Pruritis Flashcards
1
Q
What nerves carry the sensation of itch?
A
unmyelinated C fibres
2
Q
What are some of the pre-formed mediators that mast cells release upon degranulation?
A
proteases
heparin
histamine
cytokine
3
Q
What is a pruritoceptive cause of itch?
A
something (usually assoc, with inflam or dryness) in skin that triggers itch
4
Q
What is a neuropathic cause of itch?
A
damage of any sort to central or peripheral nerves causing itch
5
Q
What is a a neurogenic cause of itch?
A
no evident damage in CNS but itch caused by e.g opiate effects on CNS receptors
6
Q
What is a psychogenic cause of itch?
A
psychological cuase with no CNS damade
7
Q
What are the treatments available for itch?
A
sedative anti-histamines (non-sedative AH only useful if histamine is part of mechanism) amollients antideressants phototherapy opiate antagonists (ondansteron)
