Chapter 4: Pruritus and Neurocutaneous Dermatoses Flashcards
What percentage of of the afferent unmyelinated C neurons respond to pruritogenic stimuli
5%
How are itch sensations in the sub epidermal area transmitted to the CNS
via the lateral spinothalamic tract
What are the most important itch mediators
histamine Serotonin tryptate opioid peptides Substance P Prostaglandins such as PGE 2 acetylcholine Cytokines such as IL-2
What are the 4 categories of itch
pruritoceptive
itch caused by systemic disorders
neuropathic itch
psychogenic itch
how is heat associated with pre existing pruritus
heat aggravates preexisting itch
What is pruritoceptive itch
itch induced by skin disorders
What conditions are associated with a pleasure of scratching that is so intense that the patient - despite the realization that he is damaging the skin - is often unable to stop short of inflicting damage
lichen simplex chronicus atopic dermatitis numeral eczema dermatitis herpetiformis neurotic excoriations eosinophilic folliculitis uremic pruritus subacute prurigo paraneoplastic itch
What is the treatment for the itchy patient
Keeping cool and avoidance of hot showers
Topical remedies that include menthol and camphor
Capsaicin
What is the problem with using topical steroids or calcineurin inhibitors for itch
Their effect is to decrease itching via their anti-inflammatory action, and therefor are of limited efficacy in neurogenic, psychogenic and systemic disease related pruritus.
Only beneficial for pruritoceptive cases
What oral medications are beneficial for pruritus
H1 blockers help with nocturnal itching. Overall limited benefit
Doxepin (TCA) reduces anxiety and depression , and has utility in several pruritic disorders
What effect does the opioid receptor have on itch
M-opioid receptors stimulate itch
K-opioid receptors inhibit itch perception.
What are the most common internal causes of itch
liver disease (obstructive hepatitis C
Renal failure
hypo and hyperthyroidism
hematopoietic diseases
How will pruritus of Hodgkin disease present
usually presents as a continuous itch, and at times accompanied by severe burning.
incidence of 10-30%
7% will have pruritus as initial presentation
What is the most common systemic cause of pruritus
CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease).
Pruritus effects 20-80% of patients with CKD
What treatment is beneficial for pruritus associated with CKD
UVB phototherapy, but often recurs after discontinuation.
100mg Neurontin given after each dialysis session may be beneficial
How is itch triggered in patients with obstructive liver disease
20-50% of patients with obstructive jaundice have pruritus.
Itch is likely central triggered as suggested by elevated CNS opioid peptide levels, down regulation of opioid peptide receptors.
Who is effected by Primary Biliary Cirrhosis?
Women over the age of 30
What percentage of patients with PBC will have pruritus
80%
How is the pigment of the skin effected by PBC
Jaundice and a striking melanotic hyperpigmentation of the entire skin; the patient may turn almost black, except for a hypo pigmented “butterfly” area in the upper back.
What findings are associated with PBC
Dark urine
steatorrhea
Osteoporosis
Positive Antimitochondrial Antibody
What treatment of pruritus in PBC has shown benefit
Naltrexone has shown benefit, but has many side effects
Colestyramine: 4grams 1-3 times daily
UVB: Twice weekly
Rifampin: 300-450 daily
What induces pruritus in polycythemia vera
temperature changes or hot showers
What treatment may relieve pruritus in polycythemia vera
aspirin
PUVA and narrow band UVB
What is winters itch
Asteatotic eczema or xerotic eczema.
Characterized by pruritus that usually first manifests and is most severe on the legs and arms. May develop into eczema craquele
What is eczema craquele
fine cracks in the eczematous area that resemble the cracks in old porcelain dishes
What is the treatment for winter itch
For more severe symptoms utilize the “soak and smear”
What is a “soak and smear”
Patient soaks in a tub of plain water at a comfortable temperature for 20 minutes prior to bedtime. Immediately on exiting the tub, without drying, triamcinolone, 0.025-0.1% ointment is applied to the wet skin.
Pruritus Ani
Centered on the anal or genital area with little or no pruritus elsewhere.
- allergic contact dermatitis (toilet paper)
- irritant contact dermatitis (gastric content)
mycotic pruritus ani
characterized by fissures and a white sodden epidermis.
- Candida albicans, Epidermophyton, floccosum, and trichophyton rubrum are frequent causative agents.
What is the treatment of pruritus ani
cleansing with wet toilet tissue. Medicated cleansing pads should be used regularly
Addicted scrotum syndrome
use of high potency steroids in chronic use for treatment of pruritus scroti
What is the treatment of pruritus scroti?
Tacrolimus is useful to avoid steroid side effects