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Chapter 103. Pathophysiology and Clinical Aspects of Pruritus
Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine
Format: Book Chapter
Publication Date: Nov 30, 2011
Publisher: The McGraw-Hill Companies
Place of Publication: New York, NY
Sources ID: 38571
Visibility: Public (group default)
Abstract: (Show)
Favorite Table | PrintPruritus at a GlancePruritus is the predominant symptom of skin disease. May originate in the skin or nervous system.Clinical classification of itch includes:pruritus on diseased (inflamed) skinpruritus on nondiseased (noninflamed) skinpruritus presenting with severe chronic secondary scratch lesionsChronic itch consists of multidimensional phenomena including sensory, emotional, and cognitive components.Central and peripheral mediators in humans include histamine, proteinases, opiates, substance P, nerve growth factor, interleukins, and prostaglandins.Treatment should address the multifactorial nature of pruritus including central pathways and peripheral mediators.