Chronic Pruritus Alleviation in the Elderly Through Drug-Free Autophagy Activation by Magnetized Saline Water: A Case Series

Chronic pruritus is a common and distressing condition in the elderly population, frequently associated with various underlying systemic diseases and age-related skin changes. Conventional treatments, such as emollients and moisturizers, may not invariably provide adequate relief. Magnetized saline water has previously been shown to activate autophagy, a cellular process involved in maintaining skin barrier function, reducing inflammaging, and modulating neuropathic pain. This case series investigated the efficacy of a topical serum containing magnetized saline water in managing chronic pruritus with diverse etiologies in elderly patients. Five patients aged 69-80 years, presenting with chronic pruritus lasting two to six months, were instructed to apply the serum daily to the most affected areas for a minimum of 14 consecutive days. Pruritus severity was assessed using the 12-Item Pruritus Severity Scale (12-PSS) at baseline and post-intervention. The underlying causes of pruritus included end-stage renal disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy, advanced liver fibrosis, and xerosis cutis. All five patients reported a substantial improvement in pruritus severity following the application of the magnetized saline water serum, with post-intervention 12-PSS scores decreasing by 3-5 points. The serum was well-tolerated, and no adverse effects were reported. These findings suggest that topical formulations containing magnetized saline water may be a promising alternative or adjunctive therapy for managing chronic pruritus in the elderly population. However, clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings, elucidate the precise mechanisms of action, and establish optimal treatment protocols.