Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

Pruritus. What to do when the itching won't stop.

W G Phillips1

  • 1Department of Family Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta 30912.

Postgraduate Medicine
|November 15, 1992
PubMed
Summary

Pruritus, or itching, stems from diverse causes, some easily identified and others requiring thorough investigation. Effective management involves identifying triggers and employing targeted treatments, including oral antihistamines.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

A polarizer for the vacuum ultraviolet.

Applied optics·2010
Same author

Sentinel lymph node biopsy and the U.K. guidelines for cutaneous melanoma.

The British journal of dermatology·2002
Same author

A novel and expeditious approach to thiophene-3-carboxylates.

The Journal of organic chemistry·2001
Same author

Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome undiagnosed during life.

Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine·2001
Same author

8-Methoxypsoralen PUVA for psoriasis: a comparison of a minimal phototoxic dose-based regimen with a skin-type approach.

The British journal of dermatology·1997
Same author

Modulation of the IL-1 cytokine network in keratinocytes by intracellular IL-1 alpha and IL-1 receptor antagonist.

Clinical and experimental immunology·1995

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Internal Medicine
  • Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Pruritus is a prevalent symptom with a wide differential diagnosis, ranging from infections to systemic conditions.
  • Identifying the underlying cause of itching is crucial for effective patient management.
  • Diagnostic challenges arise with less apparent etiologies like iron deficiency or psychogenic disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline a comprehensive approach to evaluating and managing pruritus.
  • To highlight the importance of a detailed patient history and physical examination.
  • To discuss various therapeutic strategies for pruritus.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive skin inspection.
  • Detailed patient history including drug intake and chemical exposures.
  • Appropriate laboratory testing.
  • Assessment of pruritus characteristics and location.
  • Identification of exacerbating factors.

Main Results:

  • The location and characteristics of itching can provide diagnostic clues.
  • Topical preparations and avoidance of exacerbating factors may suffice in some cases.
  • Second-generation antihistamines offer effective oral treatment with reduced sedation.
  • Specific pruritic conditions may necessitate tailored therapies, such as for patients undergoing dialysis.

Conclusions:

  • A systematic evaluation is essential for diagnosing the diverse causes of pruritus.
  • Management strategies should be individualized based on the identified etiology.
  • Pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions play key roles in alleviating itching.

Related Experiment Videos