Interní Med. 2011; 13(6): 247-249

Pruritus

MUDr.Jaroslav Macášek

IV. interní klinika 1. LF UK a VFN, Praha

Pruritus is an unpleasant sensation. Pruritus is associated with dermatologic or systemic diseases. Pruritus is classified into categories on

the basis of underlying disease, we recognise primary or secondary, and localization of it, we recognize localized or generalized form.

Secondary form of pruritus is common symptom of dermatologic diseases. But secondary form of pruritus is also very often symptom of

systemic diseases as chronic renal insuficiency, cholestasis, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, polycythemia vera, Hodgkin´s lymphoma

etc. For diagnosing the cause of itching are important physical examination, medical history, laboratory tests, imaging techniques etc. It

is very important to distinguish between primary skin lesions and secondary skin leasions caused by itching. Treatment includes bathing

in colder water, application of lotions on the skin, administration of systemic drugs or use of acupuncture.

Keywords: pruritus, itching, excoriations, systemic disease, histamine

Published: June 20, 2011  Show citation