Pruritius

Question 1

________ therapy is the first choice for treatment of mild or localized itch. Systemic therapy is generally reserved for severe and generalized itch that has not responded to topical therapy

Answer 1

Topical

Question 2

Institute regular use of topical _________ in all patients with pruritus to help alleviate itch and prevent further aggravation of the skin due to dryness

Answer 2

moisturizers

Question 3

These types of moisturizers are more occlusive and help to retain moisture more effectively

Answer 3

Ointment-based

Question 4

Hydration of the skin should be done 30 minutes after showering, true or false?

Answer 4

False, immediate application should be done to help retain hydration to the skin

Question 5

There is inadequate evidence to support the use of topical ______________ available in Canada for pruritus

Answer 5

antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine)

Question 6

The following two agents elicit a cooling sensation on the skin, which reduces the sensation of itch:
1.
2.

Answer 6

1. Menthol
2. Camphor

Question 7

Between menthol and camphor, _______ is less toxic when absorbed systemically

Answer 7

Menthol

Question 8

Topical preparations of _____ _____ in concentrations of 10–50% can be useful in the treatment of localized pruritus due to its antipruritic and anti-inflammatory properties

Answer 8

Zinc Oxide

Question 9

This topical antipruritic’s astringent properties may be helpful in blistering conditions like chicken pox, but it will dry the skin excessively with long-term use

Answer 9

Calamine

Question 10

____________ are useful and appropriate only if the pruritus is caused by an inflammatory skin condition, which typically presents as visible redness along with symptoms of itch and/or tenderness

Answer 10

Topical corticosteroids

Question 11

_______________ are not recommended for chronic, generalized pruritus or for long periods of time

Answer 11

topical corticosteroids

Question 12

__________ blocks transmission of itch along peripheral nerves and has been shown to have a beneficial effect in pruritus of various origins. It can cause a transient burning sensation on initial application, which can adversely affect the patient’s adherence to treatment. It must be used regularly to be effective.

Answer 12

Capsaicin (available in Rub A535)

Question 13

If pruritus persists despite appropriate treatment of any underlying causative condition, _________ pharmacologic treatment may be useful

Answer 13

Systemic

Question 14

Chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine are ? (drug class)

Answer 14

1st gen antihistamines

Question 15

Histamine (h1) blockers are good to use in ________ pruritus

Answer 15

Chronic

Question 16

The following antidepressants can be used for chronic pruritus:
1.
2.

Answer 16

1. Doxepin
2. SSRIs

CKD-related, hepatic/cholestatic related, malignancy related

Question 17

The following anticonvulsants can be used in ureic pruritus or neuropathic associated pruritus
1.
2.

Answer 17

Gabapentin / pregabalin

Question 18

The following topical options for pruritus are safe during pregnancy and preferred whenever possible
1.
2.
3.
4.

Answer 18

Colloidal oatmeal
Calamine
Menthol
Camphor
Topical corticosteroids if inflammatory

Question 19

Non sedating second generation antihistamines of choice during pregnancy ?
1.
2.

Answer 19

Loratadine
Cetirizine

Question 20

If the sedative side effect of a first generation antihistamine is desired to improve sleep in patient, the most evidence of safety in pregnancy would be these:
1.
2.
3.

Answer 20

1. Chlorpheniramine
2. Diphenhydramine
3. Hydroxyzine