Itch Flashcards
If itch is caused by dry skin or aging, what is the treatment?
all the usual non-medical approaches (dry skin products, less hot showers)
Which type of itch are dry-skin lotions usually for?
dry skin
eczema
sunburn
Which type of itch is calamine used for?
insect bites
poison ivy
chicken pox (not seen often)
True or false: calamine is for itch of dry skin
false
Calamine is an astringent. What does this mean?
it works on proteins to dry an area out, so this makes dry skin worse
At what concentrations is menthol an anti-pruritic? At what concentrations is it a counter-irritant?
anti-pruritic: <1%
counter irritant: >1%
Explain how counter-irritants work. Do we use this for itch?
in products like A535 there is menthol that irritates the skin (keep in mind muscle is already irritated) and this confuses the brain into thinking there is less pain, perception of pain is altered
we do not use menthol in this concentration for itch
What type of itch are the local anesthetics used for? What are these products called?
first aid (bites), minor cuts/burns (less so)
pramoxine and benzocaine
What are the type of itches that we use topical steroids for?
minor irritations
rashes
insect bites
poison ivy
allergic reactions
What are the OTC topical steroids?
hydrocortisone 0.5/1% crm and oint
clobetasone (behind counter)
Where do hydrocortisone and clobetasone rank on the potency scale?
hydrocortisone=7
clobetasone=4
What are some drugs that can cause itch?
opioids
statins
Why are antihistamines not great for itch?
histamine is only one of the mediators for itch
If a patient has an itch and rash, what are you thinking? What about itch and no rash?
itch and rash: usually a skin condition
itch but no rash: systemic disease
What is the treatment for itch in diabetics?
standard dry skin approaches
