[CME-Answers: CME: Chronic Generalized Pruritus without Dermatological Cause]

CME-Answers: CME: Chronic Generalized Pruritus without Dermatological Cause Abstract. Chronic generalized pruritus is a common symptom. Dermatological causes must be distinguished from non-dermatological causes. Non-dermatological chronic pruritus has many causes, such as systemic, infectious, neurological, psychogenic disorders, and drug-related side effects, some of which may be associated with significant morbidity. The possibility of systemic disease should be considered in patients with generalized pruritus and no signs of primary skin lesions. In addition to a careful history and physical examination, selected laboratory examinations can be helpful in making a diagnosis. Pruritus can be the first sign of malignant hematological disease. Pruritus associated with solid tumors is not that rare. This article offers an approach to chronic generalized pruritus of adults without concomitant skin changes with a possible clarification strategy and explanation of the most important differential diagnoses.