Pruritus Flashcards
1
Q
How is the sensation of itch transmitted?
A
Unmyelinated C-fibres, processed in forebrain and maybe hypothalamus
2
Q
Name three chemical mediators of itch in the skin.
A
Histamine PGE2 Serotonin Interleukin-2 Tryptase Substance P
3
Q
What are the four types of itch?
A
Pruritoceptive- inflammation in skin
Neuropathic- damage to peripheral/central nerve fibres
Neurogenic- no evident nerve damage, e.g. effect of opiods in CNS
Psychogenic- psychological cause
4
Q
What category of itch does
a) dermatographism
b) bile duct obstruction
come under?
A
a) pruritoceptive
b) neurogenic
5
Q
How is pruritus managed?
A
Determine the cause
Treat the cause (so for pruritoceptive- treat inflammation in skin)
Other treatments: sedative antihistamines, emollients, antidepressants, opioid antagonists
