Pruritus Flashcards
1
Q
define
A
itch
2
Q
three mediators of itch
A
chemical
nerve transmission
CNS mediators
3
Q
what chemicals mediate itch?
A
histamine PGE2 ACh serotonin 5-HT kellikrein IL-2 substance P tryptase
4
Q
which nerve fibres mediate itch?
A
unmyelinated C fibres
5
Q
CNS mediators of itch
A
opiates
6
Q
four types of itch
A
- pruritoceptive
- neuropathic
- neurogenic
- psychogenic
7
Q
define pruritoceptive itch
A
something associated with inflammation or dryness in skin that triggers itch
8
Q
define neuropathic itch
A
damage to any sort of central or peripheral nerves causing itch
9
Q
define neurogenic itch
A
no evidence of damage to CNS but itch caused by opiate effect on CNS
10
Q
psychogenic itch
A
psychological causes with no detectable CNS damage e.g. delusions
11
Q
management of itch
A
determine cause
anti-itch treatments
12
Q
anti-itch treatments
A
sedative antihistamines emollients antidepressants phototherapy opiate antagonists
