Final answer:
The drug blocking IL-31 is not specified, but treatments for pruritus due to allergies include antihistamines and topical corticosteroids like hydrocortisone. Desensitization therapy is another method for allergy management. Severe cases might require systemic glucocorticoids.
Step-by-step explanation:
The drug used for blocking IL-31, particularly in the context of treating pruritus (itchiness) associated with allergic reactions, is not specified by the provided information. However, treatment for milder allergic reactions often involves antihistamines and anti-inflammatory drugs. In cases of pruritus, topical corticosteroid creams such as hydrocortisone may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and temporarily relieve itching by reducing histamine secretion. While these treatments can be effective in managing symptoms, they do not necessarily address the underlying cause of the allergic reaction.
Desensitization therapy is another approach used in treating allergies, by gradually exposing the individual to tiny amounts of the allergen, leading to the production of blocking antibodies like IgG that can neutralize the allergen before it triggers a response.
In more severe cases, glucocorticoids such as prednisone tablets and steroid-based inhalers might be used. New therapeutic interventions, which could include drugs that target molecules like IL-31, are being considered for future treatments to reduce the inflammatory response more specifically.