmetic issues
  • Regular follow up visits with the healthcare providers are important

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Senile Pruritus:

  • There is no evidence to prove that oily foods and chocolate-based products have an influence on Senile Pruritus
  • Cleaning the skin too hard with strong chemicals or soaps may aggravate the skin condition. Care must be taken avoid strong soaps and chemicals that could potentially worsen the condition
  • The presence of dirt on the body is not a causative factor for Senile Pruritus. However, it helps to be clean and hygienic, which will help the condition from getting worse
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Krish Tangella MD, MBA picture
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Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

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