Pruritus diagnosis and management

Pruritus is among the most ubiquitous yet complex of symptoms. When experienced as an acute sensation, it is essentially a defence mechanism warning of the presence of substances (pruritogens) potentially damaging to the skin.¹ An itch that lasts for more than six weeks is known as chronic pruritus, and frequently becomes troublesome and distressing for months or years.

Not surprisingly, long-term discomfort, pain, sleep disturbance, weight loss and stress adversely affect quality of life. Moreover, practitioners tend to underestimate the severity of the impact on quality of life for those affected.

Although pruritus occurs in a wide variety of systemic conditions, it is the most common symptom associated with dermatological conditions.²