Itching powder is a novelty item intended to cause localized, temporary irritation upon contact with the skin. While typically used externally, accidental or intentional ingestion is a serious medical event. Ingestion poses a significant risk to the delicate mucous membranes lining the digestive tract, causing irritation, pain, and potential systemic reactions. The consequences depend heavily on the powder’s specific components and the quantity consumed.
The Components of Itching Powder
The composition of itching powder falls into two primary categories: natural plant-based materials and synthetic mechanical irritants. The most common natural ingredient is the minute, needle-like hairs, or trichomes, found on the seed pods of the Mucuna pruriens plant (cowhage). These plant hairs cause irritation through physical abrasion and the chemical effect of a protease enzyme called mucunain.
Mucunain is released when the spicules penetrate the mucous membrane, chemically stimulating nerve endings to create an intense itch sensation. Synthetic alternatives often consist of finely cut fibers, such as fiberglass, or abrasive hairs from ground rose hips. These manufactured materials rely on mechanical irritation, where sharp particles physically embed themselves into the soft tissue, causing discomfort and damage.
Immediate Physiological Effects
Upon ingestion, the powder immediately contacts the sensitive tissues of the mouth, throat, and esophagus, initiating an acute, localized reaction. Fiberglass-type irritants involve sharp fibers lodging into the mucosal lining, causing a severe, burning and pricking sensation. Plant-derived powders cause similar intense irritation due to the release of irritating enzymes.
Localized swelling (edema) of the lips, tongue, and pharynx can develop rapidly. This swelling can lead to difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) and hypersalivation as the body attempts to flush the irritant away. A severe complication is the restriction of the upper airway if pharyngeal or laryngeal edema progresses significantly.
Gastrointestinal and Systemic Reactions
Once the powder passes the throat, the gastrointestinal tract responds to the irritating material. The abrasive fibers can cause inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis) and the intestinal lining (enteritis). This irritation commonly triggers severe nausea, abdominal cramping, and forceful vomiting as the body attempts to expel the substance.
Mechanical irritants typically pass through the digestive system but carry a risk of causing erosion or small perforations due to their sharp nature. Powders derived from Mucuna pruriens may cause a systemic reaction because the plant contains high concentrations of levodopa (L-DOPA). Absorption of this compound, a precursor to dopamine, can lead to neurological effects such as dizziness, headache, confusion, and a rapid heartbeat.
Emergency Response and Medical Treatment
Ingestion of itching powder necessitates an immediate call to Poison Control or emergency services. While awaiting professional guidance, the mouth should be thoroughly rinsed with water or milk to dilute and flush away remaining powder particles. Drinking small amounts of water or milk can also assist in moving the irritant down the esophagus.
It is advised to avoid inducing vomiting, as this risks re-exposing and worsening damage to the esophagus and throat tissues. Medical management at a healthcare facility is primarily supportive, aiming to control symptoms and prevent complications. Treatment involves administering anti-nausea medications and analgesics for pain relief, while monitoring the patient for signs of airway compromise. Endoscopy may be necessary to visually assess the extent of damage to the esophagus and stomach lining, especially if severe pain or persistent vomiting occurs.