[Aquagenic pruritus (A.P.)]

For the same symptoms, (following pruritus without a cutaneous lesion, after contact with water), we must recognise three different etiological circumstances. The physio-pathologies differ in the three cases, as well as their therapy. in aquagenic pruritus of the aged, due to senile sclerosis, the skin must be rehydrated with efficacy but at the same time non-aggressively. in aquagenic pruritus of polyglobulins, therapeutic efficacy of aspirin raises suspicion of involvement of prostaglandins. Idiopathic aquagenic pruritus in young subjects is due to combination of the actions of several chemical mediators. The choice of therapy is difficult and depends on the effect of the addition of bicarbonate of soda to the bath water.