Pruritis (itch) Flashcards
1
Q
Itch
A
Unpleasant, poorly localised, non-adapting sensation that provokes the desire to scratch
2
Q
Chemical mediators
A
Histamine
PGE2
ACh
Serotonin
3
Q
Causes
A
Pruritoceptive
Neuropathic
Neurogenic
Psychogenic
4
Q
Pruritoceptive itch
A
Something in skin that triggers itch
5
Q
Neuropathic itch
A
Damage to central or peripheral nerves causing itch
eg shingles
6
Q
Neurogenic itch
A
No evident damage in CNS but itch caused by
eg: opiate effects on CNS
7
Q
Psychogenic itch
A
Psychological causes with no CNS damage
8
Q
Management of itch
A
Anti-itch treatments are non specific
Sedative anti-histamines
Emollients
Anti-deppressants