Pruritus
last authored:
last reviewed:
Introduction
Pruritus, or itching, has many causes, ranging from the tricial to the very serious, originating on the skin or from internal organs.
The Case of...
Differential Diagnosis
if rash (skin causes):
- psoriasis
- lichen plantus
- scabies
- urticaria
- dermatitis/eczema
- dermititis herpetiformis
- neurodermatitis
suspect systemic illness if:
- lack of primary skin findings to explain
- purutus constant and debilitating
- widespread or generalized involvement
- patient systemically unwell
- lack of response to conservative treatment
liver:
- intrahepatic cholestasis (ie hepatitis)
- extrahepatic cholestasis
thyroid
kidney
- very common in end-stage renal disease
- failure to clear renal toxins likey cause, though details not well known
hematologic
- lymphomas (up to 25% of people with HL)
- iron deficiency
- polycythemia rubra vera
- multiple myeloma, rarely
History and Physical Exam
- history
- physical exam
History
Physical Exam
Investigations
- lab investigations
- diagnostic imaging
Lab Investigations
Diagnostic Imaging
Management
Pathophysiology
Resources and References
Topic Development
created:
authors:
editors:
reviewers:
 |