Skin conditions Flashcards
Which of the following is true about chronic pruritus?
A) Chronic pruritus affects up to 50% of the general population.
B) Chronic pruritus lasts for less than 6 weeks.
C) Chronic pruritus can have a significant impact on quality of life, comparable to chronic pain.
D) Chronic pruritus is only observed in the elderly population.
Answer: C) Chronic pruritus can have a significant impact on quality of life, comparable to chronic pain.
Explanation: Chronic pruritus is defined as lasting for 6 weeks or longer and can affect up to 17% of the general population, with 25–50% of elderly individuals affected. Pruritus, the sensation of itch, can be classified as localized or generalized and as acute or chronic. It has a substantial impact on quality of life, similar to chronic pain, which makes option C correct. Options A, B, and D are incorrect based on the provided information.
What is the primary goal of managing pruritus?
A) To relieve the symptoms of pruritus only.
B) To determine the underlying cause of pruritus and rule out systemic diseases.
C) To use medications that treat only the symptoms of pruritus.
D) To treat pruritus using the same medication for every patient.
Answer: B) To determine the underlying cause of pruritus and rule out systemic diseases.
Explanation: The primary goal of therapy for pruritus is to identify the cause, rule out underlying systemic disease (which is found in 20-30% of pruritic patients without skin disorders), and individualize treatment for maximum effectiveness.
Option A focuses only on symptom relief, which is secondary to addressing the underlying cause. Option C and D are incorrect as individualized management is emphasized.
What is the primary goal of managing pruritus?
A) To relieve the symptoms of pruritus only.
B) To determine the underlying cause of pruritus and rule out systemic diseases.
C) To use medications that treat only the symptoms of pruritus.
D) To treat pruritus using the same medication for every patient.
Answer: B) To determine the underlying cause of pruritus and rule out systemic diseases.
Explanation: The primary goal of therapy for pruritus is to identify the cause, rule out underlying systemic disease (which is found in 20-30% of pruritic patients without skin disorders), and individualize treatment for maximum effectiveness.**
Option A focuses only on symptom relief, which is secondary to addressing the underlying cause. Option C and D are incorrect as individualized management is emphasized.
