Pruritus Flashcards

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1
Q

Define Pruritus

A

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

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2
Q

What are some mediators of itch

A

Chemical mediators in the skin (histamine, acetylcholine, substance P)
Nerve transmission (unmyelinated C fibres
CNS - opiates

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3
Q

What are 4 causes of itch

A

Pruritoceptive: something in skin that triggers
Neuropathic: damage of any sort to central or peripheral nerves causing itch
Neurogenic: no evident damage in CNS but itch caused: opiate effect on CNS receptors
Psychogenic: psychological causes with no CNS damage

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4
Q

Name some examples that cause a pruritoceptive itch

A

psoriasis
eczema
insect bites

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5
Q

Name some systemic diseases associated with neurogenic itch

A
Haematological 
Paraneoplastic 
Liver and bile duct 
Psychogenic
Kidney disease 
Thyroid disease
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6
Q

How can we manage a patient with itch

A

Determine the cause
Treat the cause
Anti-itch treatments (sedative antihitamines, emolluents, antidepressants, Phototherapy, Opiate antagnoists)

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