Itch/Pruritus Flashcards
1
Q
what are the mediators of itch
A
chemicals in skin
nerve transmission (unmyelinated C fibres)
Central nervous system mediators eg. opiates
2
Q
what is pruritoceptive itch
A
itch caused by something in skin eg. inflammation or dryness
3
Q
what is neuropathic itch
A
itch caused by damage to any sort of central or peripheral nerves
4
Q
what is neurogenic itch
A
itch caused by something having an impact on the CNS eg. opiated but with no direct damage to CNS
5
Q
what is psychogenic itch
A
psychological causes with no CNS damage
6
Q
how do you manage itch
A
determine cause if possible
treat cause
-use anti-itch treatments
7
Q
what are some anti-itch treatments
A
sedative anti-histamines emollients antidepressants phototherapy opiate antagonists
