Topical local antipruritics

Question 1

What might be useful if pruritus is associated with dry skin?

Answer 1

An emollient

Question 2

What cream can be used to relieve pruritus as it exerts a cooling effect on the skin?

Answer 2

Levomethol cream

Question 3

Levomenthol cream can be used to relieve pruritus; it exerts a (?) effect on the skin.

Answer 3

cooling

Question 4

(?) cream can be used to relieve pruritus; it exerts a cooling effect on the skin.

Answer 4

Levomethol

Question 5

What is licensed for the relief of pruritus in eczema?

Answer 5

Topical preparation containing doxepin 5%

Question 6

Which condition is a topical preparation containing doxepin 5% licensed for the relief of pruritis?

Answer 6

eczema

Question 7

What is the treatment of choice of pruritus in biliary obstruction, especially in primary biliary cirrhosis and drug-induced cholestasis?

Answer 7

Colestyramine (oral)

Question 8

Which condition is colestyramine (oral) used to treat the associated pruritus?

Answer 8

Biliary obstruction, especially primary biliary cirrhosis and drug-induced cholestasis

Question 9

What is appropriate to treat pruritus caused by insect bites and stings?

Answer 9

Topical corticosteroid (short-course)

Sedating antihistamine may help

Question 10

Are calamine preparations useful in the treatment of insect stings or bites?

Answer 10

Little value

Question 11

Topical local anaesthetics should preferable not be used for more than (?) days

Answer 11

3 days

Preparations may be absorbed, especially through mucosal surfaces

Question 12

Should you prescribe topical antihistamines in eczema?

Answer 12

NO

Topical antihistamines should be avoided in eczema and are not recommended for longer than 3 days. They are less suitable for prescribing.

Question 13

What is the indication for the use of crotamiton?

Answer 13

Pruritus (including pruritus after scabies)

Question 14

What is the indication for the use of levomenthol?

Answer 14

Pruritus