Pruritus Flashcards
1
Q
what part of the brain is itch sensation processed?
A
forebrain
2
Q
name 3 mediators of itch
A
chemical mediators in skin
nerve transmission
CNS mediators
3
Q
name the 4 causes of itch
A
pruritoceptive - something in skin
neuropathic - damage to nerves
neurogenic - no CNS damage - opiate effect
psychogenic - delusions
4
Q
name some causes of pruritoceptive itch
A
eczema
insect bite
lichen planus
psoriasis
5
Q
name the most systemic disease causing neurogenic itch
A
primary biliary cirrhosis
6
Q
name the 2 steps to the management of itch
A
determine cause
treat cause
7
Q
how many anti-itch treatments are there?
A
6
8
Q
name the 5 anti-itch treatments
A
- sedative antihistamines
- emollients + menthol
- antidepressants
- phototherapy
- opiate antagonist
9
Q
name an opiate antagonist
A
ondansetron (serotonin antagonist)
10
Q
name an antidepressant used to treat itch
A
dosepin and new SSRIs
