Itchy Skin Flashcards
When thinking about an itchy rash, what must we enquire about?
What came first; the itch or the rash?
If itching is present before a rash appears, what might this suggest?
This points more towards a systemic, neuropathic or psychogenic cause rather than a dermatological one
Define ‘Pruritus’
Itching without a rash
Define ‘Prurigo’
Intensely itchy papules and nodules
Define ‘Chronic Pruritus’
Itching that lasts >6weeks
What can be the consequence of chronic pruritus?
- Excoriations
- Lichenification
- Hyperpigmentation
What Neurological conditions can cause a widespread itch?
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Post-herpetic neuropathy
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
What Metabolic causes can cause widespread itch?
- Hyperthyroidism
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
+ Secondary hyperparathyroidism
+ Uraemic pruritus - Diabetes
What Psychogenic conditions can cause widespread itch?
- Parasitophobia
- OCD
- Depression/anxiety
What GI causes can lead to widespread itch?
- Cholestasis
What malignant causes can lead to widespread itch?
- Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Myeloid and lymphatic leukaemia
- Solid malignant tumours (leading to paraneoplastic manifestation)
What haematological causes can lead to widespread rash?
- Polycythaemia rubra vera
- Myeloid dysplasia
What inflammatory causes can lead to widespread rash?
- Dermatomyositis
- Scleroderma
What infectious causes can lead to widespread rash?
- HIV
- Hepatitis C
What is an iatrogenic cause for widespread itch?
Many drugs can cause skin itching
