Pruritus

Question 1

What does Pruritoceptive mean?

Answer 1

something (usually associated with inflammation or dryness) in skin that triggers itch

Question 2

What does Neuropathic itch mean?

Answer 2

damage of any sort to central or peripheral nerves causing itch

Question 3

What does Neurogenic itch mean?

Answer 3

no evident damage in CNS, but itch caused by, e.g., opiate effects on CNS receptors

Question 4

What does Psychogenic itch mean?

Answer 4

psychological causes with no (currently detectable) CNS damage, e.g. itch in delusions of infestation

Question 5

What type of itch is an insect bite?

Answer 5

Pruritoceptive

Question 6

What type of itch is eczema?

Answer 6

Pruritoceptive

Question 7

What can lichen planus sometimes be associated with?

Answer 7

Hep C

Question 8

What type of itch is primary biliary cirrhosis?

Answer 8

neurogenic

Question 9

List some treatments of itch.

Answer 9

Sedative anti-histamines
Emollients (with menthol, or cooled in fridge – counter-irritant effects)
Antidepressants, e.g. doxepin and some of the newer ones including SSRIs
Phototherapy
Opiate antagonists, ondansetron (a serotonin antagonist), etc