Itching powder
Itching powder refers to a group of powders or powder-like substances that induce itching when applied onto human skin. This is usually done as a practical joke or prank to an unsuspecting victim.
The cause of the irritation can be mechanical, such as products containing ground rose hips.[1][2] Another common ingredient is Mucuna pruriens,[3] a type of legume that produces seedpods coated with thousands of detachable spicules (needle-like hairs), the spicules contain an enzyme (mucunain) that causes severe itching, and they have been sold commercially as itching powder.[4]
The term "itching powder" is colloquial; there is no one specific source of the powder, though some gag companies do tend to have favourites. Two very common, accessible, and fairly harmless (though not entirely--itching powder can be very dangerous when abused) sources are maple samara and rosehips. These are used in home recipes popularized by sites that publish how-to guides such as wikiHow and eHow. For the safety of the maker and of the victim, gloves (dust mask, and glasses as itching powder is a mouth and eye irritant) and caution are strongly encouraged whenever handling the processed powder. Rosehips contain prickly hairs that are used as the active ingredient,[5] whereas the body (rather than the wing) of the bigleaf maple samara is covered with spiny hairs that cause skin irritation,[6] and are used to make itching powder.[7][8]
See also
References
- ↑ Albert MR. Novelty shop "itching powder." Australasian J Dermatology. 1998 Aug;39(3):188-9.
- ↑ "Itching powder prank affects dozens of Cobb County students". FOX5Atlanta.com. Retrieved 15 July 2018.
- ↑ G. V. Joglekar, M. B. Bhide J. H. Balwani. An experimental method for screening antipruritic agents. British Journal of Dermatology. Volume 75 Issue 3 Page 117 - March 1963
- ↑ "Epidemiologic Notes and Reports Mucuna pruriens- Associated Pruritus -- New Jersey". Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 6 December 1985. Retrieved 15 July 2018.
- ↑ Phytopharmacy: An Evidence-Based Guide to Herbal Medicinal Products. John Wiley & Sons. 27 April 2015. p. 324. ISBN 9781118543566.
- ↑ Hebda, R. "Plant profile: Acer macrophyllum" (PDF). NPSBC, menziesia. Native Plant Society of British Columbia. p. 14. Archived from the original (pdf) on 26 January 2007.
- ↑ "Itching Powder". MicrolabNW Photomicrograph Gallery. Retrieved 15 July 2018.
- ↑ "Maple Seed Hair". MicrolabNW Photomicrograph Gallery. Retrieved 15 July 2018.