The treatment for this condition has not been well studied but the most common options are psychotherapy and medicines geared toward psychiatric conditions. Stress reduction and relaxation techniques have also been shown to be helpful for alleviating this condition. Having a strong physician-patient alliance can also lead to the improvement of symptoms. The condition is often managed with drugs including H1-antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants, tetracyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, antipsychotics, or benzodiazepines. If the cause is found to be dermatologic in nature, dermatologists can offer solutions such as intralesional injections, wet wraps and other occlusive options. Menthol and cool compresses can also relieve the patient of their itch. It is also common for psychologic conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, anxiety, bipolar and psychosis to present with pruritus.
Psychogenic pruritus
Aquagenic pruritus
HIV-associated pruritus
Hydroxyethyl starch-induced pruritus
Grocer's itch
Swimmer's itch
Phototoxic tar dermatitis
Cholestatic pruritus