[Symptomatic therapy of pruritus (author's transl)]

The symptomatic therapy of generalized primary pruritus is reviewed. The topical therapy consists of skin care measures; more or less greasy ointments or creams should be used depending on the degree of dryness of the skin. It is to be noted that tenside-containing bath additives may promote drying of the skin, in pruritus patients they should be replaced with oil-based bath additives. Antihistamines have proved valuable in systemic therapy. The pharmacological effects of these H2 receptor antagonists is dealt with. The principles for selection of individual preparations from the vast number of substances available are commented on; combination therapy is gone into and also possible side-effects, particularly of ethylenediamine and piperazine antihistaminics. Glucocorticoids and antiphlogistics have no place in the treatment of generalized primary pruritus.