pruitus Flashcards

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1
Q

what is itch (pruitus) definition

A

a usually unpleasant, poorly localised, non-adapting sensation that provokes the desire to scratch

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2
Q

what can mediate an itch

A
  • chemical mediators in skin eg histamine, PGE2…
  • nerve transmission - unmyelinated C fibres
  • central nervous system mediators - opiates
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3
Q

what causes itch

A
  • pruritoceptive: something (usually associated with inflammation and dryness) in the skin that triggers itch
  • neuropathic: damage of any sort to central or peripheral nerves cause itch
  • neurogenic: no evident damage in CNS, but itch caused by eg opoaye effects on CNS response
  • psychogenic: psychological causes with no (currently detectable) CNS damage eg itch in delusions of infestation
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4
Q

how to manage itch

A
  • determine cause if possible
  • treat the cause
  • anti itch treatments: sedative anti histamines , emollients, antidepressants, phototherapy
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