pruritus Flashcards
1
Q
where does your brain detect itch
A
forebrain and hypothalamus
2
Q
what are the chemical mediators of itch
A
histamine, PGE, ACh, serotonin, IL2
3
Q
what nerves transmit itch
A
unmyelinated C fibres (different from pain)
4
Q
what transmits itch in brain
A
opiates
5
Q
what causes of itch are there (4)
A
pruritoreceptive, neuropathic, neurogenic, psychogenic
6
Q
what causes pruitoreceptive itch and what causes it
A
trigger within the skin - insect bite, lichen planus
7
Q
what causes neuropathic itch and what causes it
A
damage to nerves eg shingles
8
Q
what causes neurogenic itch and what causes it
A
stimulis to itch pathway in eg opiates or PBC
9
Q
how do you treat pruritus
A
treat underlying, anti-histamines, emollients, antidepressants, phototherapy
