Pruritus

Question 1

Dermatological causes of pruritus

Answer 1

xerosis 
dermatitis atopic/contact 
dermatophytes 
Lice
Psoriasis / Eczema  
Scabies 
Urticaria 

(Ref: RACGP pruritus in the elderly)

Question 2

Systemic Causes of pruiritus

Answer 2

Haematological: polycythemia vera, deficiency anaemia, macroglobuinaemia

Neoplasm: Lymphoma, leukaemia, MM, metastatic cancer

Renal impairment

Live disease: primary biliary cirrhosis, sclerosing cholangitis, viral hepatitis drug induced cholestasis

Endocrine: hypo/hyperthyroidism

Stress, depression

Neurological: cerebral infarct, tumour, multiple sclerosis

Meds: ACE, diuretics, anticonvulsants, allopurinol

(Ref: RACGP pruritus in the elderly)

Question 3

investigations

Answer 3

Fbc- leukemia 
LFT's - liver disease 
UEC - renal 
TSH 
Fe deficiency/ haemochromatosis 
HbA1c = diabetes 
Urinanalysis = chronic UTI can cause itch