Abstract
Pruritus is a frequent and troublesome complication in hemodialysis patients. Among the various mechanisms reported, dry skin is considered to be a possible cause of uremic pruritus.
We evaluated the efficacy of a bath preparation of mixed garlic extracts and vitamin B1 complex on uremic pruritus. In addition, the changes of the skin water content were examined before and after the bath preparation treatment by measuring the conductivity of the skin with an in vivo water sorption-desorption test. Relief from itching was obtained in 6 out of 8 patients (75%) treated with the bath preparation for 6 weeks. The hydration state, hygroscopicity and water holding capacity of the skin, which indicate the degree of the skin dryness, were improved in all cases.
The application of a bath preparation mixed of garlic extracts and vitamin B1 complex was concluded to be effective in uremic pruritus.
