Prurigo nodularis is a skin ailment, particularly occurring on the forearms, lower extremity and neck. They are seen as numerous nodular lesions, which are small, red and itchy; having small open wounds because of too much itching. The nodules are found in clusters and the number may vary from a few to hundreds.
Prurigo manifests as a tiny, red itchy bumps, which have crusts and scales and tend to turn to darker compared to the surrounding skin. Skin in between the nodules is dry and itches a lot, such that the patient keeps on scratching for hours; and this could result in secondary infection.
Constant scratching leads to permanent changes in the skin such as hyper pigmentation, lichenification, and hyperkeratosis. New nodules develop, and the existing nodules may resolve on their own, leaving scars.
Prurigo nodularis is also known as Picker’s nodules, lichen simplex chronicus, and lichen corneus obtusus. The nodules are distinct, symmetrical, hyper pigmented and firm. They are greater than 0.5 cm in size and generally commence on the arms and legs.
Prurigo Nodularis Causes
The cause of prurigo nodularis is yet not known, while other conditions are known to bring on prurigo nodularis. It has been linked to liver diseases, Becker’s nevus, thyroid disease, polycythaemia rubra vera, Hodgkins disease, uremia, HIV and other immune deficiency conditions. Liver failure, cancer, kidney failure, and psychiatric illnesses may also trigger prurigo nodularis.
Home Remedies For Prurigo Nodularis
The diagnosis of prurigo nodularis is based up on visual examination and the presence of itching. Skin biopsy may be done to rule out other diseases. A biopsy will characteristically show raised levels of eosinophils.
Prurigo nodularis can be rather difficult to treat, and current therapies comprise of vitamin supplementation, steroids, UVB light, cryosurgery, and thalidomide. In case staphylococcus or any other secondary infection is present, anti biotics are administered to manage the case better. Conventionally, doctors, experts and dermatologists prescribe steroids to manage the itching. It will also steroids treat the nodules and lesions well.
Some experts advocate certain home remedies which keep the symptoms of prurigo nodularis in control. Vitamin supplements are of immense value in skin care and reduce the symptoms of prurigo nodularis significantly.
Apple cider vinegar
- Consuming apple cider vinegar has been recommended by certain experts. Apple cider vinegar helps allay the itching ad discomfort of prurigo nodularis appreciably. Add 5 spoons of apple cider vinegar to fruit juice and have it daily. Continue taking this remedy consistently for better results.
Ginger tea
- Ginger is an excellent root – herb for prurigo nodularis. Ginger is packed with gingerols, which are powerful anti inflammatory agents. Gingerols fights of inflammation, itching and swelling effectively. You may have ginger tea daily, or ginger juice with a spoon of honey or ginger root powder with jiggery; everyday.
Vitamins
- Talk to your dermatologist about starting vitamin supplements; especially, vitamin A, E, and C. these are ‘skin vitamins’ which help in skin cell regeneration and healing. Also, you may include these foods in to your daily menu – apples, limes, strawberries, papayas, tomatoes, nuts, carrots and broccoli. Applying vitamin A and vitamin E oil is also advised, since it helps healing faster. However, do confer with your health care provider before embarking on to any supplementation.