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. In other cases, the irritant causes contact dermatitis. For instance, a proteolytic enzyme in okra can cause irritation and lesions. Another common ingredient is Mucuna pruriens.
Famous quotes containing the words itching and/or powder:
“Let me tell you, Cassius, you yourself
Are much condemn’d to have an itching palm.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)
“Uncle Ben’s brass bullet-mould
And powder horn, and Major Bogan’s face
Above the fire, in the half-light, plainly said
There’s naught to kill but the animated dead;”
—Allen Tate (1899–1979)